Redhill (0) 2, Guildford City (1) 1
by Barry Underwood
Guildford deservedly led at the interval after a composed first-half performance. The second period though was another matter. The home side came out of the traps in more determined fashion, and eventually Guildford imploded in ungainly fashion as some controversial refereeing decisions got to them badly, and amidst much whistle and a flurry of bookings there seemed to be very little actual football played in the late stages. There was no doubting however that Redhill were the deserved winners and on another day they might have scored several more goals.
City opened the match brightly with the travelling Sweeney based behind the goal as usual. Early on Bobby Webbe’s through ball was just too heavy for Kyen Nicholas. On 12 minutes Eli Ogunseye – who had a subdued match generally – had a slight sight of goal but the chance came to nothing. A minute later Guildford went ahead. Bobby Webbe’s corner being headed home by Kyen Nicholas for his 14th goal of the season. City were looking comfortable and on the half hour they came close again. Not for the first time the impressive Dan Band won an aerial challenge, and David Burton’s resulting header was smartly saved by Juan Trivino. As the half came towards its end Redhill certainly upped the ante and a minute before the break they had their best chance to date when a low pass came across the box but was blazed over at the back post.
The home side maintained their improvement after the break. Experienced striker Stefan Joseph dropped deeper and posed City’s defence more problems. Indeed on 49 minutes it was Joseph who got Redhill back in the game. His speculative 25 yard effort deceived Stuart Norman in the visitor’s goal and subsequently lodged in the top corner. This was just what the home side wanted and for a period it was backs to the wall. Jordan Gallagher in defence broke down one attack, before on 56 minutes Redhill took the lead. The referee, who did look to play the advantage well, waved play on and Stefan Joseph was able to plant the ball into the corner of the net. On the hour Bobby Webbe saw a trademark 30 yard free-kick sail wide, whilst for Redhill a golden chance was missed with a shot planted over the bar. On 64 minutes Sean Mason’s cross found Jordan Gallagher at the back of the box but his volley was blocked by a flailing defender. Minutes later Kyen Nicholas fed Eli Ogunseye into space but was adjudged to be narrowly offside. Thereafter for the visitors the rest of the match descended into farce with very little cohesive football played. My notes say there was whistle, whistle, and whistle and so it seemed. Redhill still had time to miss another golden opportunity but in the final minutes City had one last chance of salvation when Nemo Adams was just unable to get his head to a tantalising cross.
Team: Stuart Norman, Sean Mason, Isy Nzelo, David Burton (Benga Ogunseye 75), Nemo Adams, Luke Beale, Eli Ogunseye, Dan Band (Ben Cotton 66), Kyen Nicholas, Bobby Webbe, Jordan Gallagher (Nathaniel Williams 66). Unused subs: Jamie Phillips, Billy Irving.
Referee: Bogdan Caraghin
