City Lose Again At Home

Published on: 5 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 8 Sep, 2025

Guildford City (1) 2 Sutton Common Rovers (2) 4

By Barry Underwood

After losing at home on Saturday, Guildford City were determined to get their season back on track with three points against Sutton Common Rovers. But two moments of madness in the opening eight minutes gifted the visitors two goals and it was uphill from there.

On seven minutes two defenders left the ball to each other and Haalem Bouchez took advantage to fire low into the net.

One minute later the ball wasn’t cleared and Stuart Mortimer fired into the corner for the Rovers.

Guildford were shocked and they were either going to capitulate at this point or dig deep.

City’s Alexander-William Nwadike faces challenge.

True to form they chose the latter option and forced themselves back into the game.

On 16 minutes City pulled a goal back when following a corner Frank Boamah curled the ball into the net.

Suddenly Guildford created chances. Deven Reid-Solanki headed over the bar, and Kai Zini got goal side, but his powerful effort was brilliantly saved by Emmanuel Olajide. From the resulting corner Boamah flicked the ball on in the box which just eluded Ben Drake’s lunging foot.

Hearts were in mouths on 33 minutes when more indecision saw Alexander-William Nwadike’s header to the keeper heading for the net.

Nwadike redeemed himself by racing back to clear his own header off the line! Debutant goalkeeper Kasey Taylor saved well low down, but it was Guildford who had the next chance.

Freddie Robins won a midfield challenge. The ball went forward via Kai Zini who gave Reid Solanki a shooting chance, but his effort went just wide. Twice in the final seconds of the half Kasey Taylor again came to City’s rescue.

A header from a free kick saw a flying save, and after more indecision Taylor again saved well.

It was a lively opening to the second period. Freddie Robins gave Deven Reid-Solanki a shooting chance but his shot just inside the box lacked power and was comfortably saved.

SCR responded immediately and again Kasey Taylor saved spectacularly. Guildford then came close themselves with the ball ricocheting in the box and ultimately just going wide.

There was then little between the sides for a long period. On 77 minutes a deep free kick was met at the back post by Ben Matthews. It seemed a header was the best course of action, but he chose a volley which looped into the goalkeeper’s arms.

As the game reached stoppage time SCR looked to confirm their victory. A scramble in the City goalmouth was cleared, but shortly after former City player Malachai Cole fired low into the net from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later it was four. This time Tyrese Osborne fired high into the net. There was time for a late consolation from City. Keoindre Ellis-Vassell created space for Manny Acheampong who prodded the ball past Olajide.

But without doubt another disappointment for the home side.

Team: Kasey Taylor, Josh Adjei, Tobi Falodi, Frank Boamah (Maddox Holloway 72), Alexander-William Nwadike (Ben Matthews 46), Ben Drake, Deven Reid-Solanki, Freddie Robins (Charlie Robertson 61), Jake Brown (Keoindre Ellis-Vassell 80), Kai Zini, Malachi O’Connor (Manny Acheampong 46).

Referee: Shelby Elson

Attendance – 79

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