Guildford City returned to winning ways with this comprehensive defeat of struggling Wembley. After a slow start, City notched their first courtesy of a Ben Rayner freekick, Jack Guilford poking home the 2nd just before halftime. The second half was more competitive but Wembley had a mountain to climb when their talismanic striker Paul Shelton was sent off for violent conduct. Joel Greaves sealed the win 5 minutes from time before an own goal in injury time.
Wembley is never an easy place to get points and this match appeared to be no exception as the wind swirled around the pitch and the home side made the most of the slope and difficult playing conditions. Wembley were well organised at the back and managed to contain most of Guildford’s attacking play – Jaydon Gibbs finding it particularly hard going at times and a number of passes going astray. The visitors gradually gained in confidence and at last a freekick was won some 25 yards out in the 38th minute. Ben Rayner stepped up and fired a superb drive which hit the post and eventually span across the line. Crucially the visitors were able to capitalise on their lead in the 43rd minute when Tony Chaplin, who had a superb game, fired in a cross which Jack Guilford applied the slightest of touches to, to volley it over the line.
Anyone who remembers previous trips to Wembley will not be surprised to hear that the home side came out in the second half with all guns blazing. They looked to be nailed on to score in the opening minute after Antony Hall was rounded but somehow Simon Cooper got back to the line and slid to clear and prevent a certain goal. City started to settle down and put the home side under pressure once again and they received a huge boost when Paul Shelton was sent off in the 64th minute for violent conduct. There seemed little doubt about the outcome after this although City struggled to seal the win until the 85th minute when Joel Greaves slotted home. There was still time for a fourth – Tony Chaplin’s headed flick from a corner being put into the net by a Wembley defender.