Redhill (0) 1, Guildford City (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
Guildford City’s visit to Kiln Brow saw the Sweeney depart disappointed with a single goal defeat. The home side will believe they deserved the victory for their dominance during much of the first half. Conversely City were also aggrieved that their second half dominance didn’t result in a share of the spoils. The frustration was compounded by the freakish nature of Redhill’s goal where City keeper Mike McEntegart failed to hold what looked a routine free-kick leading to a simple tap-in, but then McEntegart has been outstanding in goal for Guildford this season.
Strangely Guildford were slow out of the blocks with possession conceded on numerous occasions. Joe Jarrett and Sam King both had shooting chances for the home side in the first 20 minutes, whilst McEntegart saved well one on one. Suddenly City sparked into life with 10 minutes of the half remaining. Following a neat passing move Mike Coppinger’s powerful shot was deflected for a corner. From the resulting corner Jordan Adeyemi failed to make contact with what was a presentable headed chance. In the final minute of the half, and for the second successive week, Guildford had strong claims for a penalty waved away. Prince Mbengui blocked a clearance at full stretch, and was purposely knocked down in attempting to get up and chase the loose ball.
Max Oldham on the right had come more into the game in the late stages of the first half, and continuing that form after the break his strong run led to him shooting just wide of the far post. Minutes later Nathaniel Mensah saw a looping header drop just the wrong side of the post from Ethan Nelson-Roberts cross from the left. Then came Redhill’s goal. A long free kick into the box was spilled by McEntegart and Jack Knight was able to tap the ball home. Within minutes Guildford had a big chance to equalise; Nat Mensah shooting straight at Minchin in the home goal after driving into the six-yard box. Redhill responded with a fierce drive across the box and moments later an attempt from an angle that hit the crossbar. With six minutes remaining a fine counter attack saw Mike Coppinger shoot inches wide and try as they might Guildford couldn’t force an equaliser. One notable moment in the final minutes was the introduction off the bench of 16-year-old substitute Sam Hunt. To compound the disappointment Jordan Adeyemi was shown a red card at the final whistle.
Team: Michael McEntegart, Kyrell Palmer (Yannick Monga 77), Ethan Nelson-Roberts, James Glover, Antonio Simeone, Prince Mbengui (Sam Hunt 87), Daryl Coleman, Mike Coppinger, Max Oldham, Jordan Adeyemi, Nathaniel Mensah. Unused subs: Campbell Scott, Jackson Hogg, Chris Adams.
Referee: Shkumbin Sherifi
This Wednesday we are back at the Spectrum as we host Camberley Town 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!
