Guildford City (1) 3, CB Hounslow United (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
Guildford City gave an assured performance to deservedly claim the three points in a Spectrum clash against CB Hounslow. With Nemo Adams and Theo Woodhouse still missing through suspension the home side gave debuts to Youcef Azzouz from Three Bridges, and Marlon Pinder who is back for a second spell at the club from Epsom & Ewell. City took the lead on 13 minutes with their first sight of goal; Wayne Ridgley’s corner being volleyed in by Josh Burrowes from 10 yards. This settled nerves but it took a great save by Aaron Bufton to thwart Harrison Livingstone’s close-range effort. In truth this was as close as Hounslow got to goal as defensively the home team looked secure. The visitor’s resorted to long range efforts whilst City players thought they might have had a penalty for handball on the half hour. On the cusp of half-time Cyril Ocansey burst onto a fine through ball. He nudged the ball past the advancing Alfie Rule, but splendid defensive covering prevented the speedy winger from converting the chance.
Guildford still controlled the second period, but a second goal was badly needed to settle everyone down. On the hour Marlon Pinder was twice involved in the action. First, he got on the end of a free-kick but the loose ball was deflected wide for a corner. A minute later his persistence almost paid off as he burst through several challenges before seeing his low effort glance off the outside of the post. The second goal eventually came on 73 minutes. The powerful Benga Ogunseye broke the line but his low effort was parried by Rule in the visitor’s goal. Fortunately, the loose ball fell to the edge of the box where the alert Marlon Pinder drove it low into the net. The result was confirmed courtesy of fine wing play by new signing Kieran Williams. Twice previously Williams had reached the by-line but on 85 minutes after a great run his powerful shot from an angle was parried by Rule and Benga Ogunseye was man on the spot to convert at the back post. A special word on full-back Josh Ogunseye who was excellent throughout and deservedly won the man of the match award.
Team: Aaron Bufton, Sean Mason, Josh Ogunseye, Ryan Dacres-Smith, Luke Beale (Kieran Williams 70), Josh Burrowes, Youcef Azzouz (Mohssine Sabek 80), Wayne Ridgley (Josh Everard 58), Benga Ogunseye, Marlon Pinder, Cyril Ocansey. Unused subs: Dan Hurlow.
Referee: Ross Murphy
Attendance – 72
