Corinthian Casuals (1) 1, Guildford City (1) 2
by Barry Underwood
Guildford City returned home from King George’s Field with three precious league points after a deserved victory at the famous old club. City again played attractive passing football and unlike several recent matches the team got over the finish line to win the game. With a long list of injuries and illness manager Carl Taylor has been forced to bolster his squad and five players were making their league debut for City in this match. But credit to all 16 players involved this was an excellent 90 minute plus performance.
It was a quiet opening from both sides with only a long shot from Corinthian that cleared the bar to excite spectators. Guildford did look composed and Deven Reid-Solanki and Manny Acheampong increasingly looked lively down the flanks. On 14 minutes Guildford took the lead with the first chance of the match. A tantalising crossfield pass from Luca Le Page confused goalkeeper and defenders alike and Reid-Solanki was able to roll the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box. Defensively the visitors looked sound and in attack they came close on 22 minutes when following a fine move Manny Acheampong couldn’t convert a difficult volley. Three minutes later Corinthian equalised when the City defence switched off; a low cross from the left was converted from close range by Diogo Da Silva. There was some good fortune on 39 minutes when after failing to clear the danger Corinthian struck the crossbar a glancing blow. Just before the break Freddie Robins departed the action a victim of a poor challenge.
Both sides had good moments in the early stages of the second half. From Acheampong’s cross the fast-approaching Sam Sesay couldn’t connect. Then Corinthian forced Jacob Terry into an excellent diving save after City lost the ball overplaying on the edge of the box. On the hour a passing move involving nearly every outfield player ended with new signing Qasim Khan and Deven Reid-Solanki having powerful shots blocked. On 67 minutes Reid-Solanki curled a free-kick just over the bar, but two minutes later Guildford scored what proved to be the winner. Manny Acheampong was alert to a neat through ball. Acheampong’s first time shot was blocked by Nabbad, the home keeper, but the lively City striker was able to direct the loose ball into the net. With eight minutes remaining Deven Reid-Solanki cut in and shot but his effort was comfortably saved. Stoppage time was a nervous nightmare for City fans (and two of the injured players) behind the goal. So many matches have slipped away in added time this season. Corinthian threw everything forward towards their baying supporters behind Jacob Terry. Four minutes into added time in an almighty scramble City defenders were heroically throwing themselves in front of the ball before eventually Terry was able to pounce on the loose ball. Seconds later the whistle went, and City had claimed the points.
Team: Jacob Terry, Joshua Adjei (Micah Fraser 57), Jaiden Chang-Brown, Sam Sesay, Nik Krokhin, Alex Stingelin, Deven Reid-Solanki, Luca Le Page (Qasim Khan 59), Freddie Robins (Alex Rodway-Brown 40), Manny Acheampong (Dominik Vakulya 80), Darnell Jon-Peter (Keoindre Ellis-Vassell 80).
Referee: Ben Maskery
Attendance – 177
