Guildford City (0) 0, Worthing United (1) 2
Match report by Barry Underwood
On a chilly evening at the Spectrum, it was the visitor’s who came out on top to claim the three points. Worthing United are amongst the clubs tipped for success this season and throughout it was clear to see why that is so. Guildford – despite their win at Ringmer on Saturday – were strangely second best. From the off possession was too easily conceded and reaction times looked slower than those of the visitors. But in non-league midweek performances can sometimes be erratic. The opening 10 minutes of the game lacked incident. Then with the first opening Worthing took the lead; a low cross from the left being converted by Joe Sadler. City did respond and George Bamgboye had a half chance in the box but was denied by a great covering block. On 19 minutes a free kick from Dan Way was met by Rory Cornelius but his header cleared the crossbar. Worthing were dominating possession and they came close when a long-range effort just cleared the crossbar. Minutes later they again came close. A low cross found a blue shirt beyond the back post, but the ball was directed into the side netting. Late on Rory Cornelius shot wide from fully 35 yards as City failed to make significant headway.
Manager Luke Simmonds introduced Harry Hennem, Luke Mitchell and Dan Roach from the bench for the start of the second half. But within 30 seconds City hopes of recovery took a big knock. From kick-off the ball was played back to the defensive line. Sadly, caught in possession the ball was played to Liam Appleton who rifled the ball into the roof of the net for his 10th goal of the season. After this set back City struggled to make progress. Worthing rattled the crossbar from a free-kick, and another effort went just past the post. Guildford did do better in the second half and Rory Cornelius saw his effort saved for a corner. From a corner it seemed as if the home side must score but Worthing survived that moment of mayhem in the six-yard box. Late on Josh Williams crossed from the byline, but Luke Mitcfhell’s first time effort was well saved at point blank range. In the final moments Jacob Slyfield saved well from a Worthing break and the final whistle duly blew on a disappointing evening for Guildford City.
Team: Jacob Slyfield, Oliver Kimble (Dan Roach 45), Dan Rolland, Harry Nicholas, Reece Killick, Andrew Hewit, George Bamgboye (Ronnie Lee 65), Rory Cornelius, Josh Williams, Jake Bellmaine (Luke Mitchell 45), Dan Way (Harry Hennem 45).
Referee: Martin Etheridge
Attendance – 102