Young City Lose Out to Experience

Published on: 20 Aug, 2023
Updated on: 20 Aug, 2023

Alton (2) 3, Guildford City (2) 2

By Barry Underwood

With both sides having been knocked out of the FA Cup the opportunity was taken to bring forward our league cup tie against Alton rather than waste a Saturday.

Off of the back of two opening league wins Guildford’s young side went into this game with an air of confidence. But it was the more experienced Alton side who had the better chances and eventually deserved their victory.

For all that the scores were level at the break. Manny Acheampong wouldn’t be shaken off the ball on 12 minutes and he thumped the ball home from eight yards.

It took only minutes for Alton to equalise courtesy of a lone range strike from Owen Lumsden; a shot that seemed to catch keeper Adam Longman by surprise who soon made amends with a fine save.

But on 27 minutes Longman couldn’t stop George Bowerman firing Alton ahead. This time it was for Guildford to quickly respond.

A loose ball came out of the box and Ethan Cassie on his full debut shot home superbly from 20 yards.

What proved to be Alton’s match-winner came two minutes after the break. From a corner City’s defence was caught cold and George Bowerman headed home unimpeded. Guildford worked hard but couldn’t exert the pressure they had managed in recent games.

On the hour Adam Longman saved well with his legs, whilst shortly after he made a flying save to keep the visitors in the game.

Late in the game Alton hit the woodwork at the back of the goal, followed minutes later by Longman saving well from an angle.

In stoppage time the Red Arrows flew past Anstey Park but it wasn’t a celebratory flypast for Guildford City. City played some good football which was appreciated by their travelling support. But on this occasion, the stronger and more experienced side won out.

Team: Adam Longman, George Fox, Callum Sullivan (Jack Cleevely 80) Tolu Ajayi-Obe, James Glover, Louis Lindsay (Owen Tanner 61), Ethan Cassie (Josh Di Palma 65), Jack Knight, Will May, Mike Coppinger, Manny Acheampong.

Referee: Daniel Trout