Guildford Saints 4 Knaphill Wanderers 0

A great win for the Saints puts them right back in contention at the top of the Premier Division. This is Kevin's match report;

"Saints played their first league game since mid November and, after last week’s match where we were a bit rusty and with a Plate game on Sunday, this was going to be a pivotal weekend. A win against Knaphill would increase the gap between us to 6 points and close the gap on Staines - putting us back in contention for a possible league and plate double.

However we were missing a few players through injury and unavailability and we only had 11 players plus Alex Oldland from the Blues to start the game (Joe Richards would turn up at half time). Despite this the boys settled to the task well and took the game to Knaphill with Tom R and Seb looking particularly lively and it was Tom who had the first chance but unfortunately he screwed his shot wide. Moments later it was Seb who opened the account when collecting a neat pass from Connor he turned, took his defender on and buried his shot past the 'keeper. Knaphill tried to play football but the Saints midfield and defence looked really solid with Nathan Barnes was having an excellent game.

Saints pushed on but a number of chances went begging. Eventually though a great shot from Tom pinged back off the post to Seb who scorched shot past the 'keeper for 2-0. Matt then started to adventure up field a bit more from left back and from the corner of the box he unleashed a shot which was handled by a Knaphill defender. Usual spot kick taker Alex M let Seb take the penalty for his hat trick which he duly converted and it was 3-0. Seb then got injured and Alex O came on to cover for a few minutes before half time.

In the second half the Saints looked to be in complete control with Martin, Ben, Chris and Matt dealing with everything comfortably at the back. Nathan, Alex, Julien and Connor were controlling midfield - although at times we were dwelling on the pass after doing the hard work. Knaphill though did manage a couple of clear chances but Josh stood up well and maintained a deserved clean sheet. We had a great chance too but Martin flashed a header just wide. Joe came on for Connor and looked to run the right back which he did a couple of times to good effect and with five minutes left we were treated to a great goal by Saints. From a Knaphill set piece Matt picked the ball up and played a neat pass to Tom R who combined superbly with Alex on the half way line to spring the offside trap before a surging run down the left before an inch perfect pull back for Alex to shoot home. This was a delightful goal with passes being played first time to feet and at speed.

This was a good solid display today - but this is only half the target for weekend completed. We need to carry this form into tomorrow’s Plate match and then we can look forward to a quarter final against either Fleet Town Colts or Perrywood Sports at home."

Man (Men) of the Match: Nathan Barnes & Seb Edwards