Reigate Priory 1 (0) v (0) 1 Godalming Town
Having missed the encounter with Billingshurst last week, where we came away with all three points against the team in second place, I hoped that the Gs would be able to do so again against the Reigate side who were in 17th place. But we all know it is not as easy as that.
This was our first trip to the Horley Town F C ground, where the Priory team play, and on arrival, we could see that there were a few regulars not present in the squad. Matt Cox, Deji Alabi, James Mariner and Jack Sherwood all injured, although Deji and Jack were both at the game. Shiloh Ndiulor on a suspension and Conor Stillwell with an injury, on the bench, but not expecting to play.
So, it was Ryan O Sullivan in goal behind a back four of Alex Afful, Rob Parrott, Ollie McAleese and Malik Shittu. Cameron Edwin dropping back to in front of them. We are fortunate that he is such an adaptable player. Elroy Wealthyland and James Mansfield in the middle with Jonny Miller and Shi O’Connor the wide players and Athan Smith-Joseph taking on the number nine shirt.
Apart from Conor, on the bench were Darren Xavier, Charlie Welch, Ollie Ballam and Bradley Fangas.
Remembrance Day was marked before kick off in respectful silence by both sides remembering those who lost their lives in the service of their country. The Gs wearing black armbands on their yellow shirts.
For once the Gs did not really start well for me. They seemed a bit slower to the ball than the home side. Athan did get in a good low shot from outside the area that was deflected around for a corner by a defender after about 10 minutes of play.
Then, seventeen minutes in, we saw the referee give a free kick to the home side (the wrong way in my book) around the halfway line. The ball was launched high towards the Gs goal, but Ryan seemed to have it covered, as he called for the ball, and, as he went up, the ball seemed to go through his hands leaving the home forwards an easy gift of a first goal, tapped in from close range.
Soon after, there seemed to be another piece of indecision at the back for the Gs, when a home forward found himself one on one with Ryan, but ended up shooting across the goal and hitting the far post before the Gs managed to finally clear up.
At the other end Jonny Miller picked up a part clearance, but his shot went a little high.
After a good build up down the Gs right flank, Shi O’ Connor was able to deliver the ball in. James Mansfield got his head to the ball, but could not generate enough power to beat the keeper.
At the break it was still 1-0 to the Priory.
The home side’s defenders were handing out some strong challenges to James Mansfield and after one of these, James delivered the ensuing kick into the box, where Rob Parrott had made a powerful run, stooping under the attentions of a defender, he managed to get enough of his head onto the ball to steer it clear of the home keeper to finally get the leveller for the Gs.
This seemed to settle the Gs well and from then on they dominated the second half.
We saw the best attack from the Gs for a long time, starting at the back with Ollie McAleese moving the ball down the Gs left, via many different players ,before it was delivered to Athan in the middle who made a great run and put the ball away with aplomb. Great to see such passing football from the lads. It deserved a goal. Unfortunately the joy of scoring was short lived, when the linesman’s flag went up for an offside.
Shi O’Connor was replaced by Conor Stillwell to strengthen the Gs midfield with his energy, strong running and strong tackling. That allowed Cameron to move forward from his deeper position to be the target man and Athan to drop into the number ten position.
This was the Gs well in the ascendancy. They moved the ball down the middle, and Athan, so strong with the ball at his feet, went past defenders and rounded the home keeper. Surely we were going to go into the lead? Somehow Athan’s attempt to put the ball in, was lifted onto the crossbar and the ball bounced out again.
Then James Mansfield (who certainly deserved his start today) was replaced by Charlie Welch who made an instant impact going down the right before playing the ball in to Athan, who unfortunately this time hit the ball over the bar.
Jonny Miller was replaced, to bring Bradley Fangas on upfront in the middle alongside Cam.
Some more mayhem within the Priory penalty area where various Gs players tried, but failed to get foot to ball with sufficient accuracy to settle the game for the Gs.
Ollie McAleese then made a comment to the lino and was sent to the sin bin with about 5 minutes to go.
Despite being a man down the Gs kept pushing for the winner, but despite their dominance they just could not find it.
So, I am afraid it was yet another draw and effectively 2 points dropped. But the Gs are now in seventh place in the League.
A very much better second half than the first from the lads,through no lack of commitment and the home side got nowhere near Ryan’s goal in the second.
Off to Billingshurst Jubilee Fields RH14 9HZ on Tuesday night for the Division 1 Challenge Cup, 7.45pm kick Off. I am sure that the goals will come.
GOYG’s