This was a scrappy match which Walton deserved to win as they had a greater desire, better passing and better tackling. Saints were poor throughout, failing to pass the ball properly, trying to control the ball with the outside of the foot and some non existent tackling. The first goal was given away after just three minutes after a soft tackle attempt allowed the Walton player to punt the ball forward. Their player chased the ball down in race with Martin and he simply passed the ball to an unmarked Walton player who in turn passed the ball into the net. Saints had resorted to just hoofing the ball up front to no avail as we failed to control any ball played in. This is how it stayed to half time with Saints failing to force a save from the Walton keeper.

The second half was no better with no Saints player putting their foot on the ball, however, credit to Walton as they gave Saints players little time of the ball. Walton scored again half way through the half when a hopeful ball was played into the area. Nathan watched as it sailed over his head, but Ross had got back to hook the ball off the line only for it to hit Alex M and rebound into the goal. No matter about other results Saints will finish the season in third which is a good achievement in our first season in the Premier Division, but we need to think back and imagine what could have been.

Managers Comment: A disappointing way to lose our league home unbeaten record. Maybe we need to go back to basics in training regarding tackling and passing.

Man of the Match: Ross Pearn - the only player who put in effort and played to his full ability.

Improving Player: Martin Peters - never shirks his responsibility.

17 April 2008

On a bright but cold Thursday evening at Elm Grove, Saints went into this game short of players following the late withdrawal of two players. However this was a much improved performance than the two previous games. Elm Grove had recently drawn with Ascot and Walton so we knew it was going to be a tough game and so it turned out to be.

Although Saints were playing a better passing game than recently it was difficult to break down a resolute Elm Grove defence. Saints had a couple of chances to open the scoring but just could not find the right touch or shots were blocked. Just as it looked to be heading towards a goalless first half Julien was played in and coolly finished. The back four of Ollie, Martin, Alex and Ross dealt with everything and didn't look under any threat. Alex O, Nathan, Harry, Scot and Julien were starting to link up well and Tom R was busy all over the final third.

The second half started badly as we twice tried to clear our lines only to give the ball away. With Ross and Alex M both closing down the winger he slipped the ball inside and their forward slipped the ball past Nathan in goal. Tom Oldland then game on for his brother and soon got into the game when he got clattered in the centre circle but managed to pass the ball to Tom R. With the referee playing advantage Tom raced to goal and shot, the keeper saved it but Tom knocked in the rebound. Elm Grove came back at Saints and at times we were living on the edge and soon another unwise attempt to win the ball by a Saints defender led to the winger getting round the back to give the Elm Grove forward the easiest of tap ins. Saints tried for the winner but a heavy touch by Tom R when played in saw the chance go begging, full time 2-2.

Managers Comments: A huge improvement in our game today, we look good when we play the ball to feet and after two goalless games it was good to see goals going in.

Man of the Match: Ross Pearn - assured defending and good distribution.

Improving Player: Harry Dodd - a fine display from the skipper.

2 March 2008

SPL Premier Division

Esher Athletic 1-3 Guildford Saints (Richards 2, Tilley)

A bright Sunday saw Saints visit Esher for the return league match that was always going to be a physical game rather than a passing game. Right from the start Saints tore into their opponents and a huge goal kick from Nathan Wells was latched onto by Tom Richards who, whilst being leant on, clinically hit his shot across the keeper into the far corner with just one minute on the clock. The rest of the half was played at a frantic pace with Esher trying to close and deny the space for Saints to work in. Although they managed to keep Julien out of the game, Tom R, Scott, Jamie, Nathan Barnes and captain Harry Dodd were managing to work their way through. It must be said however we were having to rely on the quick through ball rather than stringing passes together. With three players missing again (Ross, Dan and Martin) Tom Oldland stepped up from the Blues to partner Ben in the middle and acquitted himself well with a number tackles. In fact the whole back four played well and the only occasion we looked insecure was when we left a ball to run through instead of clearing it, but the excellent Nathan rushed off his line to clear well.

