A familiar tale again this week I'm afraid as late unavailability's robbed Chawton of the opportunity to at least compete in this match, both Sam and Bob becoming unable to don the Yellow of Athletic; and so we arrived to find that we had 10 players against one of the stronger sides in the league.
Matt's Pectoral muscle injury, caused while lounging around in bed, seemed to be up for the goalkeeping challenge, the original idea was for the stopper to remain as a Substitute and for Martin to take the gloves; but the lack of numbers soon put paid to that idea and so Matt took up his familiar position between the sticks.
Chawton started with an all too familiar formation of 4-4-1 with Jimmer sitting in front of the back four in an attempt to to hamper their play maker on the middle of the park, and Dave, Martin, Scott and Paul at the back. George, Carl and Si made up the remaining midfielders and Rob ploughed a very lonely furrow up top on his own.
Chawton were immediately on the back foot as Oak's slick passing game maneuvered their way easily round the short numbered Athletic team, and it was Oak's play-maker that had the first opportunity of the game, collecting just outside the box, but his firmly struck side-footed effort was held second time of asking by the diving Matt.
Unfortunately in completing that save Matt severely aggravated the muscle injury that had made him a doubt for the game and it took a fairly lengthy stoppage in play to allow him to continue.
Oak had the bit between their teeth, but Chawton were holding them at bay, another rifled shot saw Matt gather well near the post, thankfully diving away to his right hand side on this occasion.
Oak took the lead in fortuitous circumstances as a aimlessly lofted straight ball into the Chawton box saw Matt come to easily collect; as the Keeper stretched to pull the ball from the sky the Oak forward jumped into him and the ball came free and was rolled into an empty net. An extremely annoying and disappointing start especially when considering Matt's general handling from crossing so far this season.
Oak soon doubled their lead as a slow, low cross was missed by everybody and found it's way agonisingly into the far corner, on top of conceding Matt had dived onto the side of his injury and the decision was made to swap keepers immediately.
Martin taking over the gloves and Matt taking up his position at Centre Back. Chawton kept battling but Oak are a well drilled side and even when Athletic managed to the Oak under pressure they simply played their way out of trouble. Every Chawton player was involved and several good passages of play encouraged the home side, but those hopes were soon dashed as Oak added from what certainly looked to be an awfully long way off side, but with no linesman of our own and one of the Oak substitutes doing the job for us we can have no real complaints.
A few minutes before half time and Oak's number 11 seemed only two players away from having fouled the entire Chawton side, he soon made up for it with a late challenge on a very brave Martin; who had slid out to collect well at the feet of the on-rushing forward, Martin being fortunate to have turned his head away as the challenge came in; and Matt, who having intercepted a through ball was crudely tackled from behind.
That aside Oak continued to play football and Chawton tried their very best to stop them, but after a couple of efforts which Athletic managed to scramble clear Oak added a fourth on the stroke of half time.
Several lunging challenges by Matt had seen him further struggle with his injury and now running was becoming almost impossible so he decided to go off, leaving the struggling Chawton with just 9 men.
Oak continued where they left off and added goal after goal as Athletic's stamina ran out. Martin did extremely well in the Athletic goal and was unlucky on several occasions to see rebounds from his saves fall to the feet of an Oak player and be buried.
Dave did well at right back including helping one over the bar, which after a discussion between the referee and the Oak captain was given as a corner rather than anything more serious.
The final score of 12-0 was an embarrassing one for Athletic as the 9 outfielders were simply over run and outplayed by a class Oak outfit.
Blog man of the match goes to Scott at Centre Back who plugged away the whole game and made several key interceptions and blocks, but special mention to all who played in the game, Martin, Paul, Dave, George, Si, Jimmer, Rob, Carl and of course Matt despite the fact he let two goals in and only played 45 minutes.
Next week's fixture could/should see the return of Rich, Bob and Pat at the very least, but could also see the return of Greg, Sam and Danny, but could equally see Matt unavailable dependent on how his injury fairs through the week.
Monday 23 February 2009
Tuesday 17 February 2009
Bluebell FC V Chawton Athletic FC Match Report
Once again Chawton faced up against The Bluebell, this time on familiar territory as they travelled over to Liss and Chawton were once again facing the same problem as previous week, a severe lack of numbers.
The proposed 14 players due to make appearances had melted away like the snow from a fortnight ago and so they travelled with just 9 players again.
Unlike the Royal Exchange, Chawton's previous opponents, The Bluebell were always better equipped to take full advantage of Chawton's player shortage.
The game kicked off with Chawton's previous 9 player experience still fresh in the mind, lining up as a 4 - 3 - 1, and Bluebell almost struck the first blow just seconds into the game as a "caught cold" Chawton defence failed to deal with a determined run into the box, the chance seemingly coming too early for the Bluebell striker as Matt saved well with an outstretched foot.
Bluebell settled into their excellent passing game, Chawton doing what they could when they could to disrupt their skillful opponents, but it was not long before Bluebell started creating chance after chance. Matt was again called on and again did well to save with another outstretched foot. Every single Chawton outfielder deserves special mention as lunging, diving blocks saved Chawton falling behind, Wonka and Rich P particularly pairing up well at Centre Back., with Paul and George battling away bravely on the left.
