City More Than Earn an Away Point – But Still Look for Their Next Win

Published on: 17 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 17 Nov, 2024

Balham (1) 1, Guildford City (1) 1

By Barry Underwood

Guildford City left Imperial Fields with a point which was the very least that the team deserved.

In a fine second-half performance City once again struck the crossbar twice, and Manny Acheampong missed a great chance close in.

But again a win wasn’t to be and the visitors had to be content with a point.

Balham opened the game brightly and in the early stages pushed Guildford back. Gradually City came into the game with Reece Robins probing down the left flank.

Around the 20 minute mark Guildford had a golden spell. Reece Robins saw an effort comfortably saved, but minutes later the same player provided the cross from which Jake Brown forced a flying save from Balham keeper John Ross.

Guildford opened the scoring on 32 minutes. Reece Robins free-kick into the box was headed down by Nik Krokhin and Jake Brown got a faint touch to push it past Ross and into the net.

The lead didn’t last long. Three minutes later Balham equalised. City keeper Jacob Terry was beaten to a long ball over the top and Max Emmery was able to direct the ball into the empty net.

After a mixed first half performance Guildford returned to their familiar passing game after the break. That said, Balham had a golden chance to take the lead at 49 minutes.

Connor Keene received the ball in the box and his low shot was well saved by Jacob Terry’s outstretched leg.

It was Guildford who enjoyed dominance for the remainder of the half.

Following a corner Jake Brown turned sharply in the box and his effort struck the crossbar from 10 yards. Minutes later following another corner there was a scramble in Balham’s goalmouth ending in Jake Brown’s overhead kick grazing the top of the bar.

Then, from yet another corner Jake Brown had a free-header that was mistimed and flew high over the bar.

On 78 minutes, Guildford could have won the game. Manny Acheampong received the ball in
space from Brown but his rushed effort was saved by the advancing Ross.

Late on Guildford resorted to firing long balls forward and giving Yomi Obafemi something to chase. But it was ineffective and the game petered out with honours even.

The result leaves Guildford City in 14th position in the league ahead of another three teams on 16 points by virtue of their significantly superior goal difference.

Team: Jacob Terry, Alex Rodway-Brown, Tobi Falodi, Ben Drakle, Nik Krokhin, Luca Le Page (Joe Atin 45), Reece Robins, Malachai Cole (Yomi Obafemi 64), Freddie Robins (Leevi Bassett 64), Manny Acheampong, Jake Brown. Unused subs: Alex Stingelin, Tobi Shoyoye.

Referee: Oliver Keil

Attendance – 72

Listen to Ian Newson Plested’s post-match interview with assistant team manager Bradley Graham here: