Guildford City Get A Much Needed Win

Published on: 18 Sep, 2014
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2014

City’s Jack Guilford sets up Anthony Baker’s winner

Guildford City (2) 3, Badshot Lea (1) 2
By Barry Underwood

Guildford City finally, at the sixth time of asking, gained a much need league victory yesterday (September 17). The win, albeit against a side at the foot of the league table, will hopefully restore some much needed confidence that has been lacking of late.

For the third time this season City, a side with undoubted ability, but which can lack concentration, took a two goal lead, playing some delightful football in the process.

An uncharacteristic error by Antony Hall gifted the visitors a way back into the match before the interval and for much of the second half it seemed that once again the game was going away from the home side. On this occasion though, despite a nervy five minutes of stoppage time, City held on to claim that all important three points. The result lifts them three places to 17th position in the Combined Counties League.

The home side started the game brightly and it was quickly apparent that Surrey Uni student Navid Zandi’s wing play would have an influence on the game. Indeed Zandi’s fine cross from the left created the game’s first clear opening which fell to Anthony Baker whose powerfully driven effort was blocked by the keeper’s legs.

Jack Guilford shoots

Minutes later Zandi was instrumental in the game’s opening goal. His delicate ball from midfield put Jack Guilford clear and the combatant City player did well to place the bouncing ball into the corner.

Buoyed by taking the lead City upped the ante and Anthony Baker’s pass gave Jack Guilford the opportunity to repeat his previous success; this time however Matt Watson in the visitor’s goal was equal to the task, saving with his legs.

A second goal wasn’t delayed long though. On 27 minutes Jack Guilford successfully chased a lost cause wide on the left. Cutting in he squared to the on-rushing Navid Zandi who thundered the ball into the roof of the net off of Watson’s diving body. Five minutes before the interval Guildford characteristically conceded a goal. Antony Hall looked to have the ball in his hands but it spun away for Dayo Oshitola to nod the ball home from close range.

City’s Jack Guilford scores

City’s weakness of conceding goals early in the second half has become a bad habit. This time on 48 minutes substitute David McCullum drilled a low shot into the corner from 20 yards. Once again City had given up a two goal lead.

As so often, a goal lifts a side and so it proved for Badshot Lea. For much of the second period they looked the more dangerous side.

A deft chip from Stef Joseph that was tipped over at full stretch almost put City back in front but largely the home side were on the back foot. The towering Callum Nimmo headed a corner straight at Antony Hall, and the City keeper pulled off a fine double save after Darren Blake was allowed to wriggle into the area.

It was in the 77th minute that City scored the all-important third goal. Ben Rayner’s curling cross was flicked on amidst a mass of bodies and Anthony Baker was on hand at the far post to tuck the ball home.

City celebrate their winning goal

Dayo Oshitola continued to pose City problems, but the home side had a great opportunity to calm jangling nerves when Liam Harwood put Jack Guilford clear one on one with Watson. Watson once again came out on top saving well with his legs.

On this occasion however City held on through some nervous minutes to claim the much needed points which hopefully will kick start their season.

Team: Antony Hall, Elvis Defreitas (George Baldwin 64), Bruce McPhail, Liam Harwood, Ray Guilford, Ben Rayner, Jordan Taylor, Jack Guilford, Anthony Baker, Khari Oriogun (Junior Alade 79), Navid Zandi (Stefan Joseph 45). Unused subs: Sam Spencer, Ryan Wallis.

Yellow card: Ray Guilford
Red card: Stefan Joseph

Referee: James Hurst

Attendance: – 80

Report and photos provided by Guildford City FC