Banstead 1 (1) v (0) 1 Godalming

It was not lost upon the travelling Gs fans that this was the second draw in a row and bearing in mind our tendency to do so last season, there was a general air of disappointment at this result from the lads in the squad, after they had had by far the greater possession and territory for me, but could not hit the net when it counted.

The Gs line up saw Ryan O’Sullivan in goal, with Jack Sherwood, Rob Parrott, Ollie Mc Aleese and Jack Conroy at the back with Matt Cox moving forward to accompany (Captain) James Mariner and Athan Smith-Joseph.  James Mansfield at number 10 behind Cameron Edwin and Nana Afful up front. Good to see Ollie restored, but his left leg was still strapped up.

A strong bench with Ismaila Doumbia, Charlie Welch, Jonny Miller, Asa Goodsell and Jason Cotton.

All seemed to start quite well as the Gs pressed forward and James Mansfield got the first shot in, having won the ball in the midfield, but the home keeper was able to save his long range effort at full stretch.

The Gs had by far the most of the possession without creating more than one or two shots, which were blocked by defenders. Plenty of effort and several runs down the right side by Matt Cox although he seemed to be floored on a couple of occasions, which sometimes were given as free kicks. Sometimes not.

The Gs won a number of corners as a result of their pressure on the host’s goal, but could not conjure up any telling shots on target. But, as the Gs took another corner on their left after around 40 minutes of huffing and puffing the home side were able to clear the ball forward quickly to their pacey number 9 who got behind the Gs defence and while at full pace he hit a low hard shot below Ryan and into the net to put them one – nil up in what was their first shot on target, by my reckoning.

There was a nasty incident where Ollie received what appeared to be a high boot to his face, which I think brought a yellow card to Rob Parrott. Ollie received attention on field from Physio Steve before he was allowed to resume playing. No card shown for the high foot however, as far as I could see.

At half time clearly Mo and his team felt that they needed to shake things up a bit and Jack Sherwood and James Mansfield were replaced to allow Asa Goodsell and Jonny Miller to join the fray in a more attacking line up.  Matt Cox dropping back to right back. Jonny going to a position wide on the left, where he linked well with an overlapping Jack Conroy straight away.

A free kick from Banstead did seem to come very close to the Gs far post. But apart from that nothing much.

Jonny made a difference as he again managed to get Jack through with some simple well timed passes and returns. The Gs put together some decent attacking approaches that unfortunately fizzled out at the last minute. Asa showing his pace and tricky moves. But the final passes were not what we wanted.

Jonny got down to the touchline himself and delivered the ball in low but the ball was tantalisingly just beyond the reach of Cameron.

While a home player received some treatment on the pitch the ref invited the players to “Go for a drink if you needed one”. Years back that would have seen them head for the bar, but not in this modern era.

The Gs were awarded a free kick outside the penalty area and away to the left of the centre. The ball was played in well by Athan and it was Ollie who once again showed his skills with his head, deflecting the ball past the reach of the home keeper for the equaliser. Much to the relief of the Gs.

Jason Cotton came on to replace Nana upfront and ran at the defenders as we know he can. He then produced an overhead kick that sent the ball towards the far post where Jack Conroy was lurking, but unfortunately the bounce was not kind and he could not bring it under control.

It seems that the overhead kick was catching and Cam tried one moments later, but it went just wide of the upright. By this time the Gs were dominating play. Matt Cox stormed down the right and delivered a cross, but the home keeper was able to snaffle the ball.

Then, after a throw-in by Jack on the left, the ball went tantalisingly across the front of the goal where neither Cam nor Jason could quite extend their legs to touch it home.

Jason then went down and appeared to have done some damage and was replaced by Charlie Welch, another promising looking new signing for the Gs.

At the end the ball was bouncing around inside the Banstead penalty area, but the Gs players could not quite clinch all three points.

The referee, for me stole the show, with a great commentary to the players advising of his decisions as the game ebbed and flowed.  “Gentlemen – Nothing silly in the area.” “Not a chance.” “Relax , Relax.” Not too much whistle, allowing the game to be played with some fluency. Not that I agreed with all his decisions, but at least he was clear and I thanked him for that at the end.

On towards the 3G pitch at the Sussex FA HQ on Saturday, against Montpellier Villa searching for the first three points of the season.

COYG’s