Molesey’s involvement in the Surrey Senior Cup was ended for another season after a 3-0 defeat against a classy Godalming side at a wet and miserable Walton Road.

The scoreline was slightly harsh on the Moles, who were unfortunate to go in two down at half-time following a brace from ex Mole Phil Williams, with the excellent Richard Shittu adding a third ten minutes from time.

Strikers Lewis Ackerman and Owen Bent were restored to the starting line up following their injury lay offs, whilst Luke Elliott and Moses Spencer returned to defence after missing out on Saturday due to suspension and work. 

For the visitors, as well as Williams, Chris Wales was made captain for the day on his return to Walton Road, whilst another ex mole, Grant Keywood, appeared as a second half substitute.

It was Ackerman who had the games opening chance, but he shot well wide from a difficult angle when he possibly had more time than he thought.

Williams opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a goal of extraordinary ease. A free kick on the half way line was headed across goal by Shittu and Williams volleyed beyond Wester Young from close range. 

The same two combined for Godalming’s second on 38 minutes, Williams bravely heading home Shittu’s knock down despite a suspicion of handball by Shittu. 

Molesey created several good openings in between, and should have levelled within minutes of Williams’ opener after Dan Coombes got the faintest touch to James McShane’s corner. 

Bent and Spencer were both on hand at the far post to try and force the ball over the line, however so was Victor Kiri, who just about managed to block on the line before reinforcements arrived and hacked the ball to safety.

Shortly afterwards Elliott sent Ackerman dashing clear, and with defenders breathing down his neck Ackerman showed great awareness to pick out the better placed Bent, however, with the ball crying out to be hit first time Bent let it come across his body and took a touch, only for Rodney Chiweshe to rush out of his goal and smother his shot. 

Bent’s tenacity set up a chance for Lucas on the stroke of half-time, as he dispossessed Godalming’s Mark Tyler on the left byline and his deep cross was met first time on the volley by Dan Lucas, who was unfortunate to see his strike whistle just past the far post with Chiweshe stranded.

The rain intensified for the start of the second half, however Godalming continued to play along the deck, and their pass and move game was a joy to watch at times.  Only a terrific last ditch tackle by Spencer denied Shittu after a run from deep inside his own half, bulldozing his way past Elliott and Joe Yeates en route.

Molesey’s only worthwhile effort on goal was a McShane strike from 25 yards that just flew past Chiweshe’s far post, and after Williams nearly completed his hat-trick but saw a drive just fly beyond the angle of post and bar, Shittu deservedly got his name on the scoresheet when a long ball was allowed to bounce in the Molesey box.

Young hesitated but then pulled off a great stop to deny Richard Taylor from close range, but the ball came back to Taylor, who squared for Shittu to stab home.

Molesey’s fourth cup exit of the season means the Southern Combination Cup is now the only chance of silverware this season, with Cove or Leatherhead due to visit Walton Road in the New Year.

Line up: Wester Young, Andy Graves, Luke Elliott, Moses Spencer, Joe Yeates [C], Dan Coombes (Mickey Hughes 39), Dan Lucas (Farid Ebrahim-Zadeh 70), Sam Lampard (Danny Roberts 84), Owen Bent, Lewis Ackerman, James McShane. Subs (not used) Ross Defoe, Rob Lewis