by Barry Underwood
Guildford City’s promising run in the FA Vase came to a frustrating end at the Spectrum yesterday (October 19).
For all their fine play this season City have had problems converting the chances they have created, and in this cup-tie it undoubtedly cost the side a place in the next round.
In the first period City hit the crossbar three times, and in the first ten minutes could have been three ahead. But of course, if you don’t score goals, you won’t win matches.
On seven minutes Reece Robins crossed with the outside of his foot and Ben Gambrah’s close range header was brilliantly saved onto the bar by Maciek Kason.
A minute later after a free kick there was a scramble in the Arundel box which eventually saw the ball turned over.
On 11 minutes Darnell Jon-Peter set Reece Robins clear on goal. Again Kason performed heroics saving Robins effort as he attempted to lift it over the falling keeper.
Against the run of play Arundel had a great chance themselves on 15 minutes. A loose ball fell in the box to Harry Russell whose effort was well saved by Jacob Terry low down.
But City were dominating the first half and from a corner on 23 minutes Alex Stingelin saw a header crash against the crossbar.
Just prior to the interval Manny Acheampong’s shot was blocked, and Jon-Peter’s powerful effort from the edge of the box clipped the crossbar. Wise old heads amongst the home support suspected that the lack of a goal would come back to bite them.
The second half was a more even affair with Arundel having weathered the storm seeking to frustrate the home sides pattern of play. They also came close themselves early in the half when Jacob Terry had to save low down from a free kick.
On the hour Darnell Jon-Peter delayed just too long in getting a shot away from a good position, and within minutes Manny Acheampong’s shot through a forest of bodies was saved by Kason’s legs.
As the game went on play became more fractious as Guildford started to become frustrated. It started to look that Arundel were looking towards an end of match penalty shoot-out.
Darnell Jon-Peter mishit a shot after a good move but the match by now was no longer one-sided and Alex Stingelin had to make a fine covering tackle to avert danger.
A raft of City substitutions tried to force a breakthrough but it was not to be their day. On 82 minutes, Keoindre Ellis-Vassell tried to pick his spot but Maciek Kasdon again saved low down.
Late on, the away side had two half chances but there was to be no breakthrough. So, the match would be decided by penalties.
Watch the penalty shoot out here…
Both goalkeepers excelled for their side with saves, but it was Arundel who were victorious. The visiting players celebrated with their large travelling support and who could blame them?
Team: Jacob Terry, Tobi Falodi, Ben Gambrah (Jake Brown 63), Ben Drake, Nik Krokhin, Alex Stingelin, Reece Robins, Malachai Cole (Keoindre Ellis-Vassell 78), Freddie Robins (Yomi Obafemi 80), Manny Acheampong (Tobi Shoyoye 75), Darnell Jon-Peter (Luca le Page 78).
Referee: Lawrence Attoh
Attendance – 107
Listen to Ian Newson Plested’s post-match interview with team manager Carl Taylor here:
Next match…
Aldershot Senior Cup – Guildford City vs Ash United 7.30pm Wednesday, Oct 23 at Spectrum
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Olly Azad
October 21, 2024 at 12:24 am
It was a frustrating afternoon of football for Guildford City FC having hit the the crossbar on numerous occasions during the game.
The City Players gave their best efforts to beat Arundel but it was the lottery of penalties that undid these efforts.
The Sweeney go again in the Aldershot Senior Cup against Ash United on Wednesday evening.
Best wishes to GCFC for the upcoming match.