Arundel 2 (2) v (0) 0 Godalming

The Gs suffered their first defeat of this season’s League campaign to a good, strong and physical Arundel team who, on the day, were the better side. But it has to be said that the Gs were never out of the game despite that they were without three of the stalwart “big” players in the squad  Rob Parrott, James Mariner and Cameron Edwin.

So, the Captain’s armband went to the ever young Ollie McAleese playing alongside his centre back partner of the day Jack Sherwood with Matt Cox on the right and a new face in Malik Shittu on the left of a back four. Ryan O’Sullivan was in between the posts. Conor Stilwell and Athan Smith-Joseph in the middle. Alexander Afful wide on the left with Jonny Miller on the right with Asa Goodsell in the number 10 position supporting Deji Alabi in the number 9 shirt who seems to have slotted into the side well. On the bench were Jason Cotton, James Mansfield, Elroy Wealthyland, newbie Bradley Fangas and James Mariner (but not expecting to play).

After what looked like a very promising start for the Gs with some good passing movements in the opening 7-8 minutes on a great looking pitch which must be te prettiest in the League.

Then the Gs went behind after a poorly judged back pass to Ryan opened the door for the home side, who said “thank you very much” and slotted the ball into the net. The Gs 1-0 down inside the first ten minutes.

We saw more good approach play from the lads, but they could not find the final pass or shot to convert.

On around 30 minutes Jonny Miller worked his way in from the right before unleashing a good left footed attempt, but this time unfortunately he could not find the net.

More good play from the Gs saw Conor getting forward and unleashing a shot as the home defence attempted to clear a period of Gs pressure. Unfortunately it went over the top.

The home side created some good opportunities without too much to worry the Gs, but Ryan did have to make a good stop one on one against a home forward.

Just before half time their pressure saw the Gs able only to clear the ball for a corner. Without the aerial abilities of our “big“ 3 players these were likely to be a problem and the home team worked a corner to in front of the near post and one of their guys got in front of his marker and glanced the ball goalwards beyond Ryan.

So, the Gs went in 2 -0 down. But, in chatting with the travelling Gs supporters we all felt that it had been a pretty even affair as far as territory and possession was concerned. The home side took their chances well and had defended strongly against the Gs who just could not find the final pass or shot, when required.

 No changes to the squad at the start of the second half.

Deji was getting more of the ball and made a nuisance of himself among the Arundel defence with some tricky play and quick feet. He got to the goal line and pulled the ball low across the goal. Unfortunately Nana was unable to turn the ball in from just beyond the far post.

Gs made their first substitution bringing on Elroy for Malik, who I think took a knock in the first half.

Twenty five minutes in to the second half there was a strange incident where the home keeper kicked the ball into the face of one of his teammates at close range flooring him. During this break in the action James Mansfield and Jason Cotton came on in lieu of Nana and Asa.

Not long after Bradley Fangas made his debut appearance for the Gs in place of Athan.

The Gs  were still going for it and Matt Cox was getting down the right more and delivered well to see Deji get in a glancing header, but he could not quite keep it down enough and saw it just clear the bar.

Then Deji found a way past his marker again and got into the area where he hit a good shot from fairly close range and at an angle. The home keeper pushed the shot away and the other Gs forwards could not prosper from it.

The home side were awarded a free kick wide of the Gs area which was curled around the Gs two man defensive wall and it brought a good save from Ryan as he dived to push it around.

The referee blew for the end of the game and clearly it was a disappointing result for the lads.

They are back in action at Horsham YMCA RH13 5BP on Tuesday  7.30pm kick off in the Peter Bentley Cup action.

COYG’s