City Return to Winning Ways

Published on: 9 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 9 Mar, 2025

Chipstead (0) 0, Guildford City (0) 2

By Barry Underwood

Both of these sides have been looking anxiously over their shoulders at the CCL relegation places, so this win for City will lift players and supporters alike as the season’s defining
moments loom.

Prior to the game Chipstead had been struggling for
form, but the recent signings of a number of established players including ex-City captain Theo Crawford (formerly Woodhouse) showed that a tough battle could be expected at High Road.

Qasim Khan shoots wide. Jon Woozley

Guildford opened the game brightly, and they could have had an early penalty when Ben Gambrah’s heels were clipped just inside the box. There was definitely contact but with a higher bar often set for fouls in the box no penalty was awarded. A minute later Qasim Khan under pressure from a defender found space for a shot but his effort went wide.

On 12 minutes Sam Sesay volleyed wide from Freddie Robins free-kick, and in what proved to be the home sides best chance of the game, Jacob Terry saved well with his legs at the near post.

Darnell Jon-Peter saw a customary long range effort sizzle wide. On 36 minutes Chipstead keeper Klevis Muca superbly saved Joe Atkin’s header and at the interval the game remained goalless.

Much of the second period was midfield dominated with limited action in either goalmouth.

Some of the limited goalmouth action.

On the hour, Freddie Robins fired a half volley that went well wide. Similarly, Theo Crawford for Chipstead shot powerfully wide of the target.

With the introduction of Deven Reid-Solanki and big Dominik Vakulya off the bench, City started to pose a threat.

Players can only watch as Deven Reid-Solanki’s overhead shot heads for the goal. Reid-Solanki can be seen on the ground on the right. Jon Woozley

On 77 minutes Guildford took the lead and what a goal it was! A free-kick to the back of the box was met by Alex Stingelin’s head, and Deven Reid-Solanki reacted well with an overhead volley that looped into the top corner of the net. Dom Vakulya also saw a volley tipped over the bar by Muca.

In the 88th minute City scored their second. Vakulya rang powerfully to the edge of the box before finding Jake Brown. Brown in turn played the ball across to Sam Sesay fast approaching in space on the right. Sesay had the composure to cut inside and curl a splendid effort inside the far post.

Team: Jacob Terry, Josh Adjei (Deven Reid-Solanki 66), Alex Rodway-Brown (Jaiden Chang-Brown 46), Ben Drake, Alex Stingelin, Joe Atkin (Jake Brown 71), Darnell Jon-Peter (Daniel Emmanuel 85), Freddie Robins, Qasim Khan (Dominik Vakulya 66), Sam Sesay, Benji Gambrah.

Referee: Ryan Hetherington
Attendance – 90

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

Next match…

Guildford City vs Epsom & Ewell at 7.30 on Wednesday, March 12 at Spectrum

Table from Non League Matters website.

Form Guide (based on last six matches)

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