City’s Bad Luck Continues as They Tumble Out of the FA Vase

Published on: 21 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 21 Sep, 2025

Tooting & Mitcham United (2) 2 Guildford City (1) 1

By Barry Underwood

Guildford gave another committed performance at Imperial Fields in the FA Vase but again fell just short.

The home side started the match strongly and Marvin Wood was forced into an excellent early save. But City hit back well, and Joe Atkin’s pass put Manny Acheampong into space, but his low drive hit the foot of the post.

Minutes later Atkin found Kai Zini with a deep cross and his header went narrowly wide. It was still the first 10 minutes of the match, and the game went from end to end.

Two City players in action against Tooting & Mitcham.

Marvin Wood again saved well from a corner but on 12 minutes Tooting took the lead. The home keeper Toby McKimm fielded a misdirected free-kick and quickly recycled the ball forward. Stretched at the back the ball fell to Alex Cruikshank who fired home.

Once again in a match City found themselves two goals down within 15 minutes when, under pressure in his own box, Manny Acheampong headed a bouncing ball into his own net!

Not deterred, City still went forward and Charlie Robertson couldn’t get enough on a shot at an angle. On 31 minutes, Guildford scored the goal their play deserved.

Ben Matthews headed a long throw on and Deven Reid-Solanki fired home from 12 yards.

Late in the half both sides came close. Shay Brennan had a good effort deflected over the bar, and for City a great move involving Alex Stingelin and Reid-Solanki saw Charlie Robertson shoot just wide.

The second period was a far scrappier affair. Some of this was due to overzealous refereeing from an official who in the first half had ignored a red card challenge after just three minutes and a body check in a threatening position.

Chances from both sides were restricted. City saw long shots from Kai Zini and Robbie Mundow go narrowly wide, whilst on 70 minutes Shay Brennan shot just wide from the edge of the box.

Seconds later City had a golden chance to draw level. Reid-Solanki played an excellent reverse pass to put Sam Harper through on goal. Sadly, though the striker just returning from injury mishit his shot which was comfortably saved.

Harper later saw a headed attempt loop up and over the bar and once again Guildford couldn’t force a result. In stoppage time, Brennan dragged a shot
wide for Tooting and it’s the London side who advance to the next round.

Team: Marvin Wood, Alex Stingelin (Alex Rodway-Brown 57), Joe Atkin (Tobi Shoyoye 57), Jaiden Chang-Brown, Bryan Edwards, Ben Matthews (Robbie Mundow 57), Deven Reid- Solanki, Ben Drake, Manny Acheampong (Keoindre Ellis-Vassel 82), Kai Zini, Charlie Robertson (Sam Harper 57).

Referee: Promise Phillips

Attendance – 247

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