Guildford City continued their 100% run in the league with an excellent 4-2 victory over Barton Rovers, it was a welcome return to league action after two weeks of cup duty.
A frantic start to the game saw the away side take control early on, with Antony Hall called into action to keep Rovers at bay. Centre forward Ricky Case caused problems as he dropped deep to receive the ball and looked to feed the away wingers, however City’s full backs coped well with the pressure.
After half an hour Guildford began to grow into the game and saw more of the ball, with wingers Dan Moody and Jaydon Gibbs starting to create opportunities and Jack Guilford dictating the tempo of the match.
Guildford were rewarded with the opening goal of the game; it came as centre back Simon Cooper found himself up the other end of the pitch and forced a corner after some good interplay with Joel Hughes, Moody’s floated delivery was met by Jack Guilford who headed past the helpless Richard Wilmot.
An unfortunate injury to Corey Holder saw play stopped for over five minutes as he was carried from the pitch, to be taken away by an ambulance during the second half; Guildford then managed to take advantage of some sloppy play by the opposition to go two up, Moody finishing well from a Joel Hughes through-ball.
Guildford started the second half quickly, going three up as Will Heavey broke from midfield to get on the end of Hughes’ pass, calm and collected he beat the keeper from just inside the box.
Barton then sparked into life scoring twice in five minutes through Ricky Case and Rhys Hoenes, the away side continued to press for an equaliser but Guildford stood strong.
As the clock ticked down a long clearance found its way forward, which Joel Hughes charged down and won after looking second favourite. Hughes then got in behind the defence to win a penalty, which man of the match Dan Moody stepped up calmly and scored, for his second of the day, finishing the game off at 4-2.
A good performance from Guildford City, dealing well with Barton Rovers’ periods of pressure and being clinical, for the most part, when chances came their way. Six league wins in six sees Guildford City in second place, below Godalming Town on goal difference.
Match report by Bruce Archer.
Guildford City
Antony Hall, Tom Penson, Junior Kaffo, Simon Cooper, Jamie Thoroughgood, Corey Holder (Tony Chaplin 40), Dan Moody, Jack Guilford, Will Heavey (Scott Todd 75), Joel Hughes (Luke Bradnick 90), Jaydon Gibbs.
Unused substitutes: Moses Spencer.
Cautioned: Jack Guilford, Jaydon Gibbs.