City Defeated by Horley Hat-trick

Published on: 26 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 26 Jan, 2026

Horley Town (1) 3 Guildford City (1) 1

By Barry Underwood

Guildford’s improved form suffered a set back at the New Defence courtesy of a Cobi Acquaye hat-trick.

City had their moments, especially in the first half but a below par performance after the break saw the home side maintain their play-off push.

On an understandably heavy pitch after days of heavy rain the going was tough for both sides.

City’s Joel Oppong led the home defence a merry dance early on with his runs into the box, although sadly Guildford couldn’t get on the scoresheet.

Kai Zini (right) celebrates his goal.

The visitor’s had good possession and both George Burgess-Allen and Naison O’Neill saw efforts saved. It was Guildford who took the lead on 31 minutes, and a cracking goal it was. Oppong offloaded the ball to Kai Zini whose effort from outside dipped into the top corner.

Minutes later City felt they should have had a penalty when Joel Oppong went down heavily in the box but the match official thought otherwise.

On 37 minutes the score was level when the tall figure of Cobi Acquaye headed home at the back post. And minutes before the half-time whistle George Burgess-Allen’s low shot was well saved. At the break City had narrowly shaded the half.

The second period was a different story with City continually under pressure. Five minutes in
Horley lifted a golden chance over the bar, and play became scrappy on the heavy surface.

There were isolated good moments for City and Tyrese Agbontaen shot wide from long range. For all their possession and territory Horley had largely been limited to long efforts on goal which hadn’t worried City’s keeper, Marvin Wood.

The travelling Sweeney were wondering whether their side might collect an unlikely point, but on 83 minutes Cobi Acquaye headed home from close range. Four minutes later Acquaye completed his hattrick shooting low into the corner from the edge of the box.

A disappointing day then for City but there are big games yet to play.

Team: Marvin Wood, Naison O’Neill, Callum Hope (Josh Adjei 85), Ben Matthews, Ben Drake, Luca Le Page (Sam Sesay 70), George Burgess-Allen, Tobi Falodi, Joel Oppong (Jojo Ampah 77), Kai Zini (Emeka Okakpu 65), Tyrese Agbontaen (Sonny Cooper 87).

Referee: Ben Maskery

Attendance – 85
Listen to Ian Newson Plested’s post-match interview with team manager Carl Taylor.