Oakwood 0 (0) v (2) 3 Godalming Town

After a disappointing result against East Preston last week, the Gs came back in the best possible way with an impressive performance where they created so many chances in the first half that they should have been out of sight after the first 45 minutes. But, the home side were not really in it today, which meant that the lads came away with another three points, another clean sheet and closing in on those sides just above them (Seaford and Forest Row) who both failed to pick up any points.

The sun was shining on us as we travelled to Oakwood FC and as we arrived it seemed clear that returning fans favourite Ross Cheek, was going to be part of the starting eleven, after his short re-appearance last week. We learned from Mo that Jonny Miller had not recovered from his injury from last week and nor had Conor Stillwell. So, with no Rob Parrott, Ollie McAleese or Louis Lindsay available and Cameron Edwin still suspended, we were unusually with only two on the bench. Would we be strong enough to do the job?

We saw Ryan O Sullivan in goal and Alex Afful and Jack Sherwood restored as the fullbacks with young Ben Smith (from the under 23’s) making his debut, coming into the back line to partner Shi Ndiulor as the centre back pairing. James Mariner, as captain, in front of them. Deji Adeosun the midfield general, and Mark Soares in the number ten position. Will May up front and Ross Cheek wide one side with Deji Alabi on the other.  James Mansfield and Elroy Wealthyland were the two on the bench.

In the first few minutes we saw a great build-up, down the G’s left flank, as they were playing down the slope, and as the ball was played in from the left, it found Deji Alabi coming in off the right flank to beat the Oakwood defenders to the ball, before he advanced on the keeper and put in a powerful shot. Unfortunately it sizzled just over the bar when the Gs should have been one up, in my opinion.

Deji Alabi was proving to be a thorn in the home sides defence. In the next two minutes Nana went down the right wing before linking with Deji coming into the area and pulling the ball low across the goal face before the defenders were able to bundle it clear.

Mark produced some dazzling footwork to move down the left again, before the ball was cleared for a corner.

 Oakwood took a long range shot that went fairly wide of the goal. Soon after Ryan had to be alert again to block a shot with his foot behind him after a bit of confusion inside the Gs box.

At the other end Mark worked his way through some defenders before he produced a great shot that the home keeper had to stretch full length to get his hand to, to push the ball away.

Mazza played a long ball forward, which the home defender was caught in two minds about and Ross Cheek was able to nick the ball and advance on the home keeper, but his shot had too much power and rather like Deji’s it went slightly wide.

Jack Sherwood got in on the act with a good run and won a corner.  From that Mark swung in a great delivery and as the ball dropped Shi did a clever flick of the ball behind him, towards the goal, before Deji Alabi was able to help it on its way into the net, to finally open the scoring. Much deserved after so much pressure.

Some six minutes later Ross and Mark combined well, just outside the area, but the final attempt was blocked, before Mark recovered it again and worked himself into a little space where he was able to deliver a fine low shot, just inside the far post to double the Gs lead. Real class from Mark once again.

Will played the ball on to Mark before Mark produced another delivery in from the left, which Ross met with his head, but, as it was a little behind him, he could not generate enough power to beat the keeper.

Oakwood had yet another player down and looking like he will be replaced. They must have had their Physio on three or four times already.

 At the break the lads were 2-0 up and to be honest it could have been several more. A truly dominant performance against a team who had beaten Seaford, Dorking and Forest Row recently.

The second half saw the home side hit their first proper clear attempt, from some way out, but it was a great shot and it brought a great response from Ryan tipping the ball over.

The Oakwood keeper then took out Will, well outside the box and somehow got away with it, then went down seeking treatment from their physio, who was clocking up as many miles as some of their players.

Not to be outdone, Steve Snelling then made an appearance to tend to Mazza who had taken a blow in the face in a tussle for the ball and looked like he had a been given a nose bleed.

Nana, who had played well and picked up a knock, was then replaced by Elroy with James Mansfield also coming on for Ross Cheek. Both cheered off by the travelling Gs fans. Great to see Cheeky back.

We saw a terrific piece of passing football between the two Dejis as they went on the attack, which finished with the home keeper making another great save at full stretch from Deji Alabi. The Gs build up brought praise from some of the Oakwood players warming up in front of me.

The first yellow of the game went to Shi for a tackle the ref did not like. Shi was having a great game for me. His pace of foot and determination in the tackle tremendous.

Oakwood physio on again. This time the player was substituted.

 As the time was running out we saw a great bit of play from James Mansfield down the right side before delivering in a great curling ball that Will was there to meet and head home like the fine centre forward he is. He had worked hard up front.

 3 – 0 to the Gs at the final whistle. A fine result that keeps us in touch with the others in the running at the top of the table. It was an important win and great to hear people say that we looked “comfortable” despite being without so many of the regulars. That we can be so strong shows what a great job Mo and his team have done for us this season in bringing in great quality players. Young Ben did a great job and told me he had enjoyed his debut at the end of the game.

Our forwards know how to defend when we are not in possession and our midfield players are not frightened to get forward when we are. Our defence is legendary with the lowest goals conceded by some way. Our current squad can compete against any side in this league and I believe the level above, if we do make it. Long may it stay that way. We need to keep our feet on the ground and just take it one game at a time.

The Gs are back at home in the Bill Kyte Stadium next Saturday against Storrington. We need to put the record straight with them,  as we did not do ourselves justice when we were at their place earlier in the season.

COYGs