CNFC MATCH REPORT 02 - vs GUILDFORD

30^th July Chipping Norton Town 2 AFC Guildford 2

Chippy boss Mark Johnson was finally able to field something resembling his side for the forthcoming season, and this resulted in a much improved performance in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Combined Counties League side AFC Guildford on Saturday.

The start was very even, both sides looking to play football and the visitors in particular looking very comfortable on the ball at the back. Chris Brain (left) had to be alert to keep out a 25-yard snap shot on 10-minutes, but shortly afterwards Chippy took the lead. On the quarter hour Mark Wilson sent Mark Dennis breaking down the right, and he crossed for Joe Tustain to fire home at the near post at the second attempt. All this despite the fact that they were down to 9-men at the time, Ryan Parker and Matt Jeynes, both off the pitch receiving treatment. Dennis himself then went close with a well crafted effort and Tustains control failed him when looking sure to score as Town pressed for a second. Guildford were maintaining a great deal of possession, but time and again their final ball was swallowed up by the commanding figure of Steve Olachek at the heart of The Magpie defence. The half-time whistle brought an end to proceeding with Chippy in a 1-0 lead.

The visitors came out firing, looking for a quick equalizer and it duly arrived 10-minutes into the second half, nifty footwork from their left winger and a clever cross across goal, resulted in a tap in a t the far post for the right winger. Chippy stepped up their work-rate and after Tustain had fired into the side netting, player/manager Johnson earned a penalty for The Magpies with 20-minutes to go, falling under a mistimed sliding challenge, Tustain tucked the penalty away with aplomb. The visitors again drew level 10-minutes from time, after a fine run and shot from their very lively substitute right midfielder who was a constant threat throughout. All in all a very good run out for a Chippy side starting to resemble that which will line up for the first game of the season, and Guildford more than played their part in a game where both sides played some attractive passing football

TEAM: Chris Brain 7, Ryan Parker 6 (Colin Jeynes 6), Anthony Akers 7, Mark Wilson 7, Steve Olachek 9, Mark Johnson 8, Will Bramwall 7, Matt Jeynes 6, Danny Roberts 6, Mark Dennis 6, Joe Tustain 7,