Hanworth Villa 1
- Finlay Macnab (85′)
Guernsey 0
Match report
A late winner from Finlay Macnab sees Villa take all three points against a stubborn and much improved Guernsey team. Both defences were throughout and it looked as the game was heading for a stalemate until a splendid cross from Sam Mead found the waiting figure of Macnab in the box.
This was a game of few real highlights – unless your idea of a good time is watching two teams sparring for almost a hundred minutes.
Kick off
The visitors kicked off in brilliant sunshine, Guernsey in their bright green and Villa in red.
It was Guernsey who had the first shot of the game – Murray hitting over after some neat interplay between Wallbridge and Acey down our right flank.
Villa have the first corner of the match but Guernsey have done their homework and snuff out any opportunity early on. Villa however, retain the initiative and play some beautiful football to create an opportunity. Nunn receives the ball and launches it deep across the box. Macnab can’t reach it but tracks back, retrieves the ball and feeds Collins who drops a pass to the feet of Nicholas who is unable to get a shot away. Lovely move.
Seconds later and Millo finds himself in space but his shot is fired over.
On eleven minutes Acer makes a dash into our half and wins a corner which ends up in the hands of Du Port.
16’ Guernsey are on the march – an overload looks inevitable however a great interception from Nunn sees Villa back on the attack which leads to a corner. Sam Mead delivers a deep cross aimed at Wells at the back post but our captain is crowded out.
Another Villa attack and Macnab delivers a slide rule pass to Randall who forces a save. The corner comes in but Djouadj heads wide.
The Guernsey number nine Murray was suffering the after effects of a collision earlier in the game and was replaced by Arnold, one of only two substitutes Guernsey had on the bench.
Macnab and Nicholas, developing a good understanding play a one-two and Macnab delivers a great shot just off target.
Collins – back after injury – was everywhere in an impressive first half and on the half hour won a free kick through determined and controlled battling. The ball lofted in bounced around the box and was just taken off the toe of Nicholas as he was just about to slot home.
Hainsworth took out Millo as he raced towards the goal – a straight forward block that left him with a yellow card.
Although Villa having the best of the attacks Guernsey remain a threat on the break and eight minutes before half time it looks like the visitors have a nailed on goal but a last ditch goal line clearance from Louis Collins saves us.
Minutes later we have another corner which Mead delivers into the box and a Djouadj header brings a great save from Addison.
In the last minute of the half we have a sequence of about five shots in 20 seconds, great defensive work from Guernsey keeps the score down to nil nil at the break.
Half time
Substitution at half time – Patterson on for Millo
Guernsey out of the block the quickest and quick feet see George Wells late with a tackle which see him going into the book two minutes after the break.
This was by no means a dirty game but the ref seemed intent on dishing out yellow cards in the second half giving a further two to us and four more to the visitors. Just two teams trying to win a game.
We continued to have chances but Guernsey held firm.
64′ Razy Nadeem replaced Dylan Randall for his club debut. O’Neill on for Collins.
With twenty minutes to go Nicholas lets fly with a great effort but misses the target. A few minutes later we have a corner that Mead – whose delivery was excellent today – finds Djouadj with. His header is blocked and comes out to Aston who lets loose a screamer from 30 yards which is just about pushed by the keeper at the corner of post and bar. Great shot. Great save.
76’ A bad clearance puts pressure on the Guernsey keeper who is challenged by Nicholas. No foul. Goalkeeper down for a while but gets up and seems okay.
81′ Villa come close from another corner. Great delivery, a Djouadj header and stoic defending from Guernsey.
84′ Macnab wins a free kick to the left of the penalty area. Mead delivers a teasing cross behind the defence which Macnab runs onto and heads home to break the deadlock.
Goal: Macnab 85’ – Villa 1 : 0 Guernsey
89’ Macnab replaced by Dunne.
Nicholas and a defender collide and Nicholas comes off worse. He’s holding his back and moving gingerly.
It looks like a sub was being prepared to replace Nicholas but in the last minute Aston Nunn went down heavily and it soon became apparent that he couldn’t continue.
90’ Substitution: Alfie Mewes onto replace Nunn.
90′ +3 Patterson brought down and a free kick to Villa just outside the box. Wells shoots but ball deflects into the path of Quincy Patterson who lets fly a brilliant shot that misses the target by inches.
90′ + 6 Villa get a free kick. The team playing to the corner to kill the game and win a free kick. The ball rattles around the corner flag several times. A throw is given which inexplicably results in a foul throw giving Guernsey possession.
Seconds left of additional time for the additional time. Mewes puts in a great tackle before Du Port fouls Mansaray for a booking
Final whistle – Villa win one nil
