Badshot Lea (1) 3, Guildford City (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
Fifth placed Badshot Lea returned to form by completing a comfortable victory over a rebuilding Guildford City side. Guildford did look a little shaky early on although they were not helped by having to make two substitutions in the first 25 minutes. City did forge an early opportunity when the lively Billy Connor crossed from the right and Ethan Etukado’s glancing header was comfortably saved by Craig Bradshaw. Sadly, that proved to be the end of Etukudo’s game after he landed heavily on the firm surface. On 10 minutes Guildford lost possession on the edge of their box but the shooting chance was squandered. But minutes later they were not to be so fortunate. A weak challenge led to a low cross which was tucked home from close range. City still looked to push forward and Gianluca Zanre Botti saw a firm shot on the turn blocked for a corner. The Baggies still looked lively pushing forward but nevertheless Guildford had settled and were certainly in the game. Five minutes before the break neat play by midfielder Lewis Inglis saw him turn in the box and curl an effort just wide of the back post.
The home side dominated territorially in the second period and Guildford struggled to make significant inroads in attack. On the hour Jack Coleman made a brilliant double save to keep City in the game, and it wasn’t until the 68th minute that the Baggies broke through for a second time. A defensive clearance only found Malachi Thomas just outside the box. Thomas ghosted into the box and shot powerfully past the diving Coleman. For City Nathaniel Mensah saw an effort clear the bar and minutes later the Baggies scored their third. A low cross seemed to roll between a group of defenders before being converted from 15 yards. Guildford came close late on when Zac Seys drove into the box, but his left foot effort drifted harmlessly wide.
Team: Jack Coleman, Kyron Richards, Kyrell Palmer, Kailan North, Lawson Bright, Campbell Scott (Zac Seys 24), Billy Connor, Adam Green, Ethan Etukudo (Gianluca Zanre Botti 7), Lewis Inglis (Faris Khallouqi 77), Nathaniel Mensah.
Referee: Daryl Ann
