Godalming crashed to defeat against a relegation-battling Metropolitan Police side, who completed a league double over the G’s in controversial circumstances. After some controversial decisions Chuck Martini’s men found themselves 2 goals down at half-time thanks to strikes from Paul Honey and Ron Edwards, and despite given hope by Glen Stanley’s 65th minute penalty the G’s misery was complete when Gary Drewett sealed the win with 2 minutes to go.
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| New signing Liam Collins |
With 9 minutes on the clock at Imber Court Ron Edwards found himself in space in the Godalming area, and when the big striker was brought down by Liam Pestle the referee pointed straight to the spot, despite denying Godalming a similar decision seconds earlier at the other end. Paul Honey confidently dinked the ball to the left of G’s goalkeeper Rodney Chiweshe, who dived to the right, and the Blues had the lead. The visitors were shaken by conceding such an early goal and they struggled to get themselves back into the game, with their lowly hosts dominating. Edwards missed a sitter after Craig Brown’s cross wasn’t cleared properly, and in the 33rd minute Chiweshe produced a splendid save to turn away James Rose’s header. 3 minutes later Godalming managed to get behind the Blues defence, but Phil Williams could only head Glen Stanley’s cross into the arms of Mo Maan. During the 1st period several decisions went against Godalming, and salt was rubbed into the wounds when the hosts doubled their lead in 1st half injury time. Gary Drewett, who had signed for the G’s at Christmas but failed to make a 1st team appearance, sped down the right and sent in a deep cross which Edwards met at the far post, tucking the ball into the far corner. Stanley came close with a free kick shortly after but Godalming went in at half-time 2 goals down.
Clearly motivated during their team talk during the break the G’s came out for the 2nd period roaring. Only 3 minutes were played when new signing Liam Collins played a short free kick to Stanley, whose 25 yard pile-driver was parried by Maan. In the 53rd minute Williams shrugged off the attention of 2 Blues defenders before sending in a dangerous cross. Maan was beginning to look shaky and he split the ball, but fortunately for him the danger was cleared. 4 minutes later the consistent Metropolitan Police tackling resulted in another free kick, but Shaun Elliot’s left-footed attempt curled narrowly wide. Godalming were piling on the pressure, and on the hour Chris Wales nodded Collins’ free kick into a crowded 6-yard box but Steve Sutherland rose highest to head the ball away. In the 65th minute Godalming’s intense pressure finally proved too much for the Blues defence, as goalscorer Honey recklessly gave away a penalty as he scythed down Victor Kiri. Maan tried to put Stanley off but the Godalming forward took no notice as he sent the Blues custodian the wrong way to give the G’s a lifeline. They continued to search for another goal and completely dominated the game, as despite being behind they made it clear which side was battling for the title and which was trying to avoid a drop to the Combined Counties. Collins had made an impressive debut appearance, and he provided a brilliant pass for Williams but his powerful shot was fumbled by Maan. The ball rolled out to Stanley who crossed for Graeme Purdy, but Sutherland was on hand to provide a brilliant block and deflect the ball over. In the 77th minute Collins free kick was helped on by Purdy to James Wade who, on the stretch, could only touch the ball wide. Having spent the 2nd half defending the hosts broke with pace in the 88th minute, and substitute Laurent Hamici was unfairly challenged by Elliot winning his side a free kick. George Jermy floated in the cross and Drewett was on hand to head the ball beyond Chiweshe and into the net. The Blues bench erupted as they realised that surely now the game was won, and although Stanley went close with a free kick in stoppage time it was not to be for the G’s, who are still yet to win at Imber Court.
Godalming face Folkestone Invicta in a massive game at Weycourt on Tuesday night. The Kent side are top of the league, and Godalming know they must take all 3 points to remain in with a chance of winning the title. Corinthian-Casuals visit Weycourt the Saturday after, before Chuck Martini’s men travel to Walton & Hersham in the Surrey Senior Cup the following Tuesday.
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