Guillemont Football Team
Standing Cup, first round
Friday 26th February 2010
Greenfields Junior School 0 – 3 Guillemont (Clowes 2, Frisby)
There’s no better tonic for disappointment than a trip to the countryside and in the leafy surrounds of Hartley Wintney Guillemont bounced back from their defeat at the hands of St Bernadette’s with an ultimately comfortable victory over Greenfields.
Buoyed by a splendid travelling support yet again, the Yellows were in control for much of the 40 minutes denying their opponents time and space on the ball and breaking at will. Jerrom’s confidence at centre back appears to have returned and he put in a couple of timely interceptions early in the game. Clowes and Frisby’s understanding up front has been one of the hallmarks of Guillemont’s success this season and twice they combined in the first half only to squander the chances their fine approach play had carved out.
After shots from Allen (playing his best game of the season), Roots and Hardy had been dragged wide frustration might have set in but Guillemont stuck to their game plan of hustling the Hoops out of their stride. In the 9th minute it looked as if the deadlock was about to be broken but a smartly hit drive from captain Hardy was prevented from opening the scoring only by the crossbar. With all the pressure that Guillemont were applying, however, a goal was inevitable, as perhaps was the scorer, Clowes notching his 5th of the season with a cute finish after 12 minutes.
On occasions this season Lister, in Guillemont’s goal, has looked a little uncomfortable which is understandable given that he usually plays at centre half for his club side. He chose this occasion, however, to fully justify his position as Guillemont’s first-choice keeper with an excellent save in the 16th minute which was vital in maintaining the away side’s momentum. Thereafter, his confidence grew visibly and he turned in an outstanding performance, commanding his area and proving himself an able shot-stopper when called upon.
In spite of playing into the wind in the second half Guillemont remained the stronger of the two teams and towards the end their superior fitness was evident. Clowes added his and Guillemont’s second goal of the match with a wonderful left foot strike that beat the Greenfields keeper at his near post and Frisby then rounded off the victory with a close range finish. A quarter final place against either St Joseph’s or Westfield on 24th March now beckons.
Coach Mr Cooper was delighted with his side’s efforts having asked the players for more commitment in the tackle than in their previous outing. He also commented on the exciting performances by each of his substitutes – Thorley, Gardner and O’Connor – all of whom, he pointed out, are still in year 5. With Captain Hardy and the injured Deadman also in year 5, the immediate future for Guillemont looks rosy.
Man of the Match – Daniel Clowes
Forthcoming fixtures*:
| 18th March | KO 4pm | Manor | League |
| 24th March | KO 1.30pm | St Josephs or Westfield** | Standing Cup Quarter Final |
| tbc | | South Farnborough | League |
| tbc | | St Patrick's | League |
* All matches to be played away
** Quarter and semi finals to be played on same day at the Football Foundation, Grasmere Rd, Southwood