Guildford City (0) 2, Staines Town (0) 1
by Barry Underwood
City maintained their run of home victories at a chilly Spectrum last evening. Staines Town were the visitors for a Southern Combination Cup tie, and both sides took the opportunity of giving fringe players a starting opportunity. It was a positive opening to the game from both sides although during the half it was the step four visitors who had the better goal scoring opportunities. Staines striker Connor McShane curled a shot just wide, and twice Mike McEntegart made diving saves to keep the scores level. But five minutes before the break it was Guildford who missed a golden chance to open the scoring. Nat Mensah broke free down the left. His low cross was met by Josh Bullen who somehow shot wide of the target from six yards. You had to feel for Bullen who is looking for his first senior goal, and he lay on the turf for some moments wondering how he had missed the target.
The wise words from the changing room at the interval was to be more positive with the ball. And so, City were in an entertaining second period. But positive or not it was the visitors who took the lead within seconds of the restart. Staines worked the ball across the box and Stan Anum was able to side foot home. But Guildford were getting the ball forward more effectively and a fine Zeid Hannachi through ball to Nat Mensah was marginally overhit and the chance was lost. On 57 minutes Hannachi again slid a ball through the defence and this time Jordan Adeyemi picked his spot for his 14th goal of the season. Five minutes later City went ahead. Campbell Scott – who enjoyed a fine game – won two consecutive headers in the Staines box and the ball fell to Nat Mensah who finished with aplomb from 10 yards. Late in the game Josh Everard made a great cover tackle to preserve his side’s lead, whilst in attack 18-year-old substitute Kesna Clarke’s persistence saw him have two attempts on goal; the second being a lobbed effort from out wide that dropped just beyond the goal post.
Team: Mike McEntegart, Kyrell Palmer (Sean Mason 63), Isy Nzelo, James Glover, Campbell Scott, Prince Mbengui (Josh Everard 63), Yannick Monga, Zeid Hannachi (JJ Faulkner 72), Josh Bullen, Jordan Adeyemi, Nathaniel Mensah (Kesna Clarke 72). Unused sub: Chris Adams.
Referee: Tom Simmons
Attendance – 55
This coming Saturday we travel to Redding Way as we face Knaphill in the league! 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!
