Match Report

Depleted Guild Too Good For Gurus

Saturday saw a comprehensive second half performance from the Guild that saw them take maximum points against the Gurus despite missing the quality of Perkins, Stevens, Abbott, Mumford and Williams J.

On a bitterly cold afternoon, the Guild took on the Gurus in Gravesend. The pitch and the weather were far from ideal, but it looks as though work on the facility and at the Temple grounds are well on the way, so the future looks good for the Gurus.

The Guild kicked off against the wind in a more attacking formation in order to take the initiative. However, the weather was playing a major part in the way the game was being played, and the Gurus looked to use the wind in their favour and get the ball forward as quickly as they could. Gurus made the better start, catching the Guild in possession as we wanted more time on the ball than allowed. As the half progressed, the Guild came more and more into the game and after a good team move the ball dropped to Travers on the edge of the area and a left footed volley was unleashed that bulged the back of the net. A great strike, straight from the training ground.

The Guild then changed to a more defensive formation to see out the half and five minutes before the interval, the Gurus could have levelled when two free headers in the box resulted with the later attempt flying over the crossbar to maintain the Guild's lead. It was a let off for the Guild who should have seen the Gurus level.

At the half we knew that the hard work was done and we edged ourselves in front. For the second half the Guild switched back to the more attacking formation in order to achieve the second and killer goal.

The second half was a different affair as the Guild really settled down and started to play some good football. The good football again paid off after another looped strike by the inform Travers found the roof of the net after some good team play.

As the half progressed, the Guild grew more and more comfortable and further efforts should have added to the Guild's tally. Travers could have completed his hat-trick, but a great save at full stretch by Karim kept the scoreline down. A blatant handball on the line was missed by Mr Tomsett, a jinking run by Cooke taking him past three players could have resulted in the third goal as well as more good goalkeeping by Karim to deny Williams L.
Connor replaced Cleaver and Selmes replaced Warren.

The rest of the game was played out in comfort with the Guild finishing the stronger side and with the two goal advantage.

Despite a depleted squad, the Guild played well today and certainly controlled the game in the second half. The longer the game went on, the better and more confident we became. In terms of improvements, we still need to make better starts. We know that we are a very fit side and do respond well when things aren’t going so well or we go goals down, but we do need to start taking the initiative in games rather than sitting back, seeing what they have got.

Man of the match was brace-scoring Travers who once again played a game above his 18 years, supporting the attack and getting forward where possible and not afraid to have a crack and venture forward past the attackers.
Next week we look forward to entertaining the Deres at home, but again it will be with a depleted squad.

A special mention also goes to the hosts who provided an excellent after match curry at their local pub. Thanks very much.

Farnborough: 1. Hawkes; 2. Judge; 3. Davis; 4. Elliott; 5.Warren; 6.Cleaver; 7.Wray; 8. Travers; 9.Williams L; 10. Cooke; 11. Kendall
Subs: 12.Cleaver for 5.Connor; 5. Warren for 13. Selmes;
Sub not used: 15. Mace

Guru Nanak: 1. Karim; 2. Singh ; 3. Hundal ; 4. Robinson; 5. Khunkhun ; 6. Rayfield; 7. Ball ; 8. Goraya ; 9. King; 10. Mohseni; 11. Bhens
Subs: 12. Stone; 14. Venugosal ;
Subs Not Used: 13. Gill; 15. Ford

Referee: Mr R. Tomsett