Guildford City Poised for New Season

Published on: 30 Jul, 2014
Updated on: 30 Jul, 2014

City's Pre-Season Friendly City’s Oriogun Scores.

Oriogun scores in City’s Pre-Season Friendly against Cobham.

Guildford City concluded their pre-season programme on Tuesday evening (July 29) with a 4-2 victory against Cobham.

Manager Kevin Rayner fielded his likely starting line-up for Saturday in the first half and goals from Sam Spencer (2), Khari Oriogun and Anthony Baker saw City go in at the interval with a comfortable lead.

For the second period Rayner fielded a much changed line up, and despite the loss of the first halves cohesive approach play, City still had several good goal scoring opportunities. Credit was due to Cobham who continually posed a threat, scoring two late goals.

Now City will head to Hanworth Villa’s Rectory Meadow on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) to embark upon their first Combined Counties season for three years after an all too brief spell in the Southern League.

Season 2014-15 promises to be a highly competitive; there is only one promotion spot available at the season’s end. Ashford Town and Chertsey Town have like us dropped down from the Southern League and will be keen to challenge for a quick return.

Camberley Town were runners-up last season and will be keen to go one step further, while Windsor are sure to challenge once again. Hartley Wintney showed last year what a good side they are by reaching the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, while Hanworth Villa, always a tough nut to crack on their own ground, won the CCL Cup. If both these sides can find their cup form in the league they will be very tough sides to beat.

Spelthorne come up to the Premier division this year having been undefeated in their league campaign last season and so won’t be lacking confidence. Similarly last year Westfield had an excellent first season in the Premier division and City anticipates a strong Championship bid from them this time round.

Cove can’t be overlooked and are another side that will be challenging. Both Epsom & Ewell and Molesey have good histories of playing football at a higher level. Epsom & Ewell play some cracking football on their day, while Molesey are overdue a promotion challenge.

In addition to the sides mentioned there is always one team that sneaks under the radar. Who will that club be this year? Colliers Wood or Raynes Park Vale perhaps? Whatever happens, City are promising an exciting season with plenty of goals, excitement and drama.

Report and photo kindly provided by Guildford City FC.