Godalming Town 3 (2) v (0) 1 Montpellier Villa
Another three points for the Gs in their push for promotion. Particularly good news as both Seaford and Dorking Wanderers B (above us in the table at the start of the game) lost their fixtures and that moved the Gs up a place to 3rd in the table. Not the greatest footballing performance we have seen this season, but another great result. Perhaps a little disappointing that we did not add a few more goals to the tally in the second half.
Ryan O’Sullivan was back in goal, with Alex Afful and Jack Sherwood also restored to the right and left back positions respectively alongside Rob Parrott and Ollie McAleese, the centre back pairing. Captain James Mariner in front of them, as usual, with Deji Adeosun in the boiler room and wide players Mark Soares and Louis Lindsay. Cameron Edwin playing in the number 10 shirt and Will May in the centre forward role.
Again, an impressively strong bench, comprised of Conor Stillwell, Deji Alabi, Shi Ndulior, James Mansfield and Jonny Miller.
The opening period saw the home side dominate play but, not being able to find the accuracy on their final ball, could not come up with any real shots to test the visiting keeper. It was only after 10 minutes that the visitors ventured forward and produced a shot that was blocked on the edge of the Gs area.
It was a cold, but sunny afternoon with a breeze blowing across the pitch from the golf course side, which made the spectators look for a spot in the sun. But, what is remarkable is that there was dust rising up from the surface of the pitch as the ball bounced and the players made contact. Not something you normally see at Wey Court until the Summer months.
Both Rob and Ollie went close with headers from set pieces.
With about 30 minutes played the Gs were seen working themselves into some good positions, without producing a final shot. Then Will latched on to a through ball and advanced towards the goal where, as the keeper came out, the ball clearly bobbled wildly as he came under the attention of two defenders and the chance was lost.
Next, almost the same situation occurred, only a minute or two later. We saw Will again advancing on the visitors goal. This time the keeper was able to block the shot, but Cameron was on hand to just dribble the ball into the goal to finally put the Gs in the lead 1 – 0.
Only 5 or 6 minutes later we saw the visitors defence only half clear the ball. From where it fell to Mark who advanced towards the Montpelier keeper and calmly put the ball away across him. Now 2 – 0 up.
Only the second attempt that I have recorded on the Gs goal ended with a half hit shot trickling towards Ryan.
So, at the half time break it was 2 – 0 to the Gs, after a comfortable first half.
No changes to the squad at the start of the second half and the Gs continued as they left off.
After a few minutes play the Gs won a free kick out on their right, which was delivered in well by Mark, but only partly cleared by Montpelier, only to be played back to where Mark again took possession and made room for himself to work his way across the face of the area, before cleverly slotting the ball home. This put the Gs 3 -0 up.
Although the Gs had come under little pressure, the visitors managed a good counter attack down their left wing and managed to deliver a low hard cross in behind the Gs defenders and the ball was deflected into the goal, which gave them a goal, albeit not scored by them.
Mo and Jack then made some changes, bringing on Conor Stillwell and James Mansfield to replace Mazza and Louis.
Three more changes to the Gs followed with Cameron, Will and Mark all coming off to save them for another day, in favour of Shi, Deji Alabi and Jonny.
Shi had a shot from just outside the area on the volley that just flew over the bar.
The second half was a bit flat for me after we went 3-0 up without a realistic shot on goal from the opposition to test Ryan.
Shi had another chance where the Montpelier Villa keeper was able to snaffle the ball away from him in the dying minutes.
The brightest spark of the afternoon was the demonstration of the new LED flood lights. Turned on for a few moments after two years of fund raising and hard work. They were finally in working order. Great to see. So, the Reigate encounter on Tuesday 25th March can go ahead at home after all.
Great to see so many families at the game and it would be great to see them all again at the upcoming fixtures. Hope that they all enjoyed it.
On to next week again at home this time to Infinty FC. We are closing in on that target. Keep winning games, that is all we need to do.
COYG’s