Robbery

Surrey Guildford United centre back, Jake Reid (in white), settles under pressure from a Surrey Selects striker in part two of the Surrey derby in U-14 Select League play

Photo Courtesy of Randy Downes

Coming off a very successful week that saw them beat both Vancouver and Victoria, Surrey Guildford had another difficult match-up in their second of two league games against cross-town rivals, the Surrey Selects. With the teams tied in the standings, the winner would take sole possession of second in the league.

Early in the game the Selects were out-hustling SGU and picking up a lot of loose balls which they turned into offensive pressure. Fortunately, United's back line were fairly organized and good communication between out-players and the goalkeeper mopped up many chances before anything dangerous developed. Surrey Guildford's slow start went from bad to worse as the Surrey Selects dominated the middle third of the pitch simply by badly outworking the home team. Going into the half, United was fortunate to be on level terms. 0-0.

The second half saw SGU rally their work rate a bit but the misguided enthusiasm to win balls left players chasing all over the field which completely unbalanced United tactically. Mid-way through the second half the Selects cracked open the game on a cut back cross that was beautifully struck off the far post and in to put them up 1-0. Surrey Guildford were still holding defensively and never let the game get out of reach but looked tactically disjointed and unable to mount any sustained pressure of the Selects. Very late in the game United's perseverance was rewarded as the Selects keeper made a very poor decision to dribble and was summarily dispossessed of the ball and left to watch forlornly as the ball was deposited in the back of the net. With game tied at 1-1 SGU ran out the final minutes and blatantly stole points keeping them tied for second with a game in hand on the Selects in the standings.

Next week Surrey Guildford will take on Richmond United at Hugh Boyd. SGU have been better on the road this season and look to extend their unbeaten streak to 6 games.