Guildford City (2) 2, Fleet Town (1) 1
by Barry Underwood
On a murky evening at the Spectrum Guildford City overcame Fleet Town having lost to the same opponents just nine days beforehand. The game couldn’t have started better for the home side as they took the lead in just the second minute. Jordan Adeyemi’s cross from the left was half cleared and Nathaniel Mensah was on hand to drill home his 14th goal of the season. But Fleet didn’t take that early setback lying down, and on seven minutes they drew level. The ball was quickly moved forward to Mack Vary who from the edge of the box picked his spot to shoot low into the corner. On the quarter hour both sides had moments that lifted their respective supporters. Guildford’s saw Adeyemi pass dangerously across the goalmouth narrowly evading two approaching attackers. Fleet’s opportunity saw an alert striker take a bouncing ball past City keeper Mike McEntegart who had advanced well out of his goal. The touch however had taken the ball wide and City defenders were able to scramble back to avert any danger. With few further chances the game became an attritional battle. That is until the 34th minute when Mike Coppinger put the home side ahead with an excellent effort from just outside the box.
The second half reverted to attrition with two sides battling hard for ascendancy but largely without creating openings. On the hour Mensah’s pass gave Jordan Adeyemi a shooting chance that was saved by Fleet keeper Lee Allen’s legs. Later Mensah himself saw an effort blocked as the ball was moved quickly around the outside of the penalty area. Strengthened off the bench Fleet came more into the game in the late stages. Mike McEntegart saved well from 20 yards, whilst with ten minutes remaining an attempted cross brushed the crossbar. On 84 minutes Guildford had a golden chance to settle the match but somehow a close-range range effort went wide. Two minutes later a Fleet effort struck the foot of the post, and the ball was cleared. In the final moments Mike Coppinger’s effort from the edge of the box was well parried by Allen, who did well to save again from the rebound.
Referee: Robert Trueman
Attendance – 73
NEXT UP | City are back in action on the 22nd of January as we host Raynes Park Vale in league action!
This season we have announced our FOOTBALL FOR A FIVER scheme. Come and watch the Sweeney at the Spectrum for only £5!