Saints had a couple of chances to increase the lead but free kicks from Harry whistled over, a shot on the run by Tom went wide and Tom O failed to convert at the back post so half time 1-0 Saints.

The second half saw Esher try and push further up the pitch but the play was sporadic with a number of free kicks being awarded for unnecessary fouls for pushing and tripping. Esher drew level when Saints failed to clear and their forward ran through - Nathan stood up well but failed to get down to stop the shot. This seemed to spark Saints into extra effort and they soon restored their lead when Tom R volleyed in after Ollie (who had come on for Scott) and Julien had efforts blocked. Minutes later with yet another free kick given to Saints for yet another foul on Julien, Jamie flighted a lovely ball to the back post where Ollie had ghosted in to head home.

Saints saw out time without being really tested although Esher once again threw everything at them.

Managers Comments: A physical game today, but we are far more resilient and can cope much better than we used to. We know we can play attractive football but we can also stand up and be counted when we are asked the type of questions we were today.

Man of the Match: Harry Dodd - a captains display today full of controlled aggression and great distribution, went close on a couple of occasions to scoring a deserved goal.

Improving Player: Nathan Wells - assured handling and distribution with an assist for the first goal.

27 January 2008

Going into this game, Saints knew this would be a physical encounter and that they would need to deny the opposition time and space. The game plan was to counter attack using our pace, movement and quick passes.

From the start Julien sped into the box but sent his shot high and wide. Tom Richards also managed to wriggle into the box but sent his shot over too. However, after ten minutes a contender for goal of he season saw Julien use his pace into the box and send his shot high into the net with the Staines keeper rooted to his line. Staines tried and tried to get through but Martin, Ben, Christian and Alex M stood rock solid. Nathan Wells only had to deal with long shots, although he did suffer a scare when the ball hit the post whilst we were appealing that the ball had gone out. With another Staines attack coming to nothing Saints broke quickly down the left and just a Julien lined his shot he was bundled to the ground by a defender who had no eye for the ball at all. From the penalty kick Alex Mattock dispatched his fifth goal of the season. Half time 2-0 Saints.

From the start of the second half Saints knew that Staines would come at them and we would need to keep it tight… and boy did we!! Jamie Henderson had a great game winning tackles and send passes up field to Tom and Julien. Nathan Barnes patrolled the middle and got stuck in at every opportunity. Scott Gotham ran himself into ground on the right and captain Harry Dodd was covering every blade of grass on the pitch. Staines were keeping the pressure on with there little midfielder pulling the strings but Saints had opportunities to hit a third with Tom Richards being denied twice, once when trying to chip the keeper, and once when the last defender cleared off the line. Staines were pressing and a series of corners saw Martin get his head in way, and Nathan Wells pulling off a tremendous reflex save to push the ball over the bar. However, with time running out, Staines pulled on goal back although there was a hint of handball, but it was no more than their efforts deserved. Alex Oldland came on for Scott and made a couple on great tackles and covered back well

Managers Comments: There are some matches, of which this was one, where we need to compete in first before we play football and to a man every one today played with discipline and a hunger. Each and every player deserves a man of the match award.

Man of the Match: Julien Amoruso - a great goal and full of running.

Improving Player: Jamie Henderson - a great display showing just what Jamie is capable of.

20 January 2008

This was a very bitty performance from Saints today, which was probably due to the lack of matches over the recent weeks. None of the quickness to the ball, passing or movement was evident although the shape was good. Elm Grove only had ten men and put up a great display to keep Saints at bay, although the were helped by the Saints being off form. The scoring was not opened until 10 minutes before half time when Nathan Barnes hit an effort from the edge of the box over the keeper. The second was created by Tom Richards who wriggled into the box to set up Julien. The Saints defence had little to do although what they did have was easily dealt with by Martin, Christian, Ben and the returning Ross who restricted Elm Grove to long range shots which Nathan Wells dealt with.

