Alfold 0 (0) v (0) 2 Godalming Town

On a day when the Gs were hoping to add to their points tally in the lead up to the playoffs. A rather frustrating game throughout the first half, but a game in which in the end was a reasonably comfortable victory for the Gs after a fine goal from Will May and a penalty from Captain James Mariner in the second half.
It was another sunny day, but there was a fierce wind blowing across the pitch, giving a great demonstration of a chill factor and messing with any balls played in the air.
Ryan O Sullivan was in goal with Charlie Welch and Jack Sherwood as the fullbacks, either side of Rob Parrott and Ollie McAleese the centre back pairing. James Mariner, as Captain, in front of them. Deji Adeosun as always, the dynamo in the midfield, and Mark Soares wide on one side and James Mansfield on the other, Cameron Edwin in the number 10 shirt and Deji Alabi up front.
Elroy Wealthyland, Alex Afful, Will May, Jonny Miller, Malik Shittu were all on the bench. So, no Ross Cheek or Shi Ndiulor for the Gs today.
The game went well enough at the start and after only 8 minutes we saw some good passes in the build-up before James Mansfield played to Deji Alabi inside the home penalty area. Deji would have seen the home keeper advancing towards him as he tried a low shot and unfortunately for Deji the keeper managed to get down quickly and low to smother the shot.
With Gs defenders joining the attack we saw the home side break and although that threat seemed to be repelled, we saw the loose ball run free and bounce off the Gs upright.
In fact, Alfold were good on the break on several occasions and won a string of corners. But fortunately, the Gs defence remained solid.
The Gs made another good attack this time down their right which saw another chance fall to Deji Alabi but he did not get the best contact and saw the ball easily collected by the home keeper.
Ryan then had to be on his toes to save a low cross that came in from his right.
We saw Jack Sherwood (fresh from getting on the score sheet last week) attacking down the left before beating his marker and delivering the ball low into the middle to where Mark got in a powerful left footed shot on the turn that bounced off the crossbar and clear.
After a rather contentious free kick awarded to the home side, they delivered the ball in high and saw a close-range header go just over the bar.
So, at the half way mark it was 0 -0, despite chances for both sides and the general consensus was that the game seemed a bit like a mid-table clash at the end of the season, when there was little to play for. A bit flat. Maybe the fierce wind had something to do with it.
Not long into the second half a free kick was awarded to the Gs when a home defender clattered Deji Alabi to the ground, requiring some attention from super physio Steve and his colleague. Only minutes later Deji pulled up and was substituted as Will May came on. Always sad to see a player limp off.
A goal kick from the home side was not played long and became a bit of a mess before Will May won possession of the ball and hit a great low drive from outside the box, where he had been practising doing exactly that before the game. 1 – 0 now to the Gs.
Jonny Miller came on for James Mansfield. Good to see Jonny fit again. The Gs looking much better now and finding more spaces in the Alfold defence.
Mark weaved his way into the area before having his shirt pulled as he was pulled down and the ref signalled to the penalty spot. Captain James Mariner stepped up and hit the ball confidently, low and hard to make the score 2 -0 only 5 minutes after the opening goal.
Elroy and Malik came on to replace Jack Sherwood and Deji Adeosun, saving them for Monday’s encounter at Dorking, I am sure.
Cameron hit a long range shot that the home keeper dived to push away and although Will was on hand, he was being harried by a defender, who was able to prevent Will converting.
Nana came on to replace Mark as Charlie moved into the midfield and Nana went in to the full back position he is so used to.
Ollie was shown a yellow card after a bit of a chat with the ref. That was followed with a yellow to the home team for a poor tackle on Cam.
In the end the two goals were enough and it was a happy squad who were greeted by the fans as usual when they made their way off. I hope Deji Alabi makes a quick recovery.
Another three points for the Gs, which keeps us in the chase, but unfortunately the other sides above us also won. Anyway, it is always good to keep a clean sheet and come away with three points. Onwards and upwards for another game on Monday at 11 am in Dorking. Scarcely time for the kit to be washed.
I for one am enjoying this tremendous Gs squad that Mo and his team have put together this season. Do come along and cheer the lads on again on Monday at Dorking and again for the last League game against Uckfield at Wey Court on the 26thbefore we hit the playoffs on the 29th. Exciting times for the Gs.

COYG’s