Godalming Town 3 (1) v (0) 1 Reading City FC – Southern Combination Cup
A first win for the new manager Sam Morgan and his team, and a pretty comfortable one at that, in the Southern Combination Cup, which sees the Gs go forward into the next round.
There were a substantial handful of new players on show and yours truly was committed on other GTFC duties until a little after the start of the game, so excuse me if I have made any mistakes on identification/positions. Welcome to the Godalming Town family, to you all.
I cannot remember us meeting Reading City in my time, but those with better memories may prove me wrong.
In goal was Will Davis, while Alex Afful, Elliot Creely and Freddie Greenstreet seemed to make up a starting back three. In the middle were Captain Cameron Edwin, Jonny Miller Deji Alabi and Evan Kelly. George Lawrence was in the number nine shirt with Dan Boyden and Pele Dunn as the wide players/wing backs.
Starting on the bench were Adrian Giles, Taylor Green, Jayden Hudson-Odoi (there’s another famous name for you). As well as Sam Fernley who hopefully is back to full strength after his recent injury.
Both sides went for it from the off and early on the Gs came close when a good move down the right flank, in front of the Stand, saw the ball come in low and hard towards Deji who was arriving at the near post. But Deji could not squeeze the ball in, narrowly missing the upright. But, only minutes later, Deji was in the Reading penalty area again to finish off a great quick passing move from the Gs involving Jonny and George, amongst others, to put the Gs in front. A great start.
Then Jonny, having been involved in setting up some good moves, came off injured after about 30 minutes, to be replaced by Jayden.
Nana got in on the act showing his pace and strength in another good attack down the right side and delivered the ball in well again low into the box where Jayden, I think, was able to get a shot away on target that was just about blocked by a defender on the Reading goal line, who managed to bundle the ball away for a Gs corner.
First yellow card of the game went to Pele for an overly strong tackle, in the referees opinion.
1-0 to the home side as the man in black blew for half time, after a very energetic first half from both sides. You could say frantic at times. Would they both be able to keep that pace up for another 45 minutes?
No changes at half time. A yellow card to the visitors soon into the second half, followed by another card only minutes later for a rather late challenge on Deji.
A good move from the Gs saw Jayden get down the left flank before pulling the ball back to Pele who had space to hit a fantastic shot from just outside the area that found the top of the net and started the celebrations for the home fans. But, we have been 2 – 0 up on a couple of occasions previously this season and let the advantage slip. Could we make it count this time?
The answer was that we could, as, not long after, George latched on to a great through ball through the middle and lashed it home from the edge of the penalty area to make the Gs lead 3 – 0. Surely we were home and dry now.
But Reading were not giving up and they found a consolation goal with around 15 minutes left on the clock when breaking quickly from defence. Their player hit a good shot from a wide angle to their left just inside the far post. Now 3 -1.
Dan Boyden was then rested after another good performance both in going forward and tracking back when needed, seeing Taylor come on to replace him. From the restart George rounded his marker and delivered the ball across the face of the Reading goal only feet from the line. But, unfortunately there were no Gs on hand to touch it home.
The Gs set up another great chance when they advanced down their left, winning possession from chasing down the opposition defenders. The ball was played into the middle where Cam lined up a shot, but it cleared the bar.
The Gs had to do some defensive work on their own goal line while their visitors were throwing everything at them. It seemed that Evan had been asked to drop back and defend alongside Elliot as he had done so effectively earlier in the season.
It was time for the Gs to break away and George was once again one on one with the Reading keeper. But this time his attempt went just beyond the far post.
Another yellow card for Reading, after a poor tackle.
Sam Fernley came on to stretch his legs on the wing replacing Pele.
Will in the Gs goal, had to show his class with a good reaction save when he cleverly came out and extended a leg to block another breakaway shot and further frustrate the visitors.
A really good performance from the whole Gs squad, against a very decent side and a major confidence boost to them. The newcomers all showing great skill and determination alongside the more established team members. Cam showing the energy we saw from him a season or two ago and Elliot as usual as steady as a rock in the defence and making the odd foray forward. Deji putting himself about in the middle, as well as getting forward creatively.
Next up it will be Sutton Common Rovers away on Monday night 19th October for more League action. That will be a tough test, but I am sure the lads will be up for it.
COYGs