East Preston 1 (1) v (1) 2 Godalming Town
What joy to be able to report that the Gs have finally broken the draw bogey and, for once, after dominating the game throughout large periods of time, came away with all three points.
It was a Sunday fixture as part of the “Groundhopper” days promotion that apparently will mean that all the teams in the League will be able to host and hopefully benefit from.
Despite being short of several of the regulars such as Rob Parrott, Jack Sherwood and Conor Stillwell the lads did the job, which pushed the Gs up to 9th place in the League, just 10 points behind the leaders Seaford and 3 points from the potential play off places.
It was another changed set up with Ryan O’Sullivan in goal and a back four in front of him comprising Matt Cox, Ollie McAleese, Shi Ndiulor and Malik Shittu with James Mariner in front.
Elroy Wealthyland in the middle with Athan Smith-Joseph in the number 10, Cameron Edwin up front in the number nine shirt. Jonny Miller and Deji Alabi the wide players. On the bench James Mansfield, Alex Afful, Charlie Welch and Darren Xavier.
As always the Gs started well and pressed their hosts in the opening minutes putting them under pressure from the off. Then, about 8-9 minutes in, Athan was on the left of the goal when he hit a stonker of a shot from well outside the home penalty area that clattered against the underside of the bar and went in. A great start to the game for the Gs and a bit of a shock for the home side. That’s something we have missed recently.
Soon after Athan was taken down and the ref awarded a free kick just outside the home area, which Athan took, but the home keeper managed to catch and clear this time.
Jonny Miller delivered a good corner in to the far post that the home keeper could only punch out for a corner.
The first attempt on the Gs goal then came with a poor shot that trickled towards Ryan and he easily dealt with it.
The Gs seem to be trying to get the ball forward quickly and the tactic seemed to be working.
Then, when East Preston were awarded a fairly innocuous free kick out on their right, near the touch line, they delivered the ball in and Ryan called for it. But it seems that either he misjudged it, or a home forward got a slight touch on it, to deflect the ball past him. That drew the scores level after a bit more than half an hours play. Only the second attempt that the home side had mustered.
Matt Cox was pinged for a tackle on the edge of the area as he was judged to have fouled his opposite winger. The ref pointed to the spot. Ryan got down to it well and pushed the ball clear and the taker could not find the target with his second attempt as the ball ran loose.
At the other end the Gs had several corners, one of which Mazza got up well for, but his attempt went just wide.
The Gs had a couple of decent shouts for penalties of their own, for tackles on Athan, that were waved away by the ref.
Cameron chased down a good through ball to find himself one on one with the keeper. I think we all expected him to hit a shot, but instead he got driven wide and when he looked to play the ball inside there was no support, so the chance was lost.
Just before the half time break there was a rather late tackle from the home number 10 on Mazza as he was clearing the ball.
At half time once again I reported that the Gs had had far more possession, territory and attempts on target. But, they were once again drawing 1-1.
Following the restart both Elroy and Malik found themselves driving forward and having shots, but neither really got the best of contacts, but it showed the right intent.
Coxy went down and was clearly in trouble and with no Steve at the game we borrowed the home sides physio before it was determined that he would not make it. Sad to see him being helped off as he has been playing some of his most impressive football lately. Alex Afful came on to replace him.
The Gs kept attacking and Jonny Miller went down the left and put the ball across the face of the goal and I think may have hit an upright, but more importantly it also missed Cameron who was in the 6-yard box.
In a rare attack from the home side, Malik came to the rescue on the edge of the Gs area with a dramatic kick to clear, which was a little too close for comfort to the G’s goal.
As the Gs broke up a home attack the athletic Shi showed his skill moving forward at pace as he played the ball forward for Jonny to collect before he found himself face to face with the keeper, who made a reasonably comfortable save as Jonny tried to pick his spot.
Again, Jonny delivered the ball across the face of the opposition goal from the left without any Gs being able to get the final nudge to push the ball over the line.
Third time lucky, Jonny delivered at around head height, but this time it was Cam who was there to meet it, and head home from the 6 yard box to give the Gs the lead again. So pleased for Cam to get on the score sheet. Hopefully more will follow. He gives 110% every time.
Not long after, the Gs built another good attack from the back, which ended up out on the Gs right where Cam battled to get past defenders before he delivered a powerful shot that went just wide of the mark.
Cam was brought down on the edge of the area and the home defender was shown a red card as the last man. Jonny’ s attempt from the free kick, hit the wall and unfortunately the lads could make no more of it.
Jonny was replaced after receiving attention on the pitch. James Mansfield replacing him.
Another yellow card shown to the home side and to be honest there have been an awful lot of free kicks against them.
Malik took the ball forward and made good ground before playing the ball through to Deji who delivered another powerful shot that just cleared the crossbar. Shortly after Deji seemed to be struggling and was replaced by Charlie who went into the midfield to bolster things up.
There were a few attempts to mount attacks on the Gs goal, but nothing seriously worried Ryan.
So, we all left feeling rather relieved and pleased.
So many good performances throughout the team, who I am sure enjoyed the result. Great to see. Oli at the back, clearing up the danger when needed as always. Shi for me was outstanding with his pace, energy and ball control throughout the encounter.
Athan had a super game as well in the middle and the threat he brings, with his close play, getting past people and shooting is great.
Jonny, Deji and Cam must all have many more goals in them and if the midfielders chip in with a few goals, we could be moving back up the table soon.
Next up a cup adventure to Tadley Caleva on Tuesday night, before Billingshurst at home on Saturday.
COYG’s