The second half was a little more lively from Saints although Elm were tiring. The third goal for Saints was a penalty for a two handed push on Alex Mattock who then calmly stepped up to convert his third spot kick of the season. With Alex Oldland and Harry Edwards making an appearance Saints went looking for some more goals and Juilen duly obliged with his second of the game. The fifth goal was more like what you would expect from the Saints when three or four one touch passes sent Tom Richards through who, after rounding the keeper, knocked the ball into an empty net.

Managers Comments: Hopefully, with this match under our belts, we can now get back to our best and play our quick passing football.

Man of the Match: Scott Gotham - a tireless display from Scott who challenged every ball and even out jumped the tall number 7 to win a header.

Improving Player: Christian Shaw - although he is a quiet lad he just gets on with his football and always seems to win the ball.

6 January 2008

After a delayed start, due to a frozen pitch, Saints kicked off against the league leaders after four weeks with no game. Ascot stared brightly and showed that they deserve to be top of division with some neat interchanges and free flowing football. However, Saints defence stood firm against the onslaught and didn't allow Ascot a clear cut sight of goal. Alex Mattock, in particular, was having a fine game at stand in left back after Ross injured himself in the warm up. Saints did create a couple of clear cut chances when Tom Richards was sent through only to shoot straight at the keeper. Jamie had the other chance when played in by Dan Price but with time and space Jamie shot over. However Saints went 1-0 up when a harsh penalty was awarded for a handball. Alex Mattock coolly dispatched it.

The second half started very badly for Saints when a free kick was awarded just outside the box and the ball was fired past an unsighted Nathan Wells. Only a minute later and Ascot had taken the lead from a corner when the posts were not marked and a free header was allowed. Saints looked like they had not played for few weeks and Ascot enjoyed more possession but again were struggling to find a way past a Saints defence until another corner was met by a free running Ascot defender who was not picked up and buried his header.

Saints tried to up their game but the free flowing football was not there and even though there was a couple more chances for Ben Turner and Julien they could not be put away.

Managers Comments: In the end a fair result, a good defensive performance in the first half but we lacked the finishing today.

Man of the Match: Alex Mattock

Improving Player: Dan Price

9 December 2007

This match kicked off in blustery conditions but, thankfully, without any rain. From the start Saints looked a bit tired and slow and Tooting were quicker and stronger to the ball. However, the Saints defence never really looked troubled and Nathan Wells had only minor clearing up to do but, with the conditions, he was doing this really well.

Saints then started getting into the match and were unlucky not to open the scoring when Ollie Tilley and Julien both had shots saved by the Tooting keeper. It was Tooting that took the lead though when the Saints defence hesitated and failed to clear their lines. The Tooting forward out muscled the back line and there was little Nathan could do to stop the shot. Saints didn't let their heads drop and stormed up field with neat interchanges between Nathan Barnes, Dan Price, Harry Dodd and Jamie Henderson that played in Julien, who finished across the keeper into the bottom corner.

Both sides were knocking the ball around which is a credit to them in the weather but a soft penalty was awarded and Saints went in 2-1 down at half time.

Right from the start of the second half, with Tom Richards replacing Jamie and Scott Gotham replacing Ollie Tilley, Saints meant business. Three or four times we got round the back but couldn't supply the finishing touch - Scott's the pick of the bunch when he latched onto a spill by the Tooting keeper but lost his footing on the wet grass just as he shot. Saints eventually drew level when a Dan Price header came back to Tom Richards off a defender and Tom reacted first to force the ball in. It was good to see Tom back on the score chart and his second arrived 10 minutes before full time when he took the ball off a defender in the area and buried his shot past the keeper. Tom had a chance to chip the keeper for a quick fire hat trick but just put it past the post. With time running out Tooting threw everything at Saints and it was only some last ditch tackling that denied them an equaliser.

Managers Comments: Although it was strange to see us go one down the response was brilliant, a reminder of what can be achieved when you pass and move. A good performance from everybody this week, after a weeks rest, although we did start slowly.

Man of the Match: Nathan Barnes - a tigerish performance from Nathan in midfield with great strength in the tackles and good distribution.

Improving Player: Nathan Wells - calm assured goalkeeping, in bad conditions for goalkeepers, coupled with great distribution and always encouraging from the back.

