Match Report

Beesley out through injury, Wray through illness. Returning to the fray were Miller and Small. A squad of 14 this week included Burkett Snr.

Farnborough went in to this game looking to build on a points tally that has seen them take 7 points out of the last 9, against a talented and young Lessa Albion Reserves. Early exchanges saw possession change hands frequently. The game wasn't too old when the home side started to dictate the pace and tempo of the game.

Some excellent keep ball, movement and passing saw Farnborough grow in dominance. It was little surprise when Farnborough took the lead from a corner, converted by Boyle for his first goal in Guild colours. Not long afterwards, again following a corner Butler scored what would be his first of a brace showing good composure on the edge of the box before hitting home from 18 yards. The fact the ball took 163 deflections en route to passing the keeper did nothing to prevent Butler celebrating. The third came from an unstoppable effort from 5 yards out, courtesy of a Lessa centre half.

3-0 at the half, and a game that Farnborough were now cruising. Instructions were to pick up where we left off. The one real criticism was that communication could have been better between the man passing the ball to his team mate. Basic stuff, good habits etc etc.

The second half started and within 3 minutes the Guild where 4 to the good, with Freeman-Roach converting smartly from close range following a good team move. Goal number 5 came from Butler with approximately 20 minutes remaining. The game was then played out with ease.

So this week a better performance overall, but let's not kid ourselves too much. We were good, but Lessa didn't really put up too much of a fight and we will have many sterner tests before the season is through. That said, a second successive clean sheet with 5 goals for and possession stats that must have read 65-35 in favour of the home side. A good day's work.

MOM this week was Butler, who edged out Freeman-Roach by the odd vote. If you play in the same side as Butler you really appreciate the workrate he gets through with minimal fuss. He wins headers, breaks up play well and with the engine he has is always a threat in the attacking 3rd. Being the lazy, past his sell by date centre midfielder I am, I'd hate to have to play against him.

Other things we learnt this week...Skrine's bird gives a mean love bite and Wray has a new nickname of Jigsaw...as he goes to pieces in the box! Probably a bit out of order as he wasn't even here today, but that's life!

This week we face Paul Birch. Obviously a good side. They currently sit just a point behind us, and beat Ex-Blues 3-2 in their last outing. A test sure to be tougher than this week's for the Guild.

Today's team: GK - S. Clarkson, RB - J. Adams, CB - A. Boyle, CB - A. Benningfield, LB - T. Skrine (S. Small), RM - M. Clark, CM - P. Butler, CM - D. Clark, LM - B. Donaghey (J. Miller), CF - M. Wilson, CF - D. Freeman-Roach