Godalming Town 3 (1) v (1) 2 East Preston – League

The Gs 100% record is still intact with 21 points from 7 games in the League. That the Gs had the desire to win, rather than accept a share of the points after the East Preston side drew level in the second half, when they had seemed to be out of it, showed plenty of grit from the lads to go along with the talent that we have seen this season.

There was a new face between the posts for the home side in Stephen Douglas, who filled the vacancy caused by the injury to Ollie Ballam. Just to say that Ollie’s Mum Lisa, who does so much for the club, along with the rest of the Ballam family, has now been discharged from hospital. I am sure we all wish her a speedy recovery as well as Ollie.

The back four was unchanged with Alex Afful and Jack Sherwood as the wing backs and Rob Parrott and Elliott Creely the centre back pairing.

Captain Cameron Edwin alongside Deji Adeosun and Malik Shittu in the midfield with Mark Soares and Jonny Miller as the wide players, with Will May in the number 9 shirt.

A tremendously strong bench featured Matt Cox returning from injury, Ali Haddadji, Elroy Wealthyland, Nasim Regragui and Alex Mc Lean. Any one of these would have expected to be in the starting eleven. Such is the strength of the Gs squad these days.

Only minutes into the game there was a neat exchange between the G’s before the ball hit what turned out to be the side netting. All looking promising for the home side.

Another good attacking build-up from the Gs saw the scoring machine Malik with the final shot, but from a wide angle, which the East Preston keeper was relieved to hold on to.

Several more chances came and went for the Gs after several corners and shots were blocked by the visiting defence from open play.

Then, as can happen in football, East Preston went ahead against the run of play, with a good headed goal, aided by at least one deflection as the ball came in from their left at head height while they attacked at the training pitch end, leaving the Gs new goalie no chance as the ball went in just inside the near post.

The Gs recently have been used to coming back from such situations, so no panic at all.

Shortly after, Rob received some treatment on the pitch from a fleet footed Matt Cox in charge of the medical bag.

The Gs did not need to wait too long to equalise. They were awarded a free kick from which the ball came in towards Mark with his back to goal. Somehow, he managed to turn and chip the ball on the volley just inside the far post. He must have eyes in the back of his head. Now 1-1 the score.

Then, as the Gs continued pressing their guests, from a Mark corner on the stand side, Elliott rose brilliantly to deliver a powerful header. Then, as we were all about to shout ‘goal,’ the ball made its way in just under the bar in the far corner, their number 11 somehow managed to get his head to it and stop it crossing the line. A shame for Elliott who has been terrific filling the shoes of Ollie Mc Aleese.

So, at half time it was 1-1. But, the Gs had had far more scoring opportunities and on another day would have been ahead.

The weather forecast had shown storms crossing during the game but, although there were plenty of dark clouds, the rain had held off until half time. Then. the heavens opened. Real football weather, after those dusty pitches of the start of the season. Muddy balls, green grass and a slippery surface. Not words that had featured in earlier reports. Mercifully, it did not last that long into the second half and the standing water disappeared into the sub soil as spells of sunshine returned.

After a good long clearance from the Gs keeper Stephen an East Preston defender failed to make good contact and clear the ball. That left Mark to pounce on the ball and advance on their keeper. Mark did make good contact and hit a low strong shot, but it went just wide.

About eight minutes later Mark was again charging forward in a race between him and the East Preston stopper who made contact with Mark in the area, bringing him down. The referee pointed to the spot. No complaints from the visiting keeper, or anyone else on the pitch. Mark converted the chance from the spot to put the Gs 2-1 up and in front for the first time in the game.

Mo decided to make some changes. Alex Afful and Will May coming off. Malik dropping to right back and Ali and Nasim coming on.

Before long, after some great build up play, Nasim created some space and hit a great powerful drive that brought an equally great save from the visiting keeper who somehow managed to get something on it to keep the ball out.

The Gs then gave away a soft free kick, some 35 yards or so out. The visitors lined up their attack well wide of the goal and the ball was delivered in, dropping in front of the Gs keeper, who could only stretch his leg to meet it. Unfortunately, the ball went to an opposition player who was following the ball in, so the score was all square again at 2 – 2. Surprisingly really in view of the way things had been going. This rejuvenated the visitors for a while.

Alex McLean came on to replace Deji Adeosun.

Jonny did some magic footwork as he came in from the left and unleashed a great shot, which left the keeper standing, but again went just wide.

Nasim linked up again in attack and made himself some room and picked his spot in the bottom left corner to score the Gs third, his first for the club and the winner.

Good to see Matt Cox come on properly after his injury, this time after his earlier appearance to replace Jonny and see the game out.

 So, it could and possibly should have been a more comfortable win, but still three points in the bag against a strong side.

Next up on Tuesday at Wey Court, its Dorking Wanderers in the Division 1 Cup. Come down and support the lads if you can.  They are having a great season.

COYGs