Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division
Hard work and togetherness won the day for the home side with Sheerwater defeating one of the fancied teams in the division by 2 goals to 1.
It was a great beginning to this season’s adventure for the newly promoted side with Manager, Peter Ruggles the hero, saving a late penalty and making some vital saves after replacing the injured Richard Shelley twenty minutes from time.
It was 0-0 at the time but three minutes later “The Sheers” edged in front when the industrious Shane Cheeseman notched from inside the six yard box. His all-round display proving that hard work is rewarded.
Guildford were the more composed team on the ball but too many times they played one pass too many which played into Sheerwaters hands with men behind the ball. Most of their efforts were from range with Shelley equal to them as was Ruggles when he came on.
With the hosts heading for victory a crazy last few minutes ensued. On 83 minutes Ruggles came out bravely to deny Guildford but four minutes later a superb individual effort from Ryan Dacres-Smith stunned the home fans and levelled things up. He surged forward from deep past a couple of players before unleashing a powerful effort into the bottom corner giving Ruggles no chance. His reaction was to race and retrieve the ball and place it on the centre spot. With time ticking down Guildford broke forward and following a rash challenge just inside the area the Referee immediately awarded a penalty. Ruggles to the rescue as a poor attempt by Campbell enabled the keeper to dive to his right and palm the ball away.
Into stoppage time with a large chunk due to Shelley’s injury and the winning goal was scored. The ball was worked down the right and crossed low with Danny Taylor nipping in between defender and keeper to stab home from six yards despite the efforts of a Guildford defender on the goal line.
‘The Sheers’ managed the game well thereafter and collected their first 3 points of the campaign.
With City putting together a decent squad and having a successful pre-season they were surprisingly ordinary today and will look to bounce back as soon as possible.
As for Man of the Match my vote goes to Chris Machay who will be one to watch this season. Not far behind him was Guildford’s Billy Irving.
Sheerwater – Shelley, Cheeseman, Leighton, Hegarty, Kellet-Smith, Letch, Scannella, Dore, Rideout, Machay, D Taylor.
Subs Used – Bowden, T Taylor, Ruggles
Guildford City – Norman, Nzelo, J Ogunseye, Woodhouse, Mason, Irving, E Ogunseye, Dacres-Smith, B Ogunseye, Harding, Ocansey.
Subs Used – Webbe, Campbell, Siaw.
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