Seaford 2 (0) v (0) 0 Godalming Town

The Gs run of 14 games unbeaten, in the League (if I have counted them correctly), came to an end  on a very cold day and a very slippery pitch at top of the table Seaford Town. In fairness the home side had the edge in my mind, on the day dealing, with the conditions a little better and probably getting the better of the official’s decisions on the day. But that is the way that football goes sometimes and we have to get on with it. Small margins make a big differences and the home side were pushed throughout the game.

The home side would obviously be looking to avenge their defeat at Wey Court earlier in the season, when it seemed that they might win the League at a canter.

It was a miserable looking, overcast and rainy outlook as we set off for the longest away trip in the current season. We had expected a pitch inspection, in view of the amount of rainfall recently, and to be honest if the game had been postponed it would have meant a trip on a Tuesday evening, which nobody really wanted. So when we heard it was on, there was some relief. At least, mercifully, the rain did abate as we came nearer to Seaford.

With Will May still suspended and Louis Lindsay not present, it was Ryan O’Sullivan in goal, behind a back four comprising Ollie McAleese and Rob Parrott as the centre back pairing and Alex Affull and Jack Sherwood as the right and left backs respectively. In front of them was a restored James Mariner with Conor Stillwell and Deji Adeosun wearing the number 10 shirt. Cameron Edwin was back upfront leading the line with Deji Alabi and Mark Soares as the wide players, both of whom had, had outstanding games recently.

That left a very impressive bench, which comprised of Jonny Miller, Elroy Wealthyland, Shiloh Ndiulor, James Mansfield and Malik Shittu.

As the game got under way, it was all pretty even, without either side being able to create any clear scoring chances. Then the home side were awarded a free kick only just outside the Gs penalty area when Rob was adjudged to handle the ball as he jumped to head clear. From what I saw, Rob failed to make contact with his head and the ball hit his shoulder. Just one of those decisions that can influence the result. Fortunately the free kick was blasted, but the ball bounced clear from a well positioned defensive wall that stood firm. That must have stung someone.

The Gs then had a decent shout for a penalty at the other end of the pitch. Waved away by the man in black.

By now the pitch was showing how slippery it was with numerous players struggling to keep their feet.

Seaford making most of their attacks down their right, playing away from the clubhouse and at the bottom of the slope that runs across the pitch. The Gs defence was up to it and snuffed out most crosses.

There were some tough tackles flying in from both sides, and on the greasy pitch, things were getting a bit touchy amongst the players. Conor was yellow carded for one such tackle, while a home player in the same incident and who lashed out, was allowed to walk away.

Probably the first shot on target for the Gs did not come until a few minutes from the interval through Conor Stilwell, but he did not get the best of contacts and it did not really trouble the home keeper.

Ryan’s main test came when he had to tip a ball over the bar from a heavily deflected cross.

Then there was a really bad looking tackle on Mark Soares inside the centre circle, when he seemed to get an elbow in the back of his head.  The referee gave a free kick, but it sparked a bit of tension amongst the players. Gs again perhaps not getting the decisions they were hoping for.

0 – 0 at half time and not much between the sides, although I think the home side might just have shaded the first half in territory and attempts, but nothing on target to worry Ryan.

There appeared to be some nonsense as the Gs tried to get into their dressing room, but I was at the opposite end of the stand and so cannot give any details, but  heard some raised voices and someone being told  to “get back in the Kitchen” several times.

The second half seemed to get going quite well with the Gs starting to play some one touch passing football, which we have seen in recent encounters.

From a long ball out of defence by the home side, Ryan was called upon to put his foot on the gas to clear the trouble. There was always a threat from their wide players, when the home side played diagonal balls out of defence.

A few times we saw the flag raised for off sides against the Gs, which none of us on the stand side could fathom. There were some good opportunities created by the Gs on both flanks, but no clear chances were created.

Ryan was called upon to clear in one spate twice, by punching from a corner on the first, then from the return ball into his area, before the final shot was delivered straight at him.

Then, as a home player cut into the box on a breakaway, he was engaging with Ollie McAleese and appeared to have Ollie round the neck before, in shaking him off, Ollie appeared to drag him down and the referee gave his decision to the home side. Penalty. Seaford one up now after a well taken penalty hit hard to Ryan’s right.

Another yellow to Seaford for a dodgy tackle. A Gs attack down their right saw some good passing before Rob tried a powerful shot from a wide angle that went over the bar. The Gs management started making changes and brought Jonny Mller on for Deji Alabi and Shiloh for Alex.

Then as Seaford attacked down their left, I thought that Conor was fouled, but nothing again was given. This allowed the attack to continue from which an initial shot was blocked by a defender, but unfortunately the ball went straight to a home player who was able to easily convert for the Seaford second goal. That pretty well put the result beyond the Gs reach and by the way the home side celebrated you could hear what it meant to them.

Captain Mazza came off for James Mansfield to stretch his legs in the middle of the park. Jack Sherwood also made way for Malik Shittu.

Cameron as always was giving it his all and his energy won a corner for the Gs on their right, which Mark Soares delivered well towards the back post and though Rob got his head to it, his attempt went wide. Ollie was lined up to go for it as well, but that is the way it goes sometimes.

The final substitution came when Deji Aduoson made way for Elroy Wealthyland. Cam then picked up a yellow card for a tackle chasing back in defence.

No doubt a big disappointment for the Gs, but they will come back I am sure against Forest Row next week. COYGs