25 November 2007

This was a Preliminary Round cup match against a Horsley side doing well in Division One. From the start Horsley were denying the Saints time and space and looked a very fit side. However it was the Saints who took the lead via an old fashion route one goal - a great ball from Nathan Barnes over the top of Horsley's defence which was latched onto by Jamie who finished well. Horsley's heads didn't go down but Saints doubled their lead with a well crafted second. Neat interchanges down the left by Ross, Julien and Jamie played in Julien who finished superbly. Saints should have scored a couple more with Jamie hitting the bar and Juilen narrowly missing. Just before half time Horsley were awarded a penalty after a push by a Saints player. After determining where the spot was Horsley scored although Nathan "Hollywood" Wells nearly kept it out. Nathan Barnes then added a third just before the break with a great strike from outside the area.

The second half was similar to the first, with Horsley chasing and Saints playing around them. Even when Horsley got through the Saints defence looked strong with Ben Turner and Ross Pearn the pick of them, especially following a Horsley corner when a couple of great blocks and a one handed save from Nathan kept the ball out. Saints added a fourth when Dan Price played in Julien to score his second of the match. Saints still missed a couple of chances before Juilen added his third and Saints fifth with a bundled effort.

Managers Comments: Today we were back to playing a neat, passing game… and even passing backwards at times to retain possession.

Man of the Match: Nathan Barnes - a strong performance capped with a fine goal.

Improving Player: Ben Turner - outstanding display of defensive play.

18 November 2007

With a depleted squad, following late withdrawals again, Saints went into this league game with just twelve available players. The first half was a dour affair with neither side really dominating although Saints probably just shaded it in possession. This all changed however when Walton's late arriving player turned up and his first contribution was to clatter Alex Mattock and then Ollie Tilley. However football is a physical game and we know to expect this in certain games.

The second half had just started when an over the ball tackle by the same Walton player forced Ben Turner from the field and again the ref. chose to just speak to the player concerned. There was no doubting this Walton players skills but there is no room in the game for that kind of tackle and it should be stamped out. Ben received large bruising on his lower leg even though it was behind the pad. Despite this but against the run of play, Saints took the lead when a fierce Harry Dodd shot was beaten out only for Scott Gotham to turn the ball in from an incredible tight angle. Walton soon levelled though when the Saints defence just tried to swing a leg instead of watching the ball on to the foot. With only 10 minutes remaining a draw looked like a fair result but a soft penalty was awarded to Walton which was well put away. With little time left Saints could not find there way past their opponents on a narrow and short pitch.

Managers Comments: A battling display today from all the boys but little showing of flowing football that we have built our reputation on. In fairness Walton deserved to win for their second half performance. We should not let our heads drop as we are a good side and we will have days like this in the future.

Man of the Match: Nathan Wells - some fine goalkeeping and encouragement from the back

Improving Player: Scott Gotham - clinical finishing

11 November 2007

This was a truly a match of three halves!! For the first 10 minutes Saints were quicker to the ball and the passing was very crisp. Within 3 minutes Dan Price rifled a shot passed the Bisley keeper for 1-0 and 7 minutes later Nathan Barnes also rasped a shot passed the keeper following a corner for the second. Then the rot set in! We seemed slower to the ball and tried to do everything individually. Bisley, as we know, are a very good footballing side, well drilled and competitive. When we dallied on the ball near the touch line instead of playing safe they quickly switched the ball and scored. Still though Saints did not raise their game and Bisley deservedly drew level just before half time.

Even a stern talking to at half time saw no improvement and it took a penalty for Saints to take the lead again with Alex Mattock confirming himself as the Saints penalty taker. Again Bisley did not let heads go down and stilled played a passing game to good effect and they drew level once more as their play warranted. We then seemed to wake up and Tom Richards blazed over from a yard out and a Dan Price shot was well saved by a good Bisley keeper (although I think we had the better keeper in Nathan Wells). In the end a draw was a fair result for the way both sides played today.

