Guildford City (0) 1, Redhill (1) 2
by Barry Underwood
On a gloomy December day at the Spectrum Guildford City fell to their first defeat in six matches. Redhill are something of an enigma side this season, achieving some excellent results including winning at Westfield, but on other occasions disappointing. Both sides went into the game missing key personnel but there was still enough quality on show to entertain the small crowd. City for their part looked more organised than in recent weeks but despite that Redhill went ahead after just three minutes. A low cross from the left was collected by Eli Simpson who had time to pick his spot from 15 yards. Not deterred the home side battled hard but struggled to carve out clear attacking chances. Dan Stewart did see a 30 yard effort parried by Rhys Hughes, whilst after good approach play Jordan Gallagher cut in but sliced a shot wide. Redhill posed a continual threat from high balls into the box and on 24 minutes Simpson headed just wide from a corner. City too came close from a corner and this attempt had a hint of the bizarre. Kiye Martin’s corner wasn’t his cleanest struck and the visitor’s defence left the ball anticipating it was heading for the side netting. The ball though was a lot closer to goal and did go off for a goal kick but not until it had hit the post first. Guildford’s best chance of the first half saw Dan Stewart turn nicely in the box but his subtle effort rolled just wide of the post. As the first half drew to a close the tall figure of Tony Halsey headed just wide for Redhill, whilst Kiye Martin saw a 20 yard free-kick comfortably saved by Hughes.
City did up their performance several notches in the second period, although the visitors still looked dangerous on the break. On the hour David Opoku came close to equalising when his low effort was cleared off the line after fine interplay between Dan Stewart and Robbie Mundow. Guildford’s midfield was suddenly picking up the majority of loose balls and was pushing forwards down both flanks in search of an equaliser. It was from one such attacking move that City conceded the second goal. A loose pass on the right conceded possession and Redhill broke sharply leading to Eli Simpson side footing home from close range. A second goal conceded was a big blow and knocked the home side back on their heels. Simpson volleyed wide for Redhill and Kornel Ziobrowski was nearly caught out with a bouncing ball just outside the box. With three minutes remaining City finally got on the scoresheet to give themselves a sniff of getting something from the game. Jordan Gallagher pulled a pass back to Kiye Martin who side footed into the corner. Try as they might City were unable to carve out another opening and Redhill managed to see the remainder of the game out to claim the three points.
Team: Kornel Ziobrowski, Chris Tancock, Shaun Johnson, Luke Beale, David Burton, Robbie Mundow (Luke Simmonds 79), Kiye Martin, Dan Stewart, Jordan Gallagher, Nathaniel Williams (Daryl Bryan-Samuels 79). Unused sub: Luke Badiali.
Referee: Anthony Quinn
Attendance – 59
