Godalming Town 1 (0) v (0) 0 Billingshurst
An encouraging performance by Godalming saw Billingshurst, in 2nd place in the league prior to this game, leave Weycourt with a 1-0 defeat behind them, just as leaders Seaford did a few weeks ago. Before the game got underway the Club, players and supporters marked a minute’s silence in memory of Matt Freeston and Eddie Russell who passed away recently.
The starting lineup for the Gees saw Ryan O’Sullivan in goal. In the outfield the Management went with a back four of Nana Afful, Rob Parrott, Ollie McAleese and Jack Sherwood. Shiloh Ndiulor, James Mariner (Captain), Elroy Wealthyland and Jonny Miller took the midfield berths while Cameron Edwin and Athan Smith Joseph the forward slots. Bench duty was shared between James Mansfield, Conor Stillwell and Malik Shittu. It took a few moments to take it all in as the game started, with Rob restored to centre back, Shi playing further forward than we are used to, and Nana, who having appeared on the left side in midweek, being back on the right. Our squad is nothing if not versatile.
A bright start from the home side as Athan set off toward the goal but was unable to get in a shot in before being tackled. Athan’s next contribution was to find Shi, Shi crossed, and Cam got his head to the ball which went the wrong side of the post. The move was repeated minutes later and bad luck dogged Cam again as his header this time hit the bar. Except for one early shot we hadn’t seen the visitors feature in the game until they won a corner with over 15 minutes gone, Ryan punched the ball safely away. Jack Sherwood set up Athan for another effort which rebounded from a defender and an admittedly weak shout for a penalty for handball was turned down after Jack, Jonny and Athan had combined to create another chance. Despite some decent build up the 1st Gees corner didn’t arrive until the 36th minute, Athan swung the ball over and Cam was underneath it but was penalized, probably for invading the keeper’s personal space. Jack was victim of a challenge that saw the game’s 1st yellow card and Jonny found space for a shot at goal which the keeper was lined up to gather. That dreaded 0-0 scoreline as the half time whistle blew but the applause for the Lad’s efforts as they left the field showed they had put in a good 45-minute shift.
The same 11 returned for the 2nd half and Shi won an early corner on our right. Cam went over to take, appeared to think better of it as Jonny Miller came across instead. Cam had set the ball in motion though and for the cheek of the move Jonny’s pick up and cross deserved a better result. Cam was involved back at the other end shortly afterwards as he cleared Billinghurst’s 2nd corner of the game from under our bar. Billingshurst’s No.1 and then a defender both managed to nick balls away from the feet of Elroy and then Athan at crucial times. Shi picked up a caution for not retreating at a free kick and on 60 minutes gave way to Conor Stillwell. Cam pounced on a Billingshurst goal kick and fed the ball wide out to Elroy, despite there being several yellow shirts in the box (and we aren’t always able to say that) none were able to capitalize on a good ball in.
Conor was bundled over and needed the attention of Steve ‘Phiz’ before he could return, not so fortunate was Jack who came down from a challenge and dislocated his shoulder as he hit the ground, Steve was called on again to perform his ‘magic’ but it was game over for Jack and Malik Shittu replaced him at left back. Speedy return Jack.
20 minutes to go and Athan and Jonny lined up to take a free kick just outside the area awarded for the upending of Elroy. Athan’s took it and Ollie, on the far post, got his head to the ball only for it to go over the bar. With 78 minutes gone Rob played the ball to Cam who found Elroy lurking close to the right touchline, advancing toward the goal line he put over a high cross. The cross dropped down under the bar and with Conor present on the far post the Billingshurst keeper struggled with the flight of the ball. In short, the ball was in the net and with it a 1st goal for the club for Elroy Weathyland.
From here on until the final whistle, and pretty much as these situations always pan out, we saw Billingshurst come back at us. I shall dare commit this to print, for fear of being proved terribly, terribly, wrong in the weeks to come, but our side has ridden that late storm recently and we haven’t seen the nightmare of conceding the ‘injury time winner/equalizer’ for a while now. So it was for this game, and a particular mention to Malik and Rob who interceded to break up two Billingshurst efforts in the closing minutes. We still weren’t done at the other end though as James Mansfield, on for Mazza on 80 minutes, found the Billinghurst keeper stranded out of his box but wasn’t with clear sight of goal to lob the ball back over his head. A 2nd yellow card for Billingshurst for a challenge on Conor in their half reinforced that the last few minutes weren’t all one-way traffic. The final whistle blew, 1-0 Gees.
In summary then, we didn’t get the goals some of our play warranted, but we got, and deserved, all 3 points and next we move on to Reigate Priory, away, 3.00pm, Saturday 9th, to be played at Horley Town FC.
COYG’s