Guildford City (0) 1, Knaphill (1) 2
by Barry Underwood
Following the departure of City’s third manager of the season and a subsequent loss of players, Guildford’s hastily assembled squad gave their all but eventually came away second best to an in-form Knaphill side. On a beautiful Spring Day both sides tested each other for long periods without creating a chance between them. At the half hour point a Knaphill cross harmlessly went through the box, whilst shortly after Harrison Livingstone failed to get power into a shot from the edge of the box. On 35 minutes Knaphill edged ahead with the game’s first effort on goal. Kyrell Palmer looked to be fouled in a challenge, but non-plussed Ashley Elson ran on to shoot low past McEntegart into the bottom corner. For City Adam Green curled an effort over the bar but largely Jos Barker in the visitor’s goal was untroubled.
Guildford played considerably better in the second period. Alberto Santana, off the bench at the interval, pushed and probed around the box and Kyron Richards made a number of dangerous forward runs. On 52 minutes City came close when Antonio Simeone, who was up after a set piece, shot just wide from an acute angle. As if to show Guildford how it was done Knaphill’s Ashley Elson soon scored his second of the match. Mike McEntegart parried well from close range, but Elson was on hand to convert the loose ball from close range. To their credit City got back into the game after 65 minutes and the goal came courtesy of two U23 players. Fariz Khallouqi crossed low from the right and Alberto Santana calmly picked his spot in the corner. Later Mike McEntegart twice kept City in the game with fine saves. In the final moments Guildford pushed forward looking for an equaliser but it just wasn’t to be.
Team: Mike McEntegart, Kyrell Palmer, Ethan Nelson-Roberts, Yannick Monga, Antonio Simeone, Lawson Bright, Harrison Livingstone, Kyron Richards, Gianluca Zanre Botti (Alberto Santana 46), Adam Green (Zac Seys 82), Billy Connor (Fariz Khallouqi 32). Unused subs: Jack Coleman, Liam Maher.
Referee: Steve Williams
Attendance – 107
