Tooting and Mitcham 2 (1) v (0) 0 Godalming Town – League

Fortunately, we just about made it to the ground before kick off, after some interesting diversions to the T&M training ground! T & M were the first team that I supported in my schoolboy days and at that time they were based at Sandy Lane, within walking distance of where I went to school.

Fortunately the line up had a canny resemblance to Saturday’s selection with Stephen Douglas in goal, Alex Afful, Marcus Travers and Elliot Creely as the back 3 and Taylor Green and Jonny Miller the wing backs. Conor Stillwell in front with Captain Cameron Edwin, Deji Alabi and Dan Boyden in the middle and Ronnie Reeves up front. In the wings were Jav Waugh, Shane Johnson, Nathan Best and Mohamed Amzil el Azouan and Jayden Smith.

Interestingly two ex G’s in the home line up as well. One, Antonio Simeone (T & M’s captain), who goes back to the earliest days of my watching the Gs when “Bakes and Unders” were the joint managers and more recently Will Efambe who came initially through the Gs under 23 squad, I think, before getting into the first team.

Within the first 4 minutes of start of the game Dougie had to be quick off his line to clear a ball back to him that could have been struck a little harder. We got away with it. But a bit close for comfort.

But the Gs were having some success down the left with Dan Boyden and he hit a good

shot that the home keeper could only beat away.

Things were fairly even between the two sides for a fair amount of the first half with the Gs trying to play Ronnie in with some good long passes through and over the T&M midfield.

Then at around the half hour mark, Dougie, who had been Saturday’s star scoring the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game to literally lift the roof off of Wey Court, came out of his area to attempt to head the ball clear and into touch, but unfortunately mis-judged the bounce and that allowed T& M’s number ten (Will Efambe) an easy enough opportunity to open the scoring.

The Gs did respond and went up to the other end of the pitch, care of Dan again, who pulled the ball across the face of the goal, but unfortunately it was behind Cam and the chance was lost.

Then the Gs attacked down their right flank with Deji who linked impressively with Ronnie before getting the ball back, but was eventually foiled buy the home keeper who was able to smother the shot.

So, the Gs mounted some decent attacks, but were unable to get that many clear shots on target.

The T&M number 10 produced another shot from range that called Dougie into action with an initial shot and then another block from the rebound.

At half time it was the home side who were 1– 0 up and time for me and others to have a catch up with Mo Sher who was watching and has given us some wonderful times in the last few seasons. To steal his words whether we won, lost or drew he acted with style and composure. Thanks again Mo for all you did for the Gs. Hope to see you and the family at a few more games.

At the start of the second half Conor, who had been heavily involved in the midfield battle, was replaced by Mohamed, with the Gs still well in the game. Both sides struggling to create clear chances on goal.

Jayden Smith came on to replace Taylor Green, who had also been impressive with his pace around the pitch. The Gs were playing some good football with Deji winning the ball back and starting a counter attack or two.

The Gs came close from an attempt from a corner on their left, which was well met by Marcus, but his header went well over the bar.

Deji made a great break, having won the ball from deep inside his own half and moved forward at pace, moving the ball on to Mohamed who threaded a great ball through for Ronnie to run onto. The home keeper came out well to narrow the angle and unfortunately for the Gs the shot missed the target. What might have happened if it had found the net?

Then to make things worse for the Gs the home side counter attacked down their right in front of the stand, and delivered a diagonal ball to the far post where it seemed all too easy for them to tap the ball in from close range for their second of the evening.

Shane then came on replacing Cam. Would he be able to score as he did on Saturday?

Ronnie received a very soft yellow card, from my point of view, simply trying to play a fifty fifty ball around knee high.

Dan Boyden then was replaced by Jav after another energetic performance. The Gs trying to get back into the game.

Deji got a card for simulation, but the lino in front of me failed to see anything wrong with Jayden being wrestled to the ground quite blatantly. When you are struggling for points things do seem to go against you.

Anyway, the new management should be in place for the game on Saturday at Yateley I understand, so I should also thank Jack Webb for all the hard work and energy that he has put in over the last few seasons as Mo’s right hand man, and as caretaker manager along with Rob Parrott, Hope you also stay in touch Jack.

Lets get behind the squad at Yateley and hopefully they can start turning things around.

 COYG’s