Redhill (1) 2, Guildford City (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
On a wet and windy evening at Kiln Brow Guildford City slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat. After a highly promising start to the campaign, Guildford have found it hard to win matches in recent weeks, despite often creating chances that should have seen some reward. This match however was not one of those games. Right from kick-off the visitors seemed off the pace, and after just three minutes a long ball put Redhill through one on one and the striker calmly slotted home. As early as that goal was, the home side had already missed a presentable chance in front of goal. Guildford have looked highly organised in matches this season, but defensively against Redhill the team looked at sixes and sevens. Granted the side have suffered injuries in the backline but manager Chris Balchin, on his birthday, and the players themselves will be disappointed at the lack of protection afforded goalkeeper Luke Badiali. Despite not being at their best City did threaten on the break and they certainly won their fair share of corners. Darryl Siaw in particular attacked from the left on nine minutes and forced a fine save at the keepers near post. Redhill though had plenty of pace about them on the flanks and moving the ball quickly they were causing plenty of problems. Luke Badiali saved well on three occasions, and twice Redhill strikers put the ball wide from good positions. Guildford did have a glorious chance to equalise on the half-hour. Darryl Siaw used his strength to latch on to a through ball. He advanced to some 10 yards from goal with everybody awaiting a shot on goal. But the shot never came and Siaw was thwarted when he strangely ran the ball straight into the goalkeeper. Minutes later Kieran Campbell, playing against his former club, saw a shot from the edge of the box blocked, and just prior to the interval a deflected Dan Stewart shot momentarily seemed to net bound but the home keeper got across to make an excellent save.
The opening ten minutes of the second period saw Guildford looking something like their normal selves and there was hope that the visitors would bounce back. Almost immediately from a free-kick Dave Burton headed wide, and minutes later an overlapping Ben Franklin crossed into the box where the ball fell to Nathaniel Williams whose first time effort whistled inches wide. Gradually though Redhill regained their dominance and as the game reached the hour mark Luke Badiali saved well from an effort on the edge of the area. A minute later following a free-kick 20 yards out Redhill scored their second goal. The free-kick itself saw Badiali parry the shot and the loose ball was bundled over the line. Play was delayed for several minutes at this point for Luke Badiali to receive treatment after taking a heavy knock to his chest. City had no option now then to push forward causing more gaps defensively. Nathaniel Williams, who was shackled in attack, did excellently to track back to clear a dangerous cross from virtually under his crossbar. Guildford came close to getting on the scoresheet when Chad Goulter curled a free-kick round the wall to hit the post. A goal then might have caused a nervy last 10 minutes for the home side. Robbie Mundow saw a shot comfortably saved late on, whilst Luke Badiali saved twice more to restrict the home side. This was plainly a bad day at the office, and we have seen plenty of evidence this season of what this side can do.
Team: Luke Badiali, Chris Tancock, Ben Franklin (Robbie Mundow 83), Luke Beale (Chad Goulter 27), David Burton, Louie Downey, Darryl Siaw (Kyen Nicholas 65), Dan Stewart, Kieran Campbell, Marlon Pinder, Nathaniel Williams. Unused subs: Adam Heagney, Miguel Anderson.
Referee: Andrew Webster
Attendance – 70