Managers Comments: I am not awarding a MOM or Improving Player today as collectively we play as a team and today we didn't. A few players need to look at themselves and ask am I doing what is required for the team or am I playing for myself? We need to play as a squad and a team with each player doing the job they are asked to do. Nobody has a right to play it has to be earned and then collectively we can get the results that, as a squad, we deserve.

Man of the Match: -

Improving Player: -

4 November 2007

This was the second round of the County Cup and Saints took to the pitch against last years runners up Nutfield. Saints started fairly slowly and Nutfield looked to be a good passing team and were much the stronger team in getting to the ball. However Saints contained them well until the 16th minute when a deflected shot went past the dive of keeper Josh Betts. Showing a little bit more mettle after the goal Saints tried to compete a bit more and just at the end of the half Jamie Henderson fired home after a bit of a goal mouth scramble.

The second half was a little bit more competitive from the Saints who really could have gone in front if the ball had been moved a little earlier. Still clear cut chances for both sides were very few and far between as each side tried to gain the midfield. Julien and Tom were trying to open up the Nutfield defence with Scott supporting on the right but to no avail. The same could be said about Nutfield but their attacks were regularly snuffed out by Ben and Alex Mattock.

The first period of extra time followed the pattern of the second half with neither side dominating, or creating clear cut chances. The second period of extra time was a nerve jangling experience as Saints took the lead with just 3 minutes left when Julien broke through and, at the second attempt, stroked the ball home. Nutfield threw everything at the Saints and, with seconds to spare, equalised after the ball wasn't cleared despite a super effort from Scott to try and head the ball off the line. Thus followed the lottery of the penalty shoot out and Saints lost out 1-3.

Managers Comments: A lacklustre first half display but the team showed character to come back and nearly snatch victory against a very good side. We should take heart from our performance and carry this good team spirit into our league games.

Man of the Match: Alex Mattock – rock solid display in both positions today.

Improving Player: Josh Betts – much improved handling.

28^th October 2007

With a heavily depleted squad, and with Julien leaving at half time, this was going to be a game of attrition. The weather was bad and the grass was very long but Saints started much the better of the two sides and within five minutes Julien scored his first of the game when he latched onto a through ball and dispatched his shot across the keeper and into the net.

With the ball skidding through off the wet surface both defences had to be on their mettle and it was the Saints defence of Mattock, Pearn, Turner and Peters who looked and played the most assured and it was no surprise when Saints went 2-0 up thanks to Tom Richards who shot home off the post.

In a game that I thought would be difficult - given the number of players available, the conditions and our opponents - we looked to be a great side and before long it was three with the goal of the game from Julien, who scored with a crisp left footer that was worthy of winning any match.

Our midfield was working extremely hard and effectively at winning the ball and denying space with Harry Dodd, Dan Price and Nathan Barnes all competing well to give Julien, and the hard working Jamie Henderson, the space to work their magic. Poor old Nathan Wells in goal was getting very wet and cold with little to do but when he was asked to do some work his handling and position were excellent. Just before the break Saints went four up as Julien rounded off a fine move to complete his hat trick.

After half time, with Julien delaying his departure by ten minutes, the Saints scored their fifth when Julien was again sent racing clear to dispatch a shot past the Farnham keeper. An injury to the Farnham keeper allowed time for Alex Oldland to come on as substitute to play right back and the ever reliable and dependable Alex Mattock slotting in on the left to replace Julien.

Farnham started to have little more of the ball but all the Saints defenders were resilient. When Jamie was sent racing clear down the right he beat a couple of defenders before rolling the ball across the six yard box for Tom Richards to score his second. At this point Ben pulled up with a thigh strain, Blues player Tom Oldland came on at centre back and slotted in nicely alongside Martin.

We then lost Nathan Wells in goal when his back, which he hurt in training on Saturday, gave out. Yet another reshuffle saw Alex Oldland move back in to goal, Alex Mattock to right back and Jack Craig, another Blues player having played a full game already, come on the left for the last ten minutes and work hard for the teams cause. It was while we were reorganising that Farnham scored their consolation goal with their forward chipping Alex. Saints however recovered their composure and saw out the remaining few minutes.

