Guildford City (0) 2, Badshot Lea (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
The Sweeney had to assemble early for this Bank Holiday morning clash against near neighbours Badshot Lea. Possibly the early kick-off hour caught out both sides as the first half largely passed by without undue incident, with City in particular unable to play their cohesive passing football and resorting too often to firing high balls forward towards their diminutive front men. The second period though was a different affair. Guildford found their rhythm and upped the pace of the game and deservedly clinched the points with two second half goals. The City side included new signing Curtis Shaw who had an impressive debut and once he gains full match fitness will be a good asset to the squad.
It was in fact the visitors who had the first sight of goal on five minutes when Dave Parry found space to get behind the City defence, but with Jordan Clement rushing out to close the striker down he moved the ball too wide to get a shot on goal and the chance was lost. A minute later the ball was lost carelessly in defence and Badshot’s James Suarez forced an athletic save from Clement. Slowly Guildford settled and began to enjoy more possession and were able themselves to get a sight of the visitor’s goal. Jordan Johnson saw a shot from outside the box comfortably saved by ex-City keeper Lee Allen, whilst shortly after Matt Glass couldn’t get enough on a deep cross from Perry Coles and his header went wide. Glass later shot on the turn just wide, and later the same player saw his glancing header from Jordan Johnson’s flighted pass clear the crossbar. In general though the first period passed with no clear chances on either goal.
Right from the start of the second half Guildford upped the pace of the game and right from the restart Jordan Johnson came close to opening the scoring. The first goal wasn’t long delayed. Darryl Siaw drove forward out of defence with the ball at his feet, and his subsequent pass saw Matt Glass race away to drill the ball past Allen for his fourth goal of the season. Some fine interplay around the edge of the box led to the unlucky Perry Coles finishing but being flagged marginally offside. City looked secure in defence with Mills, Dynan and Siaw dominating, although on occasions a good old fashioned long clearance was called for; as much as anything to calm the nerves on the terraces. After 68 minutes City scored that all-important second goal. Jordan Johnson linked with Curtis Shaw whose beautifully weighted through ball gave Ibby Akanbi the chance to nudge the ball past the advancing Allen. As the game entered stoppage time Badshot’s Ian Brooks drove a chance over the bar but the final whistle was soon to blow without further incident.
Team: Jordan Clement, Harry Mills, Curtis Shaw, Darryl Siaw, Martin Dynan, Bobby Dormer, Tom Booth (Robert Wickenden 68), Jordan Johnson (Shaun Lydon 84), Perry Coles, Matt Glass, Ibby Akanbi (Alex Penfold 87). Unused subs: Lamin Ndoye, Luke Mitchell.
Referee: Alperen Nayir (New Malden)
Attendance – 90
Match Highlights – Click Here
Match Photos – Click Here
