Guildford City (0) 0, Raynes Park Vale (3) 3
by Barry Underwood
The Guildford City matchday programme prior to the game included the text “If we are to have aspirations of progressing, we need to be fully testing in-form sides like Raynes Park”. Well aspirations of progressing there are but testing the impressive Raynes Park on the pitch no chance. At least on this occasion. In a season of disappointments on the pitch this was possibly a low. City from minute one to ninety were totally outplayed and didn’t muster a shot on goal throughout the whole match. Its not as if City haven’t competed against some good sides this season, and they do remain the only side to have beaten the current league leaders this season. But this match was a major disappointment to all involved at the club.
Understandably Raynes Park, off of the back of their impressive season, played confidently from the off. Early on Brad Sweeney shot just over and on seven minutes they took the lead. A high cross from the right fell to the unmarked Jordan Gallagher at the back of the goal. He moved the ball inside and fired home from 15 yards for this 26th goal of the season. Minutes later Gallagher shot just wide and Brad Sweeney’s effort was cleared off the line full-stretch by Ethan Nelson-Roberts. Twice more Raynes Park went close before on 38 minutes they scored a second. Brad Sweeney received the ball in space and shot past Mike McEntegart into the corner. Three minutes later the visitor’s netted a third. McEntegart punched out a corner under pressure and amidst a clutch of watching red shirts Reece Hannigan had time to head home. Guildford’s meagre offensive effort revolved around a lively opening from Billy Connor who fired several crosses into the box, and also late in the half when several City players passed up good shooting chances in search of the perfect opening which inevitably never arrived.
Guildford were better after the break but still could make no inroads forward. A fine McEntegart save on 58 minutes, was followed seven minutes later by a more routine effort. With ten minutes remaining Raynes Park came close to a fourth, but City defended well blocking a series of powerful efforts. As the game entered stoppage time McEntegart brilliantly tipped over a powerful effort, and from the resulting corner a header cleared the crossbar. An afternoon to forget for a very disappointing City side.
Team: Michael McEntegart, Nathaniel Mensah, Ethan Nelson-Roberts, James Glover, Antonio Simeone, Finley Warren, Billy Connor (Yannick Monga 75), Prince Mbengui, Harrison Livingstone (Isy Nzelo 68), Mike Coppinger (James Faulkner 64), Jordan Adeyemi. Unused subs: Kyrell Palmer, Lawson Bright.
Referee: Richard Marus
Attendance – 114
NEXT UP | City host the Army in a friendly this coming Wednesday! Come and see the team at the Spectrum!
This season we have announced our FOOTBALL FOR A FIVER scheme. Come and watch the Sweeney at the Spectrum for only £5!
