Billingshurst 1 (1) v (1) 1 Godalming Town – League

This clash brought the top two teams in the League (as it was going into the game), going head to head with each other. The result however meant that the Gs slip from the top spot, but only courtesy of Worthing’s superior goal difference. So, that sets things up nicely for the match next Sunday. Yes, next Sunday, 2.30 kick off at Wey Court.
Following a pretty wet 36 hours in the build up to the game at Jubilee Fields where, in past seasons we have seen the pitch play its part, fortunately this time the rain pretty well held off during the game.
With the list of Gs injuries recently lengthening, adding Jack Sherwood, Ali Hadaddji, Matt Cox and Will May to the not available list, the Gs line up saw Stephen Douglas between the posts and the return to the starting eleven of the Gs legendary Rob Parrott, following a hip injury, to once again partner Elliott Creely with Alex Afful and Malik Shittu the fullbacks. Cameron Edwin lined up in front of the back four with Deji Adeosun in the midfield and Jonny Miller in a number 10 position behind Shilo Ndiulor, leaving Mark Soares wide on the right side and Tayo Adekoya the left.
The bench featured Deji Alabi, Louis Lindsay, Elroy Wealthyland, Sam Fernley and James Mariner.
The Gs start went really well with the ball in the back of the net inside the first five minutes of play, only for it to be flagged as offside, much to the ire of the Gs players. Lino seemed to feel that someone had come back from an offside position. Whether he was active or not I have no idea . The Lino was at the right end of the pitch I was not.
Then the home side attacked on the break and Stephen did well to come out quickly and block the shot with his legs.
Moments later the Gs did go ahead when, after a good build up, down the left flank, Tayo delivered a great low shot that the home keeper made contact with, but could not prevent the ball finding the net.
With the Gs in the driving seat at this stage Deji Adeosun found himself in the Billingshurst penalty area and hit a good attempt goalwards, only to see it be blocked by a team mate and go clear.
The home side responded and delivered a long distance effort from out on their right, which needed a super save from Stephen to tip it over the bar.
Back at the other end Tayo delivered another thunderous shot from the left that this time cleared the crossbar, the fence behind the pitch and landed somewhere near the cricket pitch in the distance beyond.
With half time fast approaching, the home side were awarded a free kick out on their right, which looked like a pretty innocuous location, not far from the touch line. The ball was swung across and headed wide beyond the far post, by a defender, but the ball fell conveniently to a home player who took the chance well and hit his shot, on the turn, into the net, on the volley to level the score. Much to the delight of the home support. Now 1 – 1.
It seemed clear, as the game progressed, that Rob was struggling in the somewhat soft and boggy conditions having gone down in pain some time earlier. So, he was replaced with Shi once again being asked to drop back to the defensive line and Deji Alabi came on, in a wide position and Tayo going into the middle.
The half time whistle blew and the teams trooped off, at the end of a half, filled with action, at both ends of the pitch.
There were no changes to the Gs team at the start of the second half.
Another long shot from Billingshurst skimmed the top of the crossbar. That seemed to confirm that the home side were swinging the pendulum in their favour.
For me the game became rather more bitty during the second half. The pitch was cutting up a bit in places and making things tricky trying to stay upright.
The first Yellow card of the game was issued to the home number 6.
Deji Alabi broke through on the home goal and brought a good stop from the home keeper.
Soon after Louis Lindsay came on for Mark Soares.
The Gs back now into the game with some good play in the closing 20 minutes and Deji Alabi again broke into the box before slipping the ball through to Louis to his left, in an excellent position, but he did not really get a great contact. We know what he can do.
So, the Gs had their chances, but could not capitalise on them and the game ended 1-1 at the final whistle.
A much better performance than against Mile Oak. Billingshurst one of the best sides we have played this season.
We need to be at our very best next Sunday against Worthing on a Groundhop weekend game for another top of the table clash. So, a 2.30 kick off. Don’t be late!
GOYG’s