Godalming Town 0 (0) v (0) 0 Ringmer AFC – League

Well, it was great to be back watching football at The Bill Kyte Stadium after having no League football played there since the 27th December 2025 and seeing nothing but rain for much of that time. We were even graced with a little sunshine at the start of the game. Pity not the result we wanted.

 But, the still top of the table Gs, despite dominating possession and territory throughout the game could not get the ball over the line to take all three points. Probably no surprise to anyone that they looked a little rusty and that coupled with the even bumpier pitch than usual after the extreme weather we have experienced made flowing passing pretty difficult.

It was good to see Mark Soares and Rob Parrott both back in the squad after long spells of injury. Connor Stillwell is almost fixed and planning to get some matches under his belt. But no Ollie McAleese available and Jack Sherwood awaiting having his shoulder fixed, so unlikely to be seen on the pitch for the rest of the season and Jonny Miller who picked up an injury in training a while back, but is looking to be back in the squad next week.

Stephen Douglas was back in goal, Alex Afful, Rob Parrott, Elliott Creely and Sam Fernley made up the back four, with Deji Adeosun in front and Deji Alabi and Cameron Edwin in the middle. Will May in the number nine shirt and Tayo Adekoya and Mark Soares the wide players.

The bench comprised James Mariner, Elroy Wealthyland, Malik Shittu, Joe Moriarty and a warm welcome to new signing Emmanuel Acheampong.

The Gs started quite brightly with a few runs down the left bringing a save from the visiting keeper. Ringmer featured a very fetching unusual pinky purple coloured kit.

Tayo latched onto a clearance just beyond the halfway line and had the skill to deliver a hefty shot at pace, but unfortunately it went rather high over the bar.

A long free kick from Stephen saw Tayo get up to head goalwards, which the keeper dealt with, but unfortunately Tayo took a blow to the face in doing so.  Steve Phys. came on to attend to him.

Deji Adeosun received a yellow card from the ref for a tackle that he did not like.

Cameron went close with a shot that went past the far upright.

Deji Alabi joined in and also hit a shot high over the bar from range.

Then we saw Ringmer’s first attempt on goal and they also sent it well over the bar from range.

Their number seven then went into the referee’s book after a couple of poor challenges had gone unpunished.

More pressure from the Gs as Tayo went close with a header from a Deji Alabi corner, again missing the upright.

Mark also delivered a corner tight under the bar, which evaded the Ringmer keeper but was bundled clear.

So, at half time it was still 0 – 0. I don’t think that Dougie had to make a single save in that first half.

Early in the second half we saw Sam make a good run down the left, but as the cross came in low it went just behind Tayo and the visitors managed to clear the danger from their 6 yard box.

Emmanuel was then introduced in a swap with Tayo, playing wide on the left.

The Gs attacked again down their left side towards the training pitch.  The ball came in again and was partly cleared before the ball was picked up by Mark Soares, who hit a great low attempt, heading just inside the far post, which somehow a Ringmer defender got a foot to, to block on the line and bundle the ball clear.

Next change for the Gs saw Alex replaced by Malik and Deji Alabi by James Mariner.

There was a bit of an exchange between Will May and the ref who seemed to see some challenges on Will rather differently than Will himself. Enter Rob (Kissinger) Parrott to calm things. They say wisdom comes with age.

Shortly after that we saw the Gs break through Mark who attacked down the right, but his shot was again stopped near the line. Rob was in there, near the goal line, but even he could not work his magic on this occasion and again the chance was lost.

Ringmer received another yellow card as they were coming under more pressure. They had looked more positive for a short while at the start of the second half, but that was not long lasting.

At the end I still cannot recall Stephen (Dougie) Douglas having a serious shot to save.

Despite much effort the Gs could not break the deadlock and take all three points.

So, onwards and upwards. Still top of the League with games in hand and while there certainly can be no room for any complacency, it all looks good for the Gs.

Good to see a pretty good crowd again and hope they will continue to support the squad on the final leg of this season.

Next up 3 away games on the trot at Selsey, Uckfield and Oakwood.

COYGs.