Godalming Town 1 (0) v (0) 0 Mile Oak

The Gs finally took the three points, that they so richly deserved, in the dying minutes of this encounter. Another great effort from all the lads, who entertained the significant crowd and in the second half were just battering their guests.

Before the game there was a ceremony to unveil a memorial seat for Pete Ayling who had been a stalwart supporter, officer and committee member known to so many at Wey Court.

After the tremendous effort from the lads on Tuesday night at Billingshurst the question was, could we push on in the League.

Although several regulars were not available, including Athan Smith-Joseph,  Matt Cox, Deji Alabi, and Elroy Wealthyland it was a  strong squad.  Jack Sherwood was back from injury, as was James Mariner, so both were named on the bench. They were alongside newcomer Mark Soares (who impressed on Tuesday), Darren Xavier and Bradley Fangas.

Ryan O’Sullivan was back in goal behind a back four comprising Ollie McAleese and Rob Parrott as the centre backs and Shi Ndiulor and Alex Afful left and right back respectively.

Deji Adeuson, who also impressed on Tuesday night, sitting in front of them with Conor Stillwell and James Mansfield in the middle. The wide players were Jonny Miller and Charlie Welch with Cameron Edwin back in the number nine shirt.

The game got underway and the Gs made some good approaches down their left in the first ten minutes before the first proper attempt came from the visitors causing Ryan to dive to his right, very smartly to push away a shot by his near post. It turned out to be the  last proper shot on target for them throughout the game. That led captain Ollie to demand that the Gs sharpen up.

They did, and minutes later they went down the left side again and the move ended with Cam getting in a shot from a very tight angle, that the Mile Oak keeper could only get a hand to and, as the ball spun away, it rolled tantalisingly close to the far post, before it curled away enough to clear the goal and the visitors were able to breath a sigh of relief and clear the danger.

It was another game with plenty of strong tackles coming in from both sides, resulting in plenty of free kicks.

The Gs repeated their assault down the left with some great inter-passing between Cameron, James and Jonny, but unfortunately the attack broke down in the penalty area and the danger was cleared again.

 Jonny put in a run down the left before hitting the ball low and hard into the 6-yard box where Cam came close to converting, but the visiting keeper went down bravely to stifle the shot and received some treatment on the pitch for his troubles.

So, the score remained at 0 -0 at half time, despite once again the Gs having more territory and possession. Just that pesky final third.

The Gs continued to pressure their guests and started to compress the play in their half. Plenty of good approach play, but with no reward. Brave defending and blocking of shots thwarting the home side. Ollie got up well for a corner, but could not direct his header goalwards.

After almost 20 minutes of the second half Mo and his team made a couple of changes bringing on Bradley Fangas and Mark Soares to replace Cam and Charlie who came off to much applause.

Deji was also replaced five or ten minutes later for James Mariner to come on.

Mark delivered a good ball in to the far post and again the visiting keeper had to be treated for bravely putting his body on the line yet again to stop another Gs attempt.

Mark was again looking dangerous, getting a good ball in that was only part cleared ,as far as ,to Jonny, but his shot went over the bar as he was falling backwards. More Gs pressure resulted.

James Mansfield was also working his magic and manufactured a good shot that was again blocked by a defender, before trickling through to the keeper. The dreaded draw scenario was rearing its head again as the Gs were dominating the visitors, but were struggling to break down their stern resistance.

Again James manufactured a good chance that he hit hard at chest height. The Mile Oak keeper could not hold it cleanly and he was relieved to see the ball go round the near post for a corner.

I don’t believe that Ryan saw a single serious shot in the second half at all. The Gs just kept battering at the visitors goal, but their defence on the edge of the penalty area held out.

Final change for the Gs saw Jack Sherwood make his appearance at left back, for Conor Stillwell who had had another impressive game with great energy and well timed tackles. The instructions to Shi were to get up alongside Bradley.

Again Ollie went close at the far post when Jack made a strong run down the left and delivered a diagonal ball in. Again last ditch defending saw the ball go round for a couple more corners.

 In a similar attack Jack made another of his runs before lofting the ball in to the area where the Mile Oak keeper came to catch it, but Shi was just too quick, getting a slight, but significant touch on the ball to clear the keeper and the ball was in the net, finally putting the home side ahead. That went down well with the squad and the home fans.

There was no point the visitors continuing to defend. They tried to make a quick break, but the Gs defence was up to it. Finally getting the result they were working hard for.

A lot of relief at taking another three points and great to see the smiles on the lads faces as they made their usual walk along the touchline and shook hands with and thanked the Gs faithful. We have a really strong squad now and great adaptability amongst them.

Lets get behind them again next Saturday. It’s Chessington and Hook away. If you want to see full blooded football with no little skill and excitement, rather than 50% of the game going backwards come along and see the games.

COYG’s