In defeat, I thought that overall our performance was quite good and you have to reluctantly accept sometimes that the better side has beaten you on the day. The lesson is to remain humble, not look for excuses, and to work harder to improve. It was always going to be tough as Godalming's recent form suggested they were on their game, and then I witnessed a strong well-organised side that will be difficult to beat if they maintain those levels. We got the perfect start scoring from an early corner which is always nice when a set play works, and then played well for the half thereafter.

I sensed Godalming had perhaps expected to just roll us over which the final result will suggest that they did but that wasn’t the story of this game. The early goal was one thing but the fact that we remained secure at the back and a threat going forward I felt caught our opponents a little by surprise. It wasn’t long before there was pressure put on the referee to speed our every restart action, ironically when their own timekeeping had been the same but gradually that pressure and the constant comments from their supporters just seemed to affect how the game was officiated. To be clear none of this was why we were beaten but there was a sense that we were unnecessarily being jollied along. We even had a player booked when he went to retrieve the ball for a throw-in.

Getting to the break in front would have been huge but we conceded twice in the minutes immediately before the half and they were the game-changing moments. I felt we should have done more to stop the crosses into our box and been quicker to react in the second phase but we didn’t and it was now a very different game. I didn’t think we were as good in the second half but I was pleased with the attitude and application by the players even if creatively it didn’t amount to as much as we would have wanted. We did create a good opening at the start of the half when the front two combined well but the infamous Chalky Lane bobble denied us a very real chance of equalizing.

Godalming regrouped and stopped us from having much of a look in thereafter and the irony was that their delaying tactics when in front went unpunished, not that we were ever trying to take time out of the game, certainly not when there were still 80 minutes to play but as I say their management of the game in the latter stages was good. They had increased their lead and had a 2-goal advantage to hold onto and did it well even after they had a man dismissed. The concession of another goal in the last minute flattered them slightly but they deserved to win and are a very good side and the team to watch in the playoffs.

We will regroup and work towards having a good run in taking each game as they come and see where it takes us but I know we are on to something good with a young group who are improving all the time. Still, lots of football to be played and I expect us to win many more games this season. The players should be proud of what they have achieved so far but desperate to take it all to another level so we can become a top top side.

Gaffer Glynn Stephens
First Team Manager