AFC Croydon (1) 3, Guildford City (1) 1
by Barry Underwood
Newly promoted AFC Croydon Athletic deservedly made progress in the Emirates FA Cup, but not without a commendable performance from a new-look Guildford City side. City opened confidently and to the surprise of many present they took the lead on 11 minutes. The impressive Manny Acheampong closed down the Rams goalkeeper who dallied too long with the ball at his feet. Acheampong’s challenge won the ball and at full stretch he managed to turn the ball into the empty net. Croydon were dominating possession but for much of the first period made little significant progress. Sam Bell saved well at his near post on 20 minutes, and just after the City defence did well from an attacking free kick. On the half hour City themselves had a free kick in a threatening position but Alex Stingelin miscued a difficult volley chance. On 32 minutes the home side should have won a penalty but fortunately for City the referee thought otherwise. Croydon perhaps spurred by this injustice equalised minutes later. A great run on the left gave Gus Sow the chance to convert from close range. Croydon saw a shot on the turn go over the bar late in the half, but City went into the break satisfied with their efforts.
The second half opened in the same vein, and Guildford had a golden chance to take the lead on 55 minutes. A great through ball by Tobi Falodi set Manny Acheampong free and bearing down on goal. Croydon’s keeper Amadou Tangara was up to the task though and made a fine blocking save from Acheampong’s effort. As if to make City pay the home side took the lead two minutes later. Another low cross from the left was converted at the back post by Cian McCarthy despite the best efforts of the City defence. Azeez Elegushi, lively off the bench for City, had a half chance minutes later but he chose to cut inside, and his shooting chance had gone. But on the hour Guildford had a mountain to climb when Richard Pingling fired home from the penalty spot to give the home side a two-goal lead. Guildford came close again with 15 minutes remaining. Azeez Elegushi’s effort deflected to the lurking Alex Stingelin. The skipper Stingelin got a strong touch but again Tangara saved well from close range. Azeez Elegushi was carried off the pitch on 80 minutes and with all subs used Guildford played out the game with 10 men. Both sides saw shots from the edge of the box clear the crossbar late on, but there was little further incident, and it was AFC Croydon who advanced to the next round. Special mention to the travelling Sweeney who sang in support of their team throughout.
Team: Sam Bell, Joshua Adjei (Darnell Jon-Peter 46), Benji Gambrah (Mo Sabek 68), Jake Brown, Joe Atkin (Azeez Elegushi 46), Alex Stingelin, Tobi Falodi, Ben Drake, Malachai Cole (Keoindre Ellis-Vassell 68), Isaac Collins (Yomi Obafemi 68), Manny Acheampong. Unused subs: Freddy Robins, Jacob Terry.
Referee: Patrick Jolliffe
Attendance – 195