Cruel Stoppage Time Goal Extends City’s Losing Run

Published on: 19 Oct, 2025
Updated on: 19 Oct, 2025

Knaphill (0) 1, Guildford City (0) 0

By Barry Underwood

A goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time was a cruel way for City to extend their run of defeats. They have not secured a league point since August 16.

But in a marked improvement in performance, Guildford players to a man worked their socks off throughout and on effort alone they deserved a point.

But there was more than just effort. Alexander-William Nwadike at the back was very impressive indeed, whilst Alex McLean and Kai Zini gave a great account of themselves in the middle of the park.

But heartbreakingly it ended in defeat again and the embattled squad must lift themselves again. There was little between the sides from the off and in the early stages there was little in the way of goalmouth action.

Charlie Robertson who impressed after coming off the bench.

Both Alex McLean and Kai Zini saw long range shots comfortably saved and it wasn’t until 22 minutes was on the clock that a goalmouth scramble caused some anxiety in the home defence.

Just past the half hour City’s veteran keeper Bill Wilson saved well, low down, after a ball had been rather too easily lost up field.

Guildford’s best chance of the first half came following Zini’s run through two challenges leading to Sam Sesay’s shot being saved by Harvey Keogh.

Manager Carl Taylor tried to add extra firepower to his side for the second half by throwing on 18-year-old striker Larell Walker.

On 51 minutes City created a good chance. A ball into the box wasn’t held by Keogh but Alex McLean couldn’t get over the bouncing ball and his effort spiralled wide.

Then, at the other end, Bill Wilson again saved well but largely the Guildford defence kept their opponents at bay.

Charlie Robertson off the bench looked dangerous with his direct runs forward. In a nice move with Kai Zini, he shot over the bar, before on 84 minutes he finished a tantalising run by firing a piledriver goalward that Keogh saved awkwardly.

It seemed City would claim a point as the game went into stoppage time. In 90+3 Luca Le Page burst forward with support but he chose to shoot from distance, an effort that was comfortably saved.

Then heartbreak on 90+5. Knaphill fired a deep ball across the goalmouth where Rami Haliufi brilliantly volleyed home from beyond the back post.

Team: Bill Wilson, Alex Rodway-Brown, Tobi Falodi (Charlie Robertson 67), Alex McLean (Luca Le Page 67), Alexander-William Nwadike, Daniel Nkansah (Larell Walker 46)(Alex Stingelin 85), Josh Adjei, Ben Drake, Sam Sesay (Robbie Mundow 90), Kai Zini, Joe Atkin.

Referee: Rohan Chotai

Attendance – 115

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