Farnham Town 0, Guildford City 0
by Barry Underwood
Guildford City came away from Farnham Town’s Memorial Ground on Tuesday with a point from what in the end was a goalless draw. In a clash of two footballing styles, Guildford dominated the first period with their fluent pass and move. But despite numerous chances, and fine goalkeeping from the home keeper, the visitors just couldn’t get themselves on the scoreboard. The second period was more attritional although City still had chances; although again Farnham themselves had a great chance to win the game late on.
In a bright opening Max Oldham had the first shooting chance when his shot on the turn was blocked, as was Mike Coppinger’s follow-up effort. City certainly looked sharp breaking forward and on 14 minutes Mike Coppinger’s shot took a slight deflection before slamming against the crossbar. Farnham did recycle the ball quickly and they soon fashioned a chance at the other end which thankfully drifted wide. Max Oldham was unlucky on 22 minutes when his well-placed effort was brilliantly saved by the diving Ossai. On the half hour, and from the move of the day, Guildford quickly broke out of defence through Max Oldham. It appeared Oldham was primed for a shot, but he unselfishly squared the ball to Jordan Adeyemi 15 yards out from goal. The FA Cup hattrick man fired goalward only to be thwarted by another fine Ossai save. The loose ball fell to the edge of the box where Prince Mbengui unleashed a furious effort that once more smashed against the crossbar. And again, this Guildford goal attempt led to an effort for the home side, but Josh Ogunseye’s shot was well saved by McEntegart.
On 41 minutes Mike Coppinger shot over the bar from the edge of the area, and then two minutes before the break the impetus of the match changed. Prince Mbengui was sent to the sinbin and his loss for 10 minutes saw Guildford consolidating their position. It was in truth a consolidation they were never able to effectively break out of.
The second half was a scrappier affair with the home side intent on slowing things down and preventing Guildford playing their high tempo game. There were still some chances. Mike Coppinger’s rather under hit effort was saved by Ossai diving to his left, and after a strong Briggs Ojemen run out of defence a resulting free kick taken by Jordan Adeyemi was blocked by the wall. On 78 minutes Fred Hill saw an effort slice wide, whilst minutes later ex-City player Josh Ogunseye raced clear for Farnham after possession was softly conceded, but his hurried effort was well saved by Mike McEntegart.
To round off the evening Mike Coppinger’s final effort of the match was blazed over, and as the game entered stoppage time the pressure was coming from the home side. There were some tense moments as set pieces were played into the Guildford penalty area. But despite the lack of goals City had kept a clean sheet and had defended well, and there was no doubting the work rate of the team on the pitch.
Team: Mike McEntegart, Sean Basaye, Fred Hill, Omar Belazregue (Josh Bullen 77), Antonio Simeone, Briggs Ojemen, Edson da Silva (Luke Simmonds 88), Prince Mbengui, Jordan Adeyemi, Mike Coppinger, Max Oldham. Unused subs: Isy Nzelo, Ryan Ferrari, Luke Roberts.
Referee: Josh Osofa
Attendance – 214
Season tickets for the season are available from just £30. Details and an application form can be found via the following link Season Ticket 2021/22 – Guildford City FC.
This season we have announced our FOOTBALL FOR A FIVER scheme. Come and watch Paul Barnes’s boys at the Spectrum for only £5!
