City Defy League Position to Claim Three Points

Published on: 26 Feb, 2026
Updated on: 26 Feb, 2026

Guildford City (1) 4 Corinthian-Casuals (1) 2

By Barry Underwood

Guildford City came up with a much-needed three points as the relegation trapdoor had started to loom large.

With only five games remaining and competing teams in the relegation battle ahead by six points and with games in hand one has to be an extreme optimist at The Spectrum these days.

But in this match there was little between the sides in the first 45 minutes with only half chances at either end.

Early on Marvin Wood was called on to save smartly, whilst the lively Joel Oppong reached the byline where he was crowded out.

Joel Oppong, lively throughout the match. Luke Davidson

Oppong, lively throughout, repeated the feat soon after and Kai Zini forced Mo Maan into a diving save.

City newcomer Abdullah Selloum then forced Maan into another diving save although his effort lacked power.

On 16 minutes Casuals went ahead. A deep free kick into the box found Clayton Alonso and his header nestled into the far corner.

At the other end, a through ball put City’s Kai Zini into space on the right but the advancing goalkeeper managed to block his attempted lob.

Guildford managed to draw level just before the break and there was an air of good fortune about the goal. Mo Maan’s poor clearance went straight to Tyrese Agbontaen who drove goalward.

Tyrese Agbontaen, scorer of City’s first goal. Luke Davidson

Maan had a second attempt at the ball, but the ball ricocheted towards goal where Agbontaen tucked the ball home.

In the final moments of the half, Abdullah Selloum fired powerfully just wide of the post.

It wasn’t the most fluent of games with both sides struggling to keep possession for extended periods. It was City, though, who found the momentum to score again.

Joel Oppong again reached the byline, and this time Abdullah Selloum was on hand to net from six yards.

Casuals luck ran out moments later when Rafael Barbosa’s well struck effort hit the inside of the post and was cleared.

But Guildford were now looking lively and after an interchange of passes Selloum burst through a gap where he was brought down. A penalty was awarded and as he was judged to be denied a goal scoring chance, defender Azeez Elugushi sent off.

The penalty was converted confidently by Joel Oppong.

It ws likely to be uphill for the Casuals now and the same combination of City players linked up again but Maan saved well at Selloum’s feet.

On 82 minutes City scored their fourth. An excellent cross from the left was headed home by Alex McLean.

In extended stoppage time Kiyo Brown netted at the back post for a consolation Casuals’ goal but Guildford had enough about them to claim the points.

Team: Marvin Wood, Naison O’Neill, Joe Atkin (Ben Matthews 72), Ben Drake, Bertie Saunders, Alexander-William Nwadike (Kaliam Safou 80), Tyrese Agbontaen, Abdullah Selloum (Robbie Mundow 82), Alex McLean (Alex Rodway-Brown 82), Kai Zini (Emeka Okakpu 88), Joel Oppong.

Referee: Nigel Owen

Attendance – 91

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

Next match vs Knaphill – 3pm on Saturday, February 28.

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