Metropolitan Police 3 GODALMING TOWN 1

A lively and very competitive Ryman Premier League encounter and a deserved home win for the Met Police on Saturday, who have finally began to climb back up the table after a poor start to the season.

Godalming Town, on the other hand, are in the play-off zone and needed those points as well. Godalming Town had a strong penalty appeal turned down after only eight minutes.

A minute later, Ron Edwards was brought down by Godalming Town defender James Wade.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty on this occasion.

Paul Honey made no mistake with the penalty kick. It was end-to-end excitement.

Godalming keeper Rodney Chiweshe was put under pressure from a cross and could only flap at the ball.

It fell to the ground and Edwards, with a volley on the turn, was unlucky as the ball was just wide of the near post.

It was then the turn of striker Gary Drewett, who picked up a Lee Gledhill cross.

His two attempts to score were both blocked on the Godalming Town goal line.

On the stroke of half-time the ball ran loose in the visitors’ area and Edwards finally volleyed home from 10 yards out to put the Police 2-0 up.

Into the second half and the pace was just as hectic. Straight from the restart, Godalming’s James Wade was shown a yellow card for a crude challenge on Drewett.

A lively Phil Williams managed to ghost past two Police defenders and finished with a long cross. Police keeper Mo Maan, despite finding himself under pressure, managed to hold on to the cross.

With 65 minutes played, Craig Brown fouled Wade well inside the Police area.

This time, it was Glen Stanley who scored with a relaxed spot kick to pull a goal back for Godalming.

It was the Blues' turn to defend as Godalming fought hard for an equaliser.

The Police weathered the storm and, with just three minutes remaining, a George Jermy free-kick from all of 30 yards was floated into the Godalming goal area.

Striker Gary Drewett rose majestically and headed the ball firmly into the back of the net to make it 3-1 for the Police.

Into stoppage time and the Police could and should have scored another goal.

A good attacking move into the Godalming Town half.

Laurent Hamici picked up the ball and rounded a defender.

Drewett was unmarked free on his right. Hamici chose to take the ball just one step too far allowing another couple of Godalming defenders to get behind the ball.

His delayed shot under pressure was alas just wide of the post.

For the Police, this is their third successive win following a dismal period of four defeats in a row.

They are going from strength to strength but must take it one game at a time.

ATTENDANCE 108

NEXT GAMES

Saturday, February 13 (3pm): Eastbourne Town v Metropolitan Police, Ryman FL Div One South

Tuesday, February 16 (7.45pm): Horsham YMCA v Metropoliltan Police, Ryman FL Div One South