A seven goal thriller took place at The Spectrum between the two Surrey sides, but unfortunately Guildford will not be progressing to the next round of the FA Trophy despite taking the lead before the break. Pressure began straight away from City as a long throw in from Josh Clayman gave Tuan West chance to cross forcing a corner in the opening minutes. Tuan West was again involved in the opening exchanges as some great passing from Romone McCrae found the midfielder through on goal but his shot travelled just wide. However, it was Chertsey Town who scored first when Tom Bett’s found the back of the net in the 8th minute. The game became increasingly end to end as Josh Clayman kept off the Chertsey Town pressure from the left, then Calvin Thomas managed to earn a corner for the home side moments later. This pressure was rewarded as an equaliser for City came in the 20th minute via Tuan West, whose 25 yard shot was calmly finished in the right hand corner. City pushed for a second goal as hard work in midfield created many chances, including a 30 yard wonder shot from Josh Clayman which almost hit the target. Chertsey Town’s John Pomroy did manage to hit the post on the break, but Guildford retained possession well and went in front through Pat Cox in the 30th minute. Good link up play from McCrae and West created further chances for City, but Tuan West’s efforts travelled just wide of goal. Chertsey Town continued to lose possession in midfield, and a Pat Cox shot flew over the bar to signal the end of the first half.
Half time Guildford City 2 – 1 Chertsey Town
The second half got off to a flying start for the visitors with a Chertsey Town equaliser arriving from a corner as Matt Morris headed the ball home on 46 minutes. Guildford City attempted an instant reply, as Tuan West was again heavily involved in the attacking play, but his shot across goal couldn’t find a player to finish it. Calvin Thomas then earned City a corner but after a goal mouth scramble the shot was eventually cleared. But it was Chertsey Town who took the lead as a Tom Bett’s screamer from 35 yards hit the inside of the roof of the net in the 53rd minute. Tuan West tried to level the scores but his flying cross travelled just over the bar. But Chertsey Town went further in front as some hard work from Tom O’Regan exploited City’s defence, who then found John Pomroy hitting the target with 71 minutes played. However, Guildford replied almost instantly when three minutes later, after a long throw from Yacine Gnahore, a goalmouth scramble lead to George Bowerman smashing the ball home from close range. City didn’t give up and they intercepted and harried Chertsey Town well, and a free kick from Pat Cox travelled just wide to almost level the scores. George Bowerman headed wide when well-placed but after a continued hard fought battle in midfield Chertsey saw the game out and will progress to the next round of the FA Trophy.
Team: Tom Boyle, Josh Clayman, Courtney Cann, Bruce McPhail, Ryan Bernard, Yacine Gnahore, Calvin Thomas, Romone McCrae, George Bowerman, Pat Cox, Tuan West (Dominic Ogun 66). Unused subs: Mike Woods, Alex Afful, Darren Evans, George Dukes
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Referee: Matthew Lee
Attendance – 96
