Godalming Town 2 (1) v (0) 0 Copthorne – Peter Bentley Cup
The Gs comfortably won, yet again, for the third time in as many weeks against Copthorne, and therefore advance to the next round, against Roffey away I am reliably informed by Ed Stubbs. From a quick Google Roffey are at 10th place in the Premier Division, so that will be a much greater challenge.
It was a changed Gs side, in which we saw Will May rested, stalwart players like Rob Parrott, Malik Shittu, Mark Soares starting on the bench along with two U23 players (Alistair Barr and Sam Wellock) and another in the starting line-up, all being given their chance to shine in the senior squad.
Probably a sensible move with an eye to the congested fixture list and the number of players already suffering injuries. That Includes Ollie Ballam, who it was great to see at the pitch side after suffering terrible bad luck in breaking his arm in two places at the Arundel fixture.
Fabio Suarez was in goal with a centre back pairing of Elliott Creely and Jack Sherwood with Alex Afful and Callum Lawrence from the U 23s as the wing backs. Elroy Wealthyland, Cameron Edwin and Louis Lindsay in the middle and Deji Alabi leading the line with Jonny Miller wide one side and James Mansfield the other.
In the opening minutes we saw Louis Lindsay hit a drive just wide of the upright as the Gs attacked the road end.
We did not have to wait too long for the lads to open the scoring, when Cameron delivered a great cross just above head height from the left flank into the box. Louis Lindsay got up to it and managed to get just enough of his head on it to steer the ball just inside the far post. Gs now 1 – 0 up.
The home side had most of the possession and territory before the visitors got their first proper strike on target after about 30 minutes, which Fabio had to get down to quickly to hold.
There had been quite a lot of pulling and tugging and shoves in the back, which the referee was dealing with calmly, until he decided to book the Copthorne number 6.
Fabio had to get down quickly again to defend a free kick that went low around the Gs wall.
At half time the drizzle had increased and the rain was lashing down. Score 1 – 0 to the Gs. The referee decided to have a word with both captains before they left the pitch. Presumably about the interference that was going on. I think it is fair to say that we have seen a much better standard of referees so far this season than in previous years. A thankless task, so we should send them some love whenever possible.
It seemed to have an effect, as the play restarted with no changes on either side. Two players had stood out for me. Jack Sherwood who was the shortest centre back, once again for the Gs, since Jack Broom and yet he was repeatedly getting up and clearing anything in the air. Callum also had a good intro to the senior squad making plenty of Sher’s like runs into the opposition half.
The play was largely in the middle of the park for a while but with the home side still having most of the territory and possession. Another yellow for Copthorne number 10.
The Gs broke quickly out of defence through Jonny Miller, bringing the ball right up the middle of the pitch in a snaky run and Deji made a great run in front of him veering off to the right wing to take defenders with him, however as Jonny bore down on the goal he swung the ball out to Deji as they arrived in the area and Deji unleashed a fine low shot that frustratingly went just past the far post. Gs now looking for a bit of breathing space on the scoreline. They had the bit between their teeth now and Jonny came up with a great shot of his own that swerved as the Copthorne keeper stretched to parry it away.
The pressure was telling on the visitors and their number 12 was red carded for a tackle on Louis that saw him receiving attention on the pitch before it became clear that he could take no further part in the game.
James Mansfield moved into the middle to replace Louis as Malik came on. Alistair came on in the middle to replace Elroy who dropped to left back as Callum was taken off after a good intro.
How the Gs failed to score I do not know after the Copthorne number 1 and his defence managed to block shots from Deji, only metres from the line and then in the ensuing melee James got his boot to the ball and despite it being partly blocked by a defender, the ball trickled almost along the goal line before another defender managed a desperate clearance.
Rob came on for Deji up front to stretch his legs, with Mark also coming on to replace Jonny.
The ball was played in beautifully, at shoulder height, from the right side by Mark and the visiting stopper did well to beat the ball out, but, as the ball made its way out of the penalty area Malik had the pace to get to it first and unleashed a first time low shot that gave the visiting stopper no chance. The breathing space that the Gs needed and deserved. Now 2 – 0 up.
So it was at the final whistle. The whole squad were cheered off as usual by the Gs faithful at the end.
The next four scheduled games are all also at home, starting with AFC Uckfield Town on Saturday and I guess these will represent greater challenges. So, do get behind the lads at Wey Court, if you can, and enjoy some fine football. This has been a great start to the season. Huge thanks to Mo and all his support staff for their hard work and Steve Snelling (physio) for whom I am sure both Ollies are very grateful.
COYGs