Chislehurst Glebe 4 (2) v (0) 0 Godalming Town – FA Vase
The travelling Gs fans and I am sure the players and management hoped that the new Gs signings would bring them a first win for the season, but it was not to be. And so they departed disappointingly from the FA vase competition.
The Gs were without Dan Boyden who had looked so lively in recent games and was building a great partnership with Mark Soares. Also Deji Alabi and Jav Waugh, to name but a few.
Another new face in the starting line-up today was Ronnie Reeves, to join other recent signings, Declan Joyce, Mo El Azouan, and Nathan Best who was starting from the bench.
At the kick off, the line up was Stephen Douglas in goal, the backline was made up of Alex Afful, Elliott Creely, Evan Kelly and Declan Joyce. Cam Edwin (c) was in the middle along with Mo El Azouan and Jonny Miller. Ronnie Reeves was up front with Mark Soares wide one side and Shane Johnson on the other.
The bench comprised Taylor Green, Conor Stillwell, Adrian Giles, Diego Bruno and Nathan Best.
Well, it seemed that the sound of the referees whistle starting the game had hardly left our ears, when the Gs conceded the first goal. The home side won a throw in, on their right and from that the Gs were unable to clear the ball from the penalty area, before it was poked home past Dougie from close range before anyone had broken sweat. 1 – 0 to the home side.
The Gs restarted and unfortunately despite a couple of short spells of possession they conceded a further goal within 23 minutes of the start when the Gs midfield seemed to be absent and the home side cut through the Gs defence.
The Gs won a couple of corners and from these it looked like they might be able to get back in the game when the home keeper first knocked a ball out for another corner and then failed to take a couple of crosses cleanly. But the Gs could not profit from these opportunities.
The Gs should have got one back when a goal mouth scramble saw the ball run free and Ronnie got a boot to it, but the ball was blocked on the line and trapped, giving the home keeper the chance to clear up.
The Gs struggled to put together any meaningful attacks despite Mark Soares showing some good play and ball control, as usual, but the Gs passing seemed to go astray and the home side swept up any danger appearing quicker all over the pitch.
So, at half time 2 – 0 down we hoped for a Mo team talk to turn things around, as he has done in the past. It still seemed that there was a chance the Gs could get back in the game.
The highlight for me at half time was to see a Peregrine Falcon flying across the pitch and into the surrounding trees. I think Ed Stubbs, who spotted it straight away, also got some pictures.
The Gs were unchanged for the second half, but there was more movement and effort it seemed. But that did not last long as the home side attacked down their right again and a shot for an acute angle found the inside of Dougie’s net at the far post. So, 3-0 down and time for some changes as the Gs brought on Nathan for Shane.
Almost immediately Conor Stillwell came on for Mo, while Jonny and Declan also came off for Diego and Taylor to replace them. This seemed to change things a bit bringing more pace to both the attack and defence. Conor was playing further forward than usual.
That left the Gs open to counter attacks and Dougie was called upon to produce a spectacular double save on one such event.
Ronnie delivered a long shot that was not far off target.
Mark had an audacious attempt on goal from the half way line, which was on target and almost beat the home keeper but he managed to get a hand to it as it dropped over his head to clear the danger. I think that was the only proper attempt on his goal that required a save that the Gs could mount, despite pushing players forward.
Towards the end it was another attack down the home right and a great delivery in that set up the 4th and final goal for The Glebe. Well created and executed.
The Gs now need to regroup for Tuesday night’s home game against Alton, in that search for the first three points of the season. They have the potential, but we hope Mo and his management team can find the right mix of players on the night.
COYG’s