Guildford maintained their unbeaten start to the league season with this unconvincing win over Hanworth Villa. The home side had a slightly flattering 2-0 lead at half time, although in truth they were always the more threatening of the two teams. A Simon Cooper penalty and another neat finish from Ben Camara were enough to see City through, despite a late resurgence from the visitors in the second half. Guildford goalkeeper Antony Hall produced a number of good saves to protect the three points after Shaun Preddie pulled one back for the villains.Hanworth Villa started brightly but City soon composed themselves and began to boss the midfield. Jaydon Gibbs, whose England international brother Kieran was watching from the stands, was tugged down in the penalty area in the 23rd minute. Captain Simon Cooper stepped up to bury his eight goal of the season and put the Sweeney ahead. There were a number of chances for either side before Jack Guilford fed Ben Camara to score with a crisp finish to extend the lead shortly before half time.
The second half got off to a slow start, with City controlling possession but being limited to long range strikes by Hughes and Heavey. Hanworth Villa started to get back into the game and the lively Shaun Preddie saw a good effort go just wide shortly after the hour mark. Minutes later Antony Hall kept out a powerful Villains free kick. Ben Camara should have wrapped things up in the 76th minute but tapped a low cross wide from six feet out with the goal gaping.
The bright pairing of Hughes and Gibbs were replaced in the 80th minute, and were on the back foot after Shaun Preddie reduced arrears two minutes later. This set up a nail biting finish as Hanworth Villa looked to claim an unlikely point. Antony Hall was alert once more to keep out a stinging free kick high in the corner of his goal, and helped City secure a valuable league victory.
