TONGHAM 0, GUILDFORD PARK 1

TONGHAM suffered a second successive defeat in cup competition, this time losing by a single goal to Guildford Park, from the division below, in the second round of the Premier Challenge Cup.

Thanks to the efforts of the ground staff, the Tongham pitch was in excellent condition, despite the rain, but manager James McArthur again had to shuffle his side and adopted a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation, trying to fit as many square pegs into round holes as he could.

Tongham struggled to find their rhythm on the wet, skiddy surface, while Guildford were happy to soak up the pressure and hit long balls towards their front men.

Tongham had the first real chance when Nathan Tull was fouled on the edge of the box. Neil Grimes’ free-kick dipped just over the crossbar.

Then striker Liam Henchy sprinted clear on goal, but chose the wrong option and the Guildford keeper made a great save.

Guildford almost snatched the lead with a shot that was heading for the corner before Nick Garwood got down low to tip the ball round the post.

It was still goalless at the interval and after a lacklustre start to the second half, Guildford Park began to get on top. Another excellent Garwood save denied them the lead, but the vital goal was not long in coming.

Tongham failed to compete strongly enough in the the middle of the park and the ball was knocked over the top of their defence to striker Greg Douthwaite who skilfully lobbed the stranded Garwood.

With ten minutes to go, McArthur switched to a more fluid 4-4-2 and Tongham improved with more width. Nathan Tull went close and Tim Rosewell’s strike from the edge of the box forced a fine save.