Chawton clung on bravely, excellent blocks from Si, who picked up a kick to the back of the head in the process and Rich P, spurred Athletic on. Si tried several times to return to the pitch but eventually had to leave the field with blurred vision from the earlier tangled block, Chawton still battled and it was much to their credit as much as Bluebell's slightly lax finishing and Matt's goalkeeping that Bluebell finally breached the Chawton defence ten minutes before half time. Bluebell worked the left hand side of the defence before a floated cross was firmly met and buried passed a helpless Matt.
Chawton's attempts to play a passing game was obviously severely restricted by the lack of outfield players, but several good interchanges between Paul and George and Carl and Pat showed that Chawton were still in the game.
Matt was forced to turn a well struck shot round the post and as in previous weeks came to collect the corner well. Matt was called on again; diving to block fortuitously with his backside; on the goal line. (the block not his backside)
Bluebell finally took another chance and deservedly doubled their lead as Chawton had forgotten to mention that Si was off the pitch to Carl and the left winger had a free run on goal before slamming home a shot into Matt's near post, the keeper only managing to get finger tips onto the effort.
Half time and Chawton could be proud of holding Bluebell to a scoreline of 2-0. Carl provided the Lucozade and George the mini Jaffa Cakes and almost all was good with the world.
No mention so far of the referee who I might add had an excellent game indeed.
Chawton turned round and started the second half with the aim of keeping the score as respectable as possible. Sadly stamina was draining away from the 7 outfielders and Chawton were finding it nearly impossible to retain the ball, the onslaught resumed from the off and Bluebell quickly added to their tally.
A ball over the top saw Carl, who was having to cover round from right midfield, nudged off of the ball and the striker slotted the ball into the corner.
Athletic's heads dropped a touch but just a few minutes later a Rich P freekick was missed by the Bluebell left back on the half way line and was pounced upon by Martin who set off towards the Bluebell goal, drifted passed a couple of defenders before cutting inside onto his left foot and slamming home. 3-1 and perhaps the faintest hope of a lifeline.
Bluebell were holding a high line, but still Athletic were finding it difficult against a very well drilled opposition.
Bluebell created chance after chance; Matt again saving well and his corner collecting confidence having returned after the odd dubious moment early in the second half.
Many of the Bluebell's chances were fortunately off target, but after they made their substitutions the accuracy improved as Athletic's stamina wained and the lead was reestablished at three again. Matt really had little chance with the efforts, which were either placed into the corner or high into the roof of the net.
Chawton; although obviously disappointed to have lost this encounter 8-1 in the end, can be proud of their efforts, those missing 5 players would probably have lead to a much closer match.
Athletic meet the Royal Oak this coming Sunday at Bohunt School, and as always are hopeful that they might manage to get a full team for this important tie.
Blog man of the match was Paul, who despite playing out of position every week at left back and (apologies for telling everyone) is nearing 40, kept running and running for the whole game. Well played Paul and well played everyone. The spirit shown was exactly what Chawton Athletic is all about and how and why we play football every Sunday.
The proposed 14 players due to make appearances had melted away like the snow from a fortnight ago and so they travelled with just 9 players again.
Unlike the Royal Exchange, Chawton's previous opponents, The Bluebell were always better equipped to take full advantage of Chawton's player shortage.
The game kicked off with Chawton's previous 9 player experience still fresh in the mind, lining up as a 4 - 3 - 1, and Bluebell almost struck the first blow just seconds into the game as a "caught cold" Chawton defence failed to deal with a determined run into the box, the chance seemingly coming too early for the Bluebell striker as Matt saved well with an outstretched foot.
Bluebell settled into their excellent passing game, Chawton doing what they could when they could to disrupt their skillful opponents, but it was not long before Bluebell started creating chance after chance. Matt was again called on and again did well to save with another outstretched foot. Every single Chawton outfielder deserves special mention as lunging, diving blocks saved Chawton falling behind, Wonka and Rich P particularly pairing up well at Centre Back., with Paul and George battling away bravely on the left.
Chawton clung on bravely, excellent blocks from Si, who picked up a kick to the back of the head in the process and Rich P, spurred Athletic on. Si tried several times to return to the pitch but eventually had to leave the field with blurred vision from the earlier tangled block, Chawton still battled and it was much to their credit as much as Bluebell's slightly lax finishing and Matt's goalkeeping that Bluebell finally breached the Chawton defence ten minutes before half time. Bluebell worked the left hand side of the defence before a floated cross was firmly met and buried passed a helpless Matt.
Chawton's attempts to play a passing game was obviously severely restricted by the lack of outfield players, but several good interchanges between Paul and George and Carl and Pat showed that Chawton were still in the game.
Matt was forced to turn a well struck shot round the post and as in previous weeks came to collect the corner well. Matt was called on again; diving to block fortuitously with his backside; on the goal line. (the block not his backside)
Bluebell finally took another chance and deservedly doubled their lead as Chawton had forgotten to mention that Si was off the pitch to Carl and the