GUILFORD PARK 1 ALNWICK TOWN 1

Alnwick travelled to title contenders Guilford with a squad depleted through injuries and work commitments, conditions at the Railway ground were perfect with hot sunshine a contrast to the rain earlier in the season forcing the game to be abandoned 30 mins before kick off. Alnwick had the perfect start and shocked the visitors on 5 mins a great bit of play on the right hand side of midfield from Tony Brown and Scott McMullen saw McMullen deliver a superb low cross in between the Guilford defence and keeper Ben Keenan arrived at the back post and smashed the ball home.

Alnwick had a good period after the goal when the Guilford team were at sixes and sevens as they fell out between themselves.
On 15 mins Guilford equalised, a hopeful punt up field found Michael Riding who raced through on the right and squared the ball to Chris Granger to tap the ball home from 12 yards. Alnwick went back on the attack and could have added a second on two occasions as crosses were delivered but the final touch in the box was missing.
Brooks in the Alnwick goal made the save of the game on 35 mins tipping the ball over the crossbar after a powerful header from 8 yards through a crowded goalmouth.
Guilford continued to launch the ball up field but the pairing of Ross Young and Gary Bails in the centre of defence never missed a header all game.
Alnwick weathered the early pressure in the opening period of the second half and were counter attacking the home side, a great switch of play from left back Neil Catlow found Keenan on the right who beat his man but good covering by Guilford defender Armstrong getting a last ditch tackle in before Keenan could get a shot away.
Brooks made a fine save on 65 mins from Matty Wood who fired a 25 yard shot which as heading for the top corner but was turned wide for a corner by the Alnwick stopper.
The Alnwick midfield of PaulYeadon, Andrew Tate, Richard and Tony Brown were working their socks off to stifle and frustrate the home side.
Alnwick were awarded a free kick from 25 yards McMullen stepped up and curled the ball just over the crossbar. Alnwick had a golden chance to clinch the game and take away all three points on 85 mins again counter attacking  Keenan broke clear on the right under pressure the forward firing agonisingly just wide of the post with the keeper well beaten.
Credit must be given to the eleven Alnwick players on the day who were outstanding and put in a terrific performance and were a credit to the club.


TEAM 

B Brooks, B Murray, N Catlow, R Young, G Bails, A Tate, P Yeadon, R Brown,
T Brown, S McMullen, B Keenan