Monday 18th August 2008
This was the first League game of the season for the Youth Academy and for all but two of the Woking squad this was their first competitive game in a Woking shirt. Guildford have clearly been working hard over the summer, they were well organised, competitive and gave a good account of themselves throughout.
Despite some enterprising play the Woking youngsters were unable to take advantage of their opportunities during the first half with Lewis Parish, Ollie Palmer and Jason Cachia all going close. The Woking defence of James Oliver-Pearce, Chris Richards, Aaron Gough and Robbie Drewitt were looking solid, Rav Randhawa and Tom Topham in central midfield were working hard, whilst Lewis Parish and Will Hammond were causing problems down the flanks.Woking could have gone 1-0 down but a fabulous save from Ian McCulley down to his right on 44 minutes ensured the teams went in at half time all square.
There were some good phases of play from both sides in the second period but with three quarters of the game gone, during a relatively quiet night for him, Ian McCulley pulled off a second outstanding save, this time down to his left.
During the next 15 minutes Luke Smith came on for Jason Cachia, Badawi El-Badawi for Tom Topham and Lorenzo Cachia for Will Hammond.This was one of those games that would need something special to break the deadlock; cue Ollie Palmer, as with 15 minutes remaining he picked the ball up some 25yards from goal and unleashed a ferocious strike that flew into the top right hand corner of the Guildford goal (contender for goal of the season).
Woking 1 Guildford City 0
Just three minutes later a quick interchange of passes led to Luke Smith finding Lorenzo Cachia who cleverly turned his defender inside out before unluckily seeing his shot canon off the crossbar.Lots of endeavour thereafter but no further score.
Full Time Woking 1 Guildford City 0
For their first time out this was an encouraging performance from the Woking youngsters and in general the squad acquitted themselves well.A number of players impressed individually on the night, worthy of particular mention are Ian McCulley for his two outstanding saves, Aaron Gough for his Alan Hansen style performance at centre half and Ollie Palmer for his tireless energy and his fantastic goal.
The Man of the match Award goes to:MOM: Ollie Palmer
Squad: Ian McCulley, James Oliver-Pearce, Chris Richards, Aaron Gough, Robbie Drewitt, Will Hammond, Rav Randhawa, Tom Topham, Lewis Parish, Ollie Palmer, Jason Cachia,. Subs used: Luke Smith, Badawi El-Badawi, Lorenzo Cachia Subs not used: Matt Winter.
If you came to watch - thanks for your support -
Our next home game is:
U18 Ryman Youth LeagueWoking v Godalming
Tuesday 26th August - ko 7.30pm
