Sheerwater (0) 2, Guildford City (0) 1
by Barry Underwood
Sheerwater celebrated their arrival in the Premier division by claiming the points with a late stoppage time goal. The result was a little harsh on City who had played their part in a tough encounter. It seemed as if the visitors would snatch the game themselves when they won a penalty with three minutes remaining, and with the scores 1-1. Sadly though Kieran Campbell’s spot kick was saved by the Sheerwater manager and substitute keeper Peter Ruggles, and the game then had one last twist.
It was a strange game in that the match seemed to be played at a slow pace. City had plenty of possession but just weren’t able to move the move fast enough to threaten the home goal. The home side for their part threatened mainly with set pieces, with Tom Hegarty’s long throws proving especially challenging. Guildford had a good spell leading up to the interval. After good work from Cyril Ocansey, Eli Ogunseye had a shooting chance but delayed too long. Moments later Benga Ogunseye broke free on the right but his powerful effort was saved by Shelley’s legs. Just before the break Josh Ogunseye broke out of defence before feeding his eldest brother Benga who fired just over the bar.
After the break Ryan Dacres-Smith chipped a ball forward that just eluded Cyril Ocansey; too often though the final ball was failing to find its target. In a rare home break Isy Nzelo got back to make a great tackle on Danny Taylor on the edge of the box. City had a great chance on 66 minutes when from Darryl Siaw’s cross Kieran Campbell mishit his effort with the outside of the foot. Two minutes later home keeper Richard Shelley was substituted following a heavy collision from a corner. On 75 minutes the home side went ahead and it came from another in a succession of long throws. The throw beat everybody in the goalmouth except Shane Rideout who side footed home. Josh Ogunseye saw a long shot saved low down, and Ruggles came out quickly to smother the ball at Eli Ogunseye’s feet. On 87 minutes City finally got on the scoresheet. The impressive Ryan Dacres-Smith drove forward and fired home from 20 yards. In the 90th minute Guildford had the chance to claim the match from the penalty spot but the opportunity was missed. To compound matters Sheerwater soon broke down the other end and Danny Taylor scrambled the ball into the net.
Team: Stuart Norman, Isy Nzelo, Josh Ogunseye, Theo Woodhouse, Sean Mason, Billy Irving, Eli Ogunseye, Ryan Dacres-Smith, Benga Ogunseye (Kieran Campbell 60), Dan Harding (Bobby Webbe 82), Cyril Ocansey (Darryl Siaw 60). Unused subs: Callum Wilson, Shaun Smart.
Referee: Nic Hucker
Attendance – 111