Managers Comments: after the last two performances we seemed to rediscover our strengths in that we competed for the whole game and did not slacken off in the second half. This was a great display from all the players today both in terms of attitude and skill - Well done.

Man of the Match: Julien Amoruso - four classy goals and turned up for the match despite having to go to athletics afterwards, a true show of loyalty to his mates, the team and me. I would also like to make Claude Dad of the Match for allowing Julien to take part!!

Improving Player: Nathan Wells - a great showing from Nathan today with great handling in very dodgy conditions.

14^th October 2007

Yet another game of two halves for the Saints this week!

Saints again started the brighter of the two sides and they deservedly went ahead after four minutes when captain Harry Dodd buried a shot from outside the box high into the Staines goal. More pressure from Saints soon brought number two as Staines conceded a free kick outside the area. Up stepped Harry again to curl the ball around the wall into the net. Although Staines were fighting for every ball they were being denied the time and space to play their football. The first half was all Saints and Staines struggled to breakdown the defence of Peters, Pearn, Turner and Shaw. Up front Tom Richards was working hard but his usual clinical finishing was missing today otherwise the third would arrived earlier than it did when Julien raced onto a through pass and placed his shot passed the Staines keeper. Half time 3-0 Saints.

The second half belonged to Staines who came at the Saints with a determination not to be denied the space or time. They were finding their players with crisp passing and suddenly Nathan Wells was finding that he had plenty to do. After ten minutes of the second half Staines pulled a goal back with a shot from outside the area after a bit of hesitance from the defence. The boys stared to look a little leg weary and slack marking from a Staines corner allowed their forward to dispatch a smart header. With Saints starting to hang on and the match in the balance it was of little surprise that the game became disjointed and ugly. A few minutes from the end Staines earned a point when a free kick from just outside the area nestled in the back of the net.

Managers Comments: A superb first half followed by leg weary performance in the second. This is the second match running that we seemed to struggle with the pace of the game and we need to be able to compete at the end of games. Also being a touch more clinical in front of goal would serve us well.

Man of the Match: Alex Mattock - a hard working display full of great tackles and good distribution

Improving Player: Harry Dodd - starting to relax when hitting his shots

7^th October 2007

30^th September 2007

With 25% of the squad missing, the Saints started the match with only 11 players and a reshuffled back line and midfield. However within 45 seconds of kick off the Saints had taken the lead! A short corner was taken by Julien Amoruso to Dan Price who crossed a great ball into the box for Jamie Henderson to head his first goal for the club. The game then settled down with Saints having a lot of possession but not really finding the cutting edge on the edge of the box. With ten minutes gone Jamie converted his second after some great interchanges between Ross Pearn, Julien and Dan down the left. A third soon followed when Julien buried a shot into the bottom left hand corner from outside the box. Half time 3-0 Saints!

Rather than go all out to put the game beyond Mayford, Saints seemed to take their foot off the gas and were second to the ball and not winning the 50-50's and it was no surprise when Mayford pulled a goal back from a corner. A little indecision led to the ball being deflected over Josh, who up to that point had had very little to do - this was in part down to fine defending by Christian Shaw, Alex Oldland, Ben Turner and the marauding Ross Pearn. Saints stared to get more involved towards the end of the game as Nathan Barnes stared to pull the strings in midfield and Ben Turner bringing the ball out of defence. The final goal was very similar to Man City's opener on Saturday when captain Harry Dodd sent Tom Richards through. Tom held off a defenders challenge and fired the ball across goal which was met with a first time effort by Jamie for number four.

Managers Comments: On this performance the boys who missed this game will find it hard to get back into the side - although it is nice to have strength in depth. Not having any substitutes though is not an ideal situation to have when the boys are now playing ten minutes more.

Man of the Match: Ben Turner - held the defence together with Christian, never let the ball bounce and linked up well with the midfield.

Improving Player: Jamie Henderson - three well taken goals, good work rate and doubling up with Alex on the right.