Guildford City progressed to the third round of the FA Vase with this convincing victory over Isle of Wight opponents Brading Town. The home side dominated the first half, and were three goals ahead at the break. Their chances of progressing looked even better when Brading were reduced to ten men, but City missed the resulting penalty. Brading picked up their game and pulled two goals back but Greaves and Gibbs made the win safe for the hosts.Joel Greaves was brought down by the goalkeeper in the fifth minute and put City ahead with the penalty that followed.
Guilford doubled Guildford’s lead when he struck from close range after excellent work down the left from Jaydon Gibbs.
Tom Penson’s long range curling effort made it 3-0 and City missed a number of chances during the remainder of a half they dominated. Ben Camara tried a lob over a stranded goalkeeper but his shot was blocked by a defender.
Brading’s Stephen Ledger was sent off for a handball on the line early in the second, but Greaves’ penalty was saved by Gareth True.
The visitors pulled one back thanks to Jamie O’Rourke after a free header from a corner.
Greaves made amends for his earlier miss following a quick counter attack, volleying home from the edge of the area. This marked Guildford’s 1000th goal since reforming in 1996.
Five minutes later Kyle Levrier curled a beautiful shot home to give the visitors some hope.
This was extinguished when Jaydon Gibbs finished through the keeper’s legs with four minutes remaining.
