With preparations ramping up ahead of the new campaign, now only two weeks away! Simon Johnson’s Cityzens hit the road this weekend as they travel to Surrey to take on Godalming Town in a pre-season friendly.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
Godalming Town Football Club was founded in 1950 as Godalming United by former pupils of Godalming Grammar School. After merging with a defunct local club in 1970, they moved to the Weycourt ground and underwent several name changes—becoming Godalming & Farncombe, then Godalming Town in 1980, and briefly Godalming & Guildford in 1992 before reverting to Godalming Town in 2005.
The club achieved success in the Combined Counties League, winning both the league and cup in 2005–06, which earned them promotion to the Isthmian League. Over the following years, they were frequently moved between divisions in the Isthmian and Southern Leagues. They enjoyed several strong seasons, making play-off appearances in 2010, 2012, and 2013, and won the Surrey Senior Cup twice.
Following a period of decline, the club was relegated in 2017 back to the Combined Counties League. In 2021, they were transferred to Division One of the Southern Combination League.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two clubs have never met competitively.
Godalming Town compete at Step 6 in Division One of the Southern Combination Football League.
Last season the G’s finished 3rd in the league with a strong record: 24 wins, 10 draws, just 4 losses, scoring 72 goals and conceding only 27—boasting the third-best goal difference and second-strongest defence after Seaford Town. A third place finish was enough to see them qualify for a play-off place but sadly they lost 2-3 on penalties to Infinity after their semi-final ended at 0-0.
The G’s have lost their last two pre-season friendlies at home and will be looking to put an end to that when Johnson and his Cityzens roll into town for what is the hosts last advertised pre-season fixture.
PRE-SEASON COVERAGE
Prior to pre-season commencing a decision has been made that we will not publish our pre-season friendly results or provide match day updates.
Pre-season friendlies give us an opportunity to build team chemistry, fitness and for Simon Johnson and his management team to implement their playing style & therefore the results don’t matter.
THE BILL KYTE STADIUM
Bill Kyte Stadium, 9A Wey Ct, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3JF
ADMISSION
Godalming Town have advised us that there will be no admission fee for this fixture!
GETTING TO THE GAME
By Car: Take the A33 towards Basingstoke, then at the Junction 11 Three Mile Cross Interchange take the 1st exit onto the B3270. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Shinfield Road (A327), then turn left onto the Eastern Relief Road (A327) and go straight through one roundabout.
At the following roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Arborfield Road (A327) and continue along the A327 through several roundabouts, staying on the same road as it becomes Observer Way and then Eversley Road. Eventually, take the 1st exit onto Hartford Bridge Flats (A30), continue briefly, then take the 3rd exit at the next roundabout to rejoin the A327. Continue onto Minley Road, then go straight at the next roundabout to join the M3 towards London.
Merge onto the M3 and at Junction 4 take the A331 exit towards Guildford/Farnham. Go through two roundabouts, staying on the A331. Take the slip road for Runfold/Seale/Tongham and merge onto the A31. Take the B3000 exit towards Godalming and continue on the B3000, then through a couple of roundabouts—taking the 3rd exit, then the 2nd onto Priorsfield Road.
Slight left onto Hurtmore Road, then take the 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Charterhouse Road. Continue onto Chalk Road, then take the 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Meadrow (A3100). Turn left onto Wey Court, then right to stay on it. Your destination, Bill Kyte Stadium, will be on the right.
By Rail: From Reading take Great Western Railway services bound for Gatwick Airport which call at Guildford. Available from Platform 5. These typically depart every 30 minutes. The train will take 45 minutes with eight stops.
Once you’ve disembarked at Guildford head to Platform 4 and take South Western Railway services towards Portsmouth & Southsea, disembark at Farncombe. The train will take 6 minutes and there are no stops between Guildford and Farncombe.
From Farncombe the Bill Kyte Stadium is a ten-minute walk.
Exit the rear of Farncombe Station and head southeast toward Summers Road.
Turn right onto Summers Road.
Turn left onto St John’s Street.
Turn left again toward Church Walk, then continue onto Church Walk.
Turn left onto Meadrow (A3100).
Turn left onto Wey Court.
Turn right to stay on Wey Court.
The Bill Kyte Stadium will be on your right.
