Guildford City (1) 2, Carshalton Athletic (1) 2 (5-6 Penalties)
by Barry Underwood
Despite a stirring performance against Carshalton Athletic of the Isthmian Premier, City departed the Surrey Senior Cup competition courtesy of a penalty shootout. Guildford opened the match brightly and early on Harrison Livingstone spun in the box to shoot just wide. On 12 minutes though there was a moment of concern when Billy Connor was substituted suffering from breathing difficulties. Paramedics attended and Billy was taken to hospital for tests. Thankfully a couple of weeks rest will sort the problem. When play restarted Athletic had their first opportunity on goal shooting over following a half clearance. On the half hour the impressive Finley Warren provided Livingstone with a shooting opportunity which was parried by Lloyd Thomas in the visitor’s goal. Guildford were now playing with confidence and on 32 minutes Jordan Adeyemi’s free kick only narrowly missed the target. Moments later Kyrell Palmer’s effort after a strong run was comfortably saved. Four minutes before the break City deservedly took the lead and what a good goal it was; Palmer’s cross was met first time by Mike Coppinger and the ball fairly whistled into the net. There was still time for Coppinger to shoot just wide but then with the last kick of the half City conceded a penalty. An opportunity to clear was spurned and a clumsy challenge gave Paris Downes the opportunity to level from the spot.
Both sides showed enterprise after the half-time break, and Guildford were certainly belying the two-level difference in playing standards. It was actually City who for the second time in the game took the lead. Mike Coppinger intercepted an attempt to play out of defence and reacting first to a loose ball he rifled home from 15 yards. The visitors soon upped their game with the introduction off the bench of experienced reinforcements. Athletic now enjoyed more possession and they were especially a threat down the left flank. On 67 minutes the London side equalised when Paris Downes headed in from close range. The home side almost responded immediately. A low cross from the right was mistimed by Jordan Adeyemi. The ball ran to Nathaniel Mensah, who looked suspiciously offside, who put the ball over the bar from 15 yards. It wasn’t Adeyemi’s day in front of goal as with 10 minutes remaining, he blazed well over the bar from a good position. In the final moments Carshalton missed a couple of good headed chances, whilst City’s last chance saw Coppinger shoot just wide. And so, it moved to penalties. The first five penalties from each side were exemplary. Yannick Monga had had a fine game in the middle of the park, but it was his miss on the 11th attempt of the evening that decided the result.
Team: Michael McEntegart, Kyrel Palmer, Isy Nzelo, Lawson Bright, Antonio Simeone, Yannick Monga, Finley Warren, Mike Coppinger, Billy Connor (Nat Mensah 12), Harrison Livingstone (James Faulkner 67), Jordan Adeyemi. Unused subs: James Glover, Prince Mbengui.
Referee: Patrick Nixon
Attendance – 123
NEXT UP | It’s our last game of 2021! Guildford City vs Frimley Green. Monday the 27th of December. Kick-Off: 11.30am! Come and support Tristan Rees’s Sweeney!
This season we have announced our FOOTBALL FOR A FIVER scheme. Come and watch the Sweeney at the Spectrum for only £5!
