Guildford Saints 3 West Wickham 1

A great win for the Saints sees them through to the 3rd Round of this season's Surrey County Cup. Here's Kevin's match report;

"A cold, early kick off for Saints's foray into the County Cup saw them pitched against West Wickham from the Tandridge League. From the off Saints took complete control of the game and it was a joy to watch the sublime football we played. The starting line up was Josh, Chris, Ben, Martin, Ross, Jamie, Alex, Matt, Julien, Mike and Tom and it was Tom who nearly finished off an early flowing move only to see his shot go the wrong side of the post. Still he didn't have long to wait to open his account. Another sweet flowing attack and Tom was sent through and this time he finished across the 'keeper and into the net. Wickham tried to raise their game but just could not get time or space on the ball as Saints continued to dominate and after 15 minutes Saints went two up when Tom finished off another move dinking the ball over the 'keeper from a tight angle. We really should have pushed on and got a third but Julien hit the post, Jamie tried to set Tom for his hat trick when he had the time and space for himself and Matt was close from a free kick. Poor old Josh in our goal was just getting cold having virtual nothing to do. What was really pleasing today was that our defence was snuffing any attack out on the half way line with Chris and Ross playing particularly well.

Half time saw five changes - as we are allowed to do in the County Cup. Ollie replaced Ross who moved into Julien's position, Joe replaced Chris, Connor replaced Matt, Seb replaced Jamie and Nathan replaced Mike and again we just played the ball around showing great possession but, unfortunately, without the same penetration and purpose as the first half but the guys were all playing well. Ross should have scored when through but slipped, Connor was busy all over the park and Seb looked threatening with his pace so it was a huge surprise when Wickham scored. Ollie held up the play well but the ball was eventually played back in and Ross just got his head to it but only managed to flick on to the Wickham forward whose powerful shot came off Josh's arm and into the net... even his pink gloves that his mum had given him failed to keep the ball out!!!

The passage of play midway through the second half saw little action in either goal mouth and with just a one goal lead there was always a chance that extra time would be required. Julien was put back in the game in place of Ross - who had had a great game - and within a few minutes his run and cross was turned into his own net by a Wickham defender to secure the match. It was really no more than Saints deserved and we really should have gone on and scored more with Joe and Seb linking up well late in the game but we were unable to convert. Still full time 3-1 winners - job done!! Well done boys.

This was a really good passing and move display today. We just need to be a little more clinical in future.

Man of the Match - Alex Mattock