Redhill (2) 3, Guildford City (2) 4
by Barry Underwood
My goodness how fortunes can change in football! A week ago Guildford City players and supporters alike were at a low ebb following defeat at Alton. A subsequent heart to heart with players, management and supporters, and with the important addition of new signings, has seen a remarkable transition. A splendid win at Tadley on Tuesday had set the scene, and now at Kiln Brow another impressive City performance saw another three points gained in a seven-goal thriller.
Redhill’s ground staff had done wonders to get the game on after heavy rain, and as if to reward them the home side came flying out of the blocks after kick-off. Throughout the game Redhill’s front three posed significant problems and Trae Cook-Appiah especially was a real handful on the right. Immediately Redhill threw themselves forward and Guildford for five minutes were under the cosh. The home side made the most of their momentum and took the lead on three minutes. A City player lost possession out wide and the ball was immediately played into the danger area where Andrew Demby swept the ball home. Guildford responded positively and slowly they fought their way back into the game. On 11 minutes City drew level. Leon Dadey’s cross from the left was weighted perfectly for Jamie Pearce to side foot post the keeper. Redhill responded with chances of their own. An almighty scramble in the City defence ended somehow with the ball in Stuart Norman’s hands, and minutes later Norman made a rather more acrobatic save to keep the scores level. On 22 minutes an excellent long pass from Jamie Pearce put Leon Dadey into space on the left. Dadey cut into the box and fired into the top corner of the net to put City ahead. Guildford were then forced into an early substitution with back problems forcing Shi O’Connor off to be replaced by Campbell Scott. The action wasn’t over and on the half-hour Redhill drew themselves level. Cook-Appiah controlled the ball on his chest before shooting. Stuart Norman parried his low effort and Tyrese Sutherland was on hand to tap home.
In the early minutes of the second period both goalkeepers made good reflex saves to keep the scores level. It was Guildford though who pushed ahead on 56 minutes. Jamie Pearce’s defence splitting pass set Leon Dadey free on the left. His early cross was met by Jack Webb who did well to get the ball under control and then prod the ball beyond Boamah in the home goal. Four minutes later City scored again for an important two goal advantage. Stephan Langley’s superb overlapping run and cross just evaded the lunging Jamie Pearce. However man of the match Leon Dadey beyond the back post laid the ball back to Shane Rideout who calmly found the corner of the net. Another new signing Andy Matthews came close with a header which would have settled the game. Credit though the home side who scored a third via Andrew Demby with 13 minutes remaining. Guildford sat deep and trusted their defensive ability to thwart the home side’s lively front line. There was some nervy moments under the pressure briefly relieved when Cameron Gyeabour forced a diving save with a long range shot. But hold on Guildford did for an important win and excitingly for the fans both sides meet again at the Spectrum next Saturday.
Team: Stuart Norman, Stephan Langley, Shane Cheeseman (Harvey Valter 76), Neil Roissetter (Shane Rideout 55), Scott Costello, Andy Matthews, Jack Webb, Tommy Brunton (Ashley Hitchinson 88), Jamie Pearce (Cameron Gyeabour 84), Shiloh O’Connor (Campbell Scott 27), Leon Dadey.
Referee: Tolga Inanc
Attendance – 104
