Chawton slipped back into some old habits both on and off the pitch for this Division 1 cup match.
The writing was probably on the wall when the promised 15 players evaporated into 12 by the time we reached the changing rooms at Lindford. Our journey to the ground was not helped by playing on a pitch a ten minute walk away but with no real idea where we were going and who had arrived already.
Matt took over the Management duties after his recent retirement through injury and after finally arriving at the ground he cobbled together a very makeshift side and who then took the pitch after the referee had gathered the two sides together for a period of remembrance for Armistice Day.
Chawton lined up in a familiar 4-4-2 formation, Rich E being given the armband by Gaffer Matt. and his assistant Archie. Chawton started brightly and were more than a match for the mis-firing Wey Valley (a side who had easily beaten Chawton 8-1 in a league match earlier in the season), Chawton fought for the ball bravely and we seeing enough possession to feel content with life.
Wey Valley took the lead probably as Chawton began to look their most settled, unfortunately details of the goals are almost impossible to recall this game, for which I apologise. The goal really sucked the life out of the Chawton hearts and legs, Wey Valley took control of the game and never looked back.
Possession was being given away too easily and the muddy ground drained the energy and fight from Chawton as Wey Valley piled on the pressure. John the keeper made several excellent saves but the fight was not there this week and Chawton succumbed to goal after goal as Wey Valley settled into a driving seat that they never looked likely to relinquish.
Chawton did had several good moments, great interplay and perhaps over-confidence by Wey Valley allowed Shaun and Patrick to fire goal wards only to see a generally bored Valley keeper save well.
By mid-day through the first half, the heads had dropped and now it was a matter of how many for Valley as seemingly each attack bought an effort on goal, some poor finishing and hasty shooting helped Chawton out.
The game as a whole was going against Chawton, as 50/50 tackles, decisions by the ref and the bounce of the ball all seemed to go against them, rounded off by a soft penalty award against Shaun near the end of the first half.
A pretty dismal performance on a whole.
George made way for Simon at half-time, Gaffer Matt obviously feeling the disappointment of retirement even more keenly than expected fired a verbal volley at the boys, asking them for a little more composure on the ball and some more effort.
Sadly the damage was done and this was one result that Chawton were never going to get anything from, not even a consolation goal.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, though Chawton did manage to pressurise the Valley back four a little more in places. Refereeing decisions still seemed to be going the way of Valley as a more and more disappointed Gaffer Matt vented his frustration at the inept official, as foul after foul, some of them fairly nasty looking challenges were let go, whilst he penalised Chawton for lesser infringements of the rules. One outburst which followed a clear last man professional foul on a bursting clear Shaun and 15 seconds later led to another Valley goal bought the official to the sideline to have a chat with Gaffer Matt, Matt ensured the official knew he was not having a very good game and the subsequent mark of 6 on the results card bore that out.
Officials have a duty to referee the game for both sides not just for the side that plays the best football and that was something he clearly seemed unable to do, which was a shame, even a rugby tackle in the first half only just drew a foul for the Chawton man.
And so the game lumbered on, not only were Chawton being outplayed now, every conceivable piece of luck was going against them including an unfortunate own goal as a cross caught Paul on his standing foot and squeezed into the corner past a desperate John. A couple of deflections including one off of a man stood 5 yards offside next to John in goal and another that was "kept in play" when the ball had crossed the by-line by some distance.
But at the end of the day Chawton did not deserve anything from the game, and only having 12 players really limits their options.
Blog Man of the match was almost impossible to choose from but I feel for his first start on an exceptionally difficult day it should go to John the goalkeeper.
Final score Wey Valley Sunday 13 - Chawton Athletic 0
This Sunday away to the Shots - Farnham Park - 9:15 meet at the train station. Gaffer Matt will be calling players Wednesday evening, please ensure that if you make yourself available that you turn up on time at the station. If you subsequently become unavailable please let Matt know on 07971 178147 as soon as you know. We need committment from everyone to make this club succeed!
Also please all take the opportunity to review the club charter again.
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