Full Match Report: City Go Out of FA Vase on Penalties

Published on: 20 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 20 Oct, 2024

Guildford City 0, Arundel 0

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.

Ben Gambrah’s header was brilliantly saved.

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.

Many Acheampong in another aerial dual.

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.

Nik Krokhin (centre) joins in on an attack against Arundel’s determined defence.

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: