Guildford City FC finally, at the sixth time of asking, gained a much need league victory against Badshot Lea that will restore some much needed confidence to a side who have undoubted ability, but also the propensity to switch off for periods of a match. For the third time this season City took a two goal lead, playing some delightful football in the process. An uncharacteristic Antony Hall error 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 home side started the game brightly and it was quickly apparent that University of Surrey student, Navid Zandi, would have an influence on the game with his wing play. 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. 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 double the lead, however, this time Matt Watson in the visitor’s goal was equal to the task, saving with his legs. A second goal wasn’t far away though. On 27 minutes Jack Guilford successfully chased a lost cause wide on the left, before cutting inside and squaring to the on-rushing Navid Zandi who thundered the ball into the roof of the net.
Unfortunately, five minutes before the interval, Guildford characteristically conceded a goal and let Badshot back in the game. Antony Hall looked to have the ball safely in his hands but after taking his eye off it for a second, it spun out of his grasp for opposition player, Dayo Oshitola to nod the ball home from close range.
HALF-TIME: Guildford City 2 (Guilford, Zandi) – Badshot Lea 1 (Oshitola)
City’s weakness of conceding goals early in the second half came to the fore once again. This time, substitute David McCullum drilled a low shot into the corner from 20 yards after 48 minutes, meaning City had once again given up a two goal lead. And as is so often the case with an equalising goal, it lifted the opposition and so Badshot Lea looked the more dangerous side for the majority of the rest of the half.
A deft chip from City player, Stef Joseph was tipped over, 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. However, on 77 minutes, Guildford netted the all-important third goal when Ben Rayner’s curling cross was flicked on amidst a mass of bodies, leaving Anthony Baker free at the far post to tuck the ball home.
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 on goal. Once again, Watson came out on top though, saving well with his legs and on this occasion City held on 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
Barry Underwood