Horley 2 Godalming Town 1
After the introduction of some new players to the squad over the last 3-4 weeks the improvements are now there to be seen.
It was great to see the Gees get an emphatic win at Epsom and Ewell on Tuesday, but they are at the bottom of the table with us. Horley were at seventh place at the start of the game. So, this was always going to be a different story.
In summary the home side will be feeling relieved that they took all three points and have for me the footballing Gods to thank for that. It was such a close game from the start to the final whistle.
The Gees started well as they finished on Tuesday with the lively Bobby Bennett making a run cutting in from the right wing, but hit his shot wide.
Shortly after, with the Gees still pressing and forcing the home side to defend, Dan Read was brought down in the penalty area in what looked like a pretty good shout. But the referee was not prepared to award it.
But, despite all the visitors early pressure, after 15 minutes a shot on the Gees goal was deflected on its way through a crowded penalty area, but Dimitrios got an arm out to stop it. However, it bounced clear to the edge of his area where a Horley player did well in hitting a shot that went in off the upright.
Gees had a perfect opportunity to level the score when they were this time awarded a penalty on half an hour. Robert Webbe bravely stepped up to take it and directed it well to the keepers left, but for me it seemed that he did not quite hit it as cleanly as he would like and the home keeper did well to save.
So, it was still 1-0 to the home team at half time.
The visitors started well again and after a few minutes and some good approach play, Dan Read got a shot in that was deflected by a home defender past his keeper and into the net to level the score at 1 – 1.
Straight after the goal Hakim Griffiths came on for Dan Read and Tre Trowers for Josh Kempton, who had unfortunately picked up an injury, after a very impressive first half performance. Jon Palmer moving back to left back and Tre sitting in front of the back four.
Robert Webbe found a great through ball for Tom Biss who produced a good shot that the home keeper saved at full length.
Jon Palmer received a yellow card for a tackle just outside the area. Another good performance from Jon with some timely tackles.
Bobby Bennett was making good attacking runs from the right.
With Dimi being quick to come out to cover any speculative high balls over the defence, in one such incident the ball rebounded high over him, and headed towards the Gees goal, but the Gees very impressive full back Lewis Lodge appeared to have the goal line covered, but as he attempted to hook the ball around the post, he sliced the ball into his own net.
The Gees never gave up and continued to press their hosts and it was the the home sides management encouraging the ref to blow for time. Think we were unlucky not to come away with at least a point.
Another much improved performance from all the lads and well done to Jon and Gav for the improvements they have made to the squad. If we can keep this group of players together we should be able to close the gap on the teams above.
COYGs
Michael’s Stats
Horley Gees
attempts 10 10
On target 5 4
Corners 5 5
Fouls 10 (4 o/s, 1 P) 13 (8 o/s)
Poss 1 45 55
Poss 2 50 50
yellows 4 1
Bovril stats: Headline: Gees supporters drink Horley Bovril reserves dry! They ran out of brown gold at half time.
