Guildford City U23 2, Merstham U23 4
Esoteric Recordings CCL Division One Cup
Guildford City’s U23 side emerged from their lockdown hiatus by playing in the CCL Division One Challenge Cup competition. Ironically, they faced another U23 side in the form of Merstham who at the commencement of lockdown were sitting top of the CCL U23 league. Full credit to an accomplished Merstham side, who under the management of Tyler Chambers, looked a highly organised and talented team. Indeed, they took the lead after just 54 seconds when a shot from the edge of the area crept inside the post. On 24 minutes the visitors went further ahead when from a free-kick a header hit the post and Jake Roberts tucked the rebound home. The same player put Merstham three ahead on the half-hour when City failed to clear after the ball again hit the post.
The visitors were noticeably a physically stronger outfit, but the Guildford side weren’t deterred. On 55 minutes they pulled a goal back. A fine cross from the left fell to 16 year old Dan Worsfold who calmly netted from six yards. It was proving to be a good week for Worsfold who also scored in Monday’s U18 fixture. Merstham came close again when for the third time in the evening they hit the post and this time Stuart Norman saved the second attempt. With 15 minutes remaining Merstham put the result beyond doubt when Sam Blake’s effort was deflected into the net. Guildford still showed spirit and on 83 minutes they pulled a goal back. Onesimes Malundu slid a neat ball through the defence. Fred Hill delicately lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and Max Oldham was on hand to bundle the ball over the line.
