Guildford City approached the game with a sense of urgency, knowing a positive result could secure their safety from relegation. Meanwhile, our own relegation fears had been put to rest earlier in the week, thanks to Tadley Calleva’s victory over Colliers Wood.

Despite being plagued by injuries and absences, our squad entered the match with determination. With a depleted bench, including reserve goalkeeper Toby Colwill donning an outfield number, our resources were stretched thin.

The match unfolded on a pitch showing signs of wear and tear, contributing to a tense and scrappy affair. Despite the conditions, we asserted ourselves as the more composed side, seizing the lead through Sirak Negassi’s clinical finish after a well orchestrated corner. The home supporters were immediately checking all forms of social media to see how their relegation rivals were doing after this setback.

Guildford City responded with determination, twice rattling the woodwork before halftime. However, we maintained our slender lead going into the break.

The second half mirrored the first, with neither team able to seize control amidst persistent rain adding to the challenge. A defensive lapse on our part allowed Guildford City to draw level in the 71st minute, injecting a sense of uncertainty into the match.

Surprisingly, as the clock wound down, Guildford City seemed content to play for a draw, aware that results elsewhere had secured their safety from relegation. The final whistle blew with both teams settling for a 1-1 draw, much to the jubilation of the home side, who celebrated their narrow escape from the drop.

Despite the lackluster spectacle on the pitch, we secured a respectable 16th place finish in the division. As we look ahead to the future, we anticipate an exciting transition to sharing grounds with Corinthian Casuals, who will be joining us in the division following their relegation from the Isthmian South-Central Division.

As the season draws to a close, we extend our thanks to our supporters and look forward to welcoming you at King George’s Field, the home of Corinthian Casuals, in a few months time.  Here’s to a rejuvenating summer break and the promise of new beginnings in the next campaign.