City Play Well But Can Only Secure One Point Away as Relegation Battle Continues

Published on: 8 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 8 Mar, 2026

Sheerwater (0) 1, Guildford City (1) 1

By Barry Underwood

With just four fixtures remaining at kick-off every point was vital in Guildford’s fight against relegation at the Eastwood stadium on Saturday (March 7) and City were hoping for an important three points.

Unfortunately it wasn’t to be despite a heroic performance. But with others in the relegation battle City have closed the gap to three points between them and the team just above the relegation line.

City’s performance since mid December, when after 24 league matches their points tally was still a single figure and they were adrift from safety by 11 points, has been remarkable. But will it be enough?

Guildford came out with all guns blazing and throughout the first period they played excellent football and thoroughly deserved their half-time lead.

Early on Callum Hope tried to pick his spot but lifted the ball over the bar, whilst minutes later Joel Oppong’s effort was tipped over at full stretch by Sheer’s keeper Henry Grad.

In a rare moment of concern at the back for City Bertie Saunders cleared off his goal line, but it was going forward where Guildford dominated.

On 33 minutes Naison O’Neill overlapped on the right and his low cross just evaded the onrushing Charlie Bland.

Naison O’Neill, lively on the right wing.

Sheer’s Aidan Larkin rather spoiled his strong approach run with an under hit shot and still it was City who looked the more dangerous.

On 38 minutes Guildford took the lead. A great through ball saw Joel Oppong through on goal but his effort was well blocked by Grad. The loose ball went wide towards the touchline where it was retrieved by Kai Zini who curled an excellent shot over bodies in the box and into the far corner!

Guildford had a golden chance to score a second on the cusp of half-time. Oppong’s cross from the byline was headed back across goal by Tyrese Agbontaen where Charlie Bland somehow hit the underside of the crossbar from a yard out.

City lost Ben Drake injured at the interval causing a defensive reshuffle and the home side were much improved after the break without posing too much of a threat to the visitor’s goal.

On 53 minutes Sheerwater got back on level terms. A ball into the right channel saw Aiden Larkin in plenty of space and his low shot from outside the box found the net inside the near post.

Guildford still had much of the ball in an attacking sense without fashioning a clear cut opportunity. Joel Oppong’s run ended with a blocked shot, and lively substitute Abdullah Selloum’s spectacular overhead kick went straight to the goalkeeper.

Abdullah Selloum Had a header attempt on goal saved in the 87th minute.

But in the late stages there were chances at both ends. A scramble in the City goalmouth saw the ball cleared, whilst there was uproar amongst the large group of City fans when Abdullah Selloum,
through on goal, went down in the box under a challenge. Sadly for City the referee ruled no foul.

On 87 minutes George Hyde saved brilliantly to keep City in the game and deep into stoppage time Sheer’s keeper saved Abdullah Selloum’s header,. The match ended with the sides having to settle for a point a piece.

City’s final three games are against fellow relegation battlers Camberley Town, Eversley & California and Epsom & Ewell. They need maximum points and can now only hope the other teams fail to win sufficient points despite having games in hand.

Team: George Hyde, Naison O’Neill, Callum Hope, Ben Drake (Abdullah Selloum 46), Bertie Saunders, Joe Atkin (Sonny Cooper 81), Tyrese Agbontaen (Alex McLean 90), Charlie Bland, Sam Sesay, Kai Zini, Joel Oppong (Ben Matthews 90). Unused sub: Luca Le Page.

Referee: Matthew Topp

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