Guildford City (1) 2, Arundel (1) 1
by Barry Underwood
It was an entertaining game of football at the Spectrum with Guildford deservedly claiming the three points, although the visiting Arundel side played a full part in the entertainment. Indeed, City opened slowly and on six minutes Arundel had ominously struck the crossbar. Guildford were lacking a little cohesion early on, and on 16 minutes Arundel’s Liam Brady headed home a deflected ball into the box. From that point Guildford grew into the game, and immediately Rory Cornelius slammed a 25-yard effort against the crossbar; Luke Mitchell netted the rebound but was adjudged to have been offside. Guildford brought themselves level on 26 minutes. Dan Way played a low ball into the box and Luke Mitchell – taking the ball in his stride – took the ball across the goalkeeper and slid the ball home. Arundel’s Sam Pearson was looking dangerous, and it took a great tackle in the box by the returning Niall Stillwell to avert the danger. On the cusp of the interval Josh Williams saw an effort saved at the near post, and it was all square at the break.
The second period was possibly Guildford’s best 45 minutes of football this season. For much of the time Arundel were pinned back in their half of the field. Luke Mitchell and Harry Hennem both had early efforts that didn’t threaten the visitor’s goal. Josh Williams was having joy down the left flank with driving runs into the penalty area. Twice his crosses into the danger area didn’t find a teammate. Arundel did threaten on the counterattack. A cross to the back post found Carl Stobart, but stretching his effort went well over the bar. On 78 minutes Luke Mitchell turned smartly in the box and his shot forced a fine diving save from the Arundel keeper. Several times Dan Way curled excellent crosses into the box but on each occasion, they evaded the City forwards. The visitors did break forward after a City error but an early shot was comfortably saved by Jacob Slyfield. On 83 minutes Guildford scored what proved to be the winner. George Bamgboye ran purposefully into the box where he was brought down. The Referee had no hesitation in immediately pointing to the spot. Luke Mitchell stepped up for fire home high into the net. City played out time without undue alarm to claim the three points.
Team: Jacob Slyfield. Reece Killick (Jake Bellmaine 78), Dan Way, Niall Stillwell, Andrew Hewitt, Dan Rolland, George Bamgboye, Rory Cornelius, Luke Mitchell, Harry Hennem (Sandy Perera 75), Josh Williams (Ruben Correia 75).
Referee: Oliver Davies
Attendance – 164
