Two Late Goals Sink Lively City

Published on: 15 Aug, 2024
Updated on: 15 Aug, 2024

City’s Darnell Jon-Peter (left) takes on a tackle.

Redhill (1) 3, Guildford City (1) 2

By Barry Underwood

Redhill, ante-post favourites for promotion this year, had to rely on two late goals at Kiln Brow to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.

A resurgent Guildford City side had led in the 85th minute and had deserved some reward for their hardworking performance.

Guildford, in fact, were the liveliest team at the start of the match; Darnell Jon-Peter and Manny Acheampong causing significant problems on the break.

Gradually the home side settled and started to dominate possession. Despite this, Guildford’s defence coped with the pressure and there were few alarms in City’s goalmouth.

But on 22 minutes City lost possession cheaply allowing Redhill to open the scoring; a low cross from the right being converted from eight yards.

For a spell City gave up possession too easily in their own half causing unnecessary pressure and on 35 minutes from a corner, Redhill saw a glancing header strike the crossbar before being cleared. Minutes later the home side saw a volley go wide.

In the first half, City’s main attacking threat was the long throw-ins from Darnell Jon-Peter. Most were gathered impressively by Redhill keeper Luke Roberts. But on 40 minutes Jon-Peter’s throw was flicked on by Tywon Gray, and following a scramble Ben Drake was able to convert from five yards. 1-1.

City defender Benji Gambrah

After a pep talk at the break City upped their game several notches after the interval. Almost immediately Acheampong’s cross zipped across the box just evading Jon-Peter.

Minutes later Guildford nudged ahead. Manny Acheampong’s header from Tobi Falodi’s free-kick deceived Roberts and the ball flew over his head and into the net. On the hour the visitors had a golden chance to score a third.

Again, Acheampong crossed low across the box and to his own disbelief Darnell Jon-Peter miscued his effort from eight yards.

Then, at the other end, great City defending closed down a clear chance, whilst at the other end from a Falodi free-kick, Acheampong forced Roberts into a brilliant save. Twice within minutes, Guildford conceded possession in their own half causing Jacob Terry to make saves.

But Guildford were creating the chances to win the game. On 82 minutes another quality Falodi free kick into the danger area caused chaos in defence with Joe Aitken taking a knock to the head for his troubles.

However, three minutes later Redhill equalised when a cross from the left was converted at close range. It didn’t stop City going forward. Isaac Collin’s shot was saved at full stretch, and into stoppage time Keoindre Ellis-Vassell crashed an effort against the crossbar.

It was backs to the wall in the final stages and heartbreaking for City. Redhill scored a winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Team: Jacob Terry, Tobi Falodi, Benji Gambrah (Isaac Collins 54), Ben Drake, Jake Brown, Joe Atkin, Alex Stingelin (Leevi Bassett 70), Malachai Cole (Mo Sabek 82), Darnell Jon-Peter (Keoindre Ellis- Vassell 78), Manny Acheampong (Tobi Shoyoye 82), Tywon Gray.

Referee: Daryl Ann

Attendance – 131

Listen to Ian Plested’s post-match interview with team manager Carl Taylor here:

Combined Counties Premier South 15.08.24

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