Match Report

St John in for the injured Clarkson and Wray returned from injury. Beesley still out injured. A strong squad of 14 made the trip to Eltham to face Paul Birch.

A tough test was expected given the fact that prior to kick off just one point separated the two sides, both on the back of some decent results of late. The surface, although a little uneven, was good and having visited the same ground earlier in the season all in Guild colours were pleasantly surprised.

The pre match team talk had a familiar ring to it; get out of the starting blocks early, impose ourselves on the opposition, make them fight for every ball and move it quickly. The opening exchanges were pretty even with both sides assessing what the other had to offer. It wasn't long before Paul Birch witnessed a sign of what was to come. A decent move down the right resulted in Freeman-Roach netting, showing great composure from within the box to calmly slot past the Paul Birch number 1.

Unfortunately the lead didn't last long. A good delivery from a free kick resulted in M Clark heading past his own keeper to level the scores. The Guild didn't have to wait long before taking the lead again, before adding a third to make it 3-1 at the half. Goals came courtesy of a second strike from Freeman-Roach, and M Clark atoning for his earlier own goal.

Half time came and instructions where to keep things tight, move the ball quicker and improve the quality and quantity of communication. The next goal would be crucial. Paul Birch get it, and they were back in the game. Farnborough get it and the contest would be all but over.

The latter happened with Freeman-Roach completing his hat-trick although not before hitting the bar with an excellent drive following a Wilson flick. The 5th goal came from substitute Wray who blasted past the keeper from a tight angle. 5-1 it finished.

Overall a solid performance all round. There were flashes of excellent football, demonstrating the understanding the players have formed with one another. The squad has shown in recent weeks that there is a real good balance to it. Everyone wants the ball, everyone is prepared to put in the hard work and attitude is excellent from 1-14. Today standout performances were Wilson up front whose tireless work rate and endeavour afforded Freeman-Roach the opportunity to take his tally to seven in five played. Wray came on for the last twenty minutes and gave the Paul Birch backline no end of problems with his pace and directness.

MOM was picked up by Freeman-Roach. He has added a new dimension to the side and given the ball in the right places has proved to be deadly in front of goal. Votes were also picked up by Wilson and D Clark.

This week we face The Blues. Not a lot needs to be said. They are top of the league, they are unbeaten, they have a superior goal difference to everyone else in the division and as we know from a few weeks back they are a very decent side. All that said we put three past them before and they were more relieved than us to walk away with a point. If anyone is going to beat them this season, then why not us? In the form we've been in, its a distinct possibility.

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