Godalming Town 2 (0) v (0) 1 Dorking Wanderers B

This Boxing day fixture saw a great crowd of 284 at Wey Court, on a very misty, murky day, but they saw the Gs come away with all three points after an exciting game against the side in second place in the League.

Having had their fill of Christmas Fayre for a couple of hours, the crowd watched Santa’s little helpers in the form of Ryan O’Sullivan, who was back in goal, behind a back four comprising Ollie McAleese and Rob Parrott as the centre backs and Alex Afful and Jack Sherwood on the right and left respectively. In front of them was James Mariner. Cameron Edwin and Deji Adeosun in the boiler room positions, with new signing Will May leading the line in the number 9 shirt and Jonny Miller and Mark Soares the wide players. On the bench were Charlie Welch, Elroy Wealthyland, Conor Stillwell and two more new signings in Louis Lindsay and Cameron Gyeabour. Welcome to all the new lads.

It is sad that we saw Athan Smith-Joseph move on to a side at a higher level, but we all wish him well and our new signings will ensure we have a competitive squad.

The start of the game looked promising for the Gs, although they have not had a proper League game for several weeks and I could identify at least two of the Dorking B squad who were listed as Dorking First Team players.

Jonny Miller made his way down the left before hitting a low ball in to the box, where Will was on hand, but hit his shot just wide.

Then, a free kick was awarded to the Gs on their left. It was delivered in well from Mark Soares and Ollie McAleese got up well to it, but his header went off into the trees at the road end.

Ollie was then back in action, putting his body on the line, at the other end and took a well struck volley in the soft dangly bits, by the look of it. So, needed treatment from Steve who magically restored him after a few minutes of treatment. He is a tough cookie.

Another free kick for Mark Soares in almost the same place saw Rob Parrott get his head to the ball but could not quite get enough contact to steer the ball home.

Will May got in a decent attempt from beyond the edge of the penalty area, but too close to the Dorking keeper who was relatively comfortable in saving it.

Another great chance for the home side when Mark Soares again worked some magic before sliding the ball to his left, where Will had another chance that unfortunately came back off the corner of the upright and the crossbar.  Only moments later Mark got in a shot of his own, which bought a great save from the visiting keeper, who parried it away to safety.

Yet another free kick delivered in by Mark for Rob to get his head to, but could not keep the ball below the bar.

 0-0 at the halfway mark. But the Gs have had far more chances and should really be in front, but that is the way it goes.

No changes at half-time, but only minutes into the second half Jonny Miller got down the left touch line before swinging the ball in to where Will seemed to get a nudge on the ball and it bounced tantalisingly across towards the far post, where Cameron Edwin came steaming in to head the gentlest of headers to put the ball inside the post and open the score for the home side. So, at last the Gs were 1-0 up, and Cameron who always gives everything to help the squad, so deserves the goal.

Minutes later in a similar move from the left the Gs had the ball in the back of the net again, only for the linesman to flag for offside and rule it out.

Deji Adeosun had, had a total iron grip on the midfield, but I am sure when Mo called for him to be replaced by Conor Stillwell it was with a view to the next encounter on Saturday. What a luxury to have someone of Conor’s stance to replace him. Also coming on was Cameron Gyeabour to replace Will May, who had been very impressive in his first showing for the Gs.

The Gs had another chance from a Jonny Miller ball in, but the shot was stifled.

Then, with the Gs looking reasonably comfortable the Dorking side were awarded a penalty for an over strenuous challenge by Ollie McAleese, which they put away, despite Ryan getting down to his left well, to draw the score level.

Would the Gs be able to mount a response? We made plenty of chances, but scoring goals is another thing. That difficulty in scoring seemed to come back to haunt us again.

Jonny Miller came off to give Elroy Wealthyland the chance to stretch his legs again.

Dorking were now showing a bit more of a threat following the Gs substitutions.

Mark Soares also came off having had a terrific influence on the game, giving an opening for Louis Lindsay to make his debut.

There was then a poor tackle on Rob Parrott, coming forward in the search for the winner, from the visiting number 12 who was shown a yellow card for his efforts.

Then, with the clock ominously ticking down, the Gs won a free kick out near the corner flag on their right, which was beautifully flighted into the box by Louis Lindsay and it was James Mariner who climbed to powerfully head the ball home. It was only left for the Gs to defend the last few minutes before sending all the Gs supporters home for more festive cheer, with another three points in the bag in the fight for the play-off places.

With the team that we now have on paper there is no reason why we should not be able to achieve a play-off position in the League, if we take it one game at a time and all the players show the sort of commitment that they showed today.

It was a very encouraging performance from the whole sixteen of the Gs squad. They only have 48 hours to recover. Saturday’s game against Uckfield will give us another chance to add points, if the weather is obliging.

COYG’s