Late Lorenzo Goal Grabs 3 Points

Our two defeats this season have both been unjust as we had been the better team. This morning we saw some of that bad luck reverse itself as we managed to beat Guildford Athletic after a very even game at Stoke Rec.

As with our two visits to Athletic last season, the pitch certainly played it's part. It was in poor condition and the unusual size made it very difficult for both teams to play attractive football.

This was one of those stereotypical 'Sunday League' mornings for us. With two players not showing up until half time (replace 'drunk' with trying to buy 'Glastonbury tickets'), we were all set to play with a bare 11 and no linesman in the first half. Thankfully we avoided this as Luca Bertolone was a late addition to the squad and his inclusion was much appreciated. Given who we had available we changed shape to suit our personnel.

Once again we had the better of the first half, but once again failed to take advantage of our chances. Joey Stevens was twice denied by expert saves, Luca (deputising up top) fired wide and worked the keeper, Grouty saw a goalbound effort blocked on the line and Oli Cochrane was denied by a good save after a superb solo run. We had other presentable chances, but just couldn't get the opening goal.

Athletic had two good chances of their own. One prompted a fine save by Ryan Pardo Roques in goal, palming a header wide, whilst right on the verge of half time their winger completed messed up a great chance inside our 6 yard box.

The second half proved to be difficult for us. It was certainly our worst 45 minutes of the season and Athletic improved as they really began to test our backline.

Ryan made two cracking saves to deny their striker, tipping one over quite brilliantly. We, meanwhile, just couldn't get going as an attacking threat.

As the game looked like finishing scoreless - a fair result given the balance of play, we won a corner with under 5 minutes to go. Joey swung it over, Elliott Jones headed back across goal intelligently where Grouty won the header and although the ball looked like going in, Lorenzo Favata was on hand to smash in from a couple of yards out. It was Lorry's first goal since his return from injury and it was fitting that it looked to be a very crucial strike.

The game wasn't won yet and Athletic threw everything at us. They created one chance as their striker got in behind, but Ryan was on hand to make a superb block and secure the win. Joey had a chance to make it 2-0 in the dying stages, but fired over after Grouty and Alex Zammit had done well to set him up.

We have to be honest and say we have gained 2 points here. We really didn't play well in the second half and Ryan nearly made more saves in 45 minutes than he had in his 3 previous games.

That said, we were absolutely due this upturn in fortune and we will gladly take it. Winning ugly is often the sweetest way to win.

Next week we are on the road again, away to Bisley AS.

MoM: Ryan - made a big effort to get to the game and turned in a top class display in goal. Those saves were anything but routine and were crucial in earning us the win.

Huge thanks to Luca B for joining the squad late on, and to Luca and Jay for running the line. Much appreciated.