AFC Uckfield Town exit FA Vase as they return after long hiatus

MATCH REPORT: AFC Uckfield Town 2 Guildford City 4

Being the first game back in 36 days, there was plenty of football to discuss at full-time, with no less than three penalties awarded and a rescinded red card.

The result puts Guildford City into the FA Vase 3rd round draw, due to take place on Monday.

Uckfield controlled the game for much of the first half, with Morgan Vale, the top scorer still at the side, took his tally to seven for the season from close range in the 10th minute.

The Sussex side kept chipping away at Guildford but some strong saves by goalkeeper Stuart Norman ensured the lead remained at a solitary goal.

Guildford City withstood the pressure however, and had the ball in the net at the 22 minute mark before being called back for offside.

The side's pressure continued however, and were rewarded just three minutes later as Eli Ogunseye converted from close range.

Uckfield almost responded immediately however, with Nathan Hover free at the back post from a free kick, but was unable to capitalise on the chance.

The match continued being end to end for the rest of the half until an incident involving a late tackle on Mo Zabadne from David Burton, with the referee initially pulling out a red card for Burton.

However, the referee quickly rescinded the decision and instead showed a yellow card.

The Oakmen were looking strong going into the second half, but were immediately under pressure from the Surrey based side, with their pressure soon rewarded.

It happened in the 58th minute, with Mike Coppinger scoring a cracking shot on the half volley, with Jason Tibble powerless to stop the effort.

The pressure continued and was rewarded with their first penalty of the night, with Jason Tibble guessing right, but unable to stop Dan Stewart’s powerful shot from going in.

Guildford kept looking for their fourth of the evening and got it through their second penalty of the night, with lively winger Athan Smith-Joseph slotting it away.

Uckfield were keen to bounce back however, and thought they had with Wayne Clarke having a goal chalked off by a very close offside decision.

Substitutes Sam Cash and Luca Page both came on and instantly added the width needed to create a number of further chances to add a bit of tension for the visitors.

Uckfield eventually had their turn at taking a penalty during the match, with Morgan Vale going down from a challenge, with George Cook converted.

The home side were unable to add to their tally however, with the club unsuccessful in matching their best run in the competition by entering the 4th round.

For The Oakmen, a disappointing result can be remedied by a return to winning ways, which is available very soon, with the Southern Combinations resuming on the 8th December.

AFC Uckfield Town face 15th placed Peacehaven & Telscombe away from home on the 8th, looking to continue the sides promotion aspirations for the season.

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