SGU Offence Comes To Life

Surrey Guildford United's Arjun Girn strikes a ball past a Richmond defender. Girn assisted the game winning goal by springing a striker with a stunning penetrating pass from centre back.

Photo Courtesy of Randy Downes

Surrey Guildford United were looking to rebound from a sub-par effort against the Surrey Selects last week and put in a strong performance against Richmond on a cold, rainy, late afternoon in January. While the weather was a bit daunting, the Surrey boys looked confident in their approach to kick-off and didn't disappoint in their execution over the next seventy minutes.

In the early stages SGU were a bit stagnant and lacked some authority in their communication resulting in an early chance for Richmond. The SGU keeper charged quickly off his line to make an excellent save but unfortunately sustained an injury and could not return (later confirmed to be a broken arm). From that point forward, Surrey's offense took control. While SGU proved to be continuously dangerous throughout the game from out wide, they struck quickly on a good cross that was chested down and finished from in close for a 1-0 SGU lead. Near the twenty five minute mark, Surrey tallied again when their centre back threaded a ball all the way through to a striker who fought off a couple defenders and finished to go up 2-0. Richmond were able to get one goal back by capitalizing on a an SGU miscue, but full credit to the Richmond boys for the quality finish on well delivered cross leaving no chance for the keeper. Score, 2-1 at the break.

In the second half, Surrey Guildford tidied up their back end and kept fairly sustained pressure on Richmond for the majority of the following thirty five minutes. Although they did have to turn away the odd counter-attack they were able to steadily build more and more chances as time wore on. Near the fifty-five minute mark a good shot from eighteen yards out outmaneuvered the keeper to put SGU up 3-1. Although the score never changed to the final whistle, Surrey Guildford created all sorts of chances in the remaining minutes and the good play was enjoyable for coaches and fans.

With the win, Surrey Guildford United hold their position at second in the table and will host Delta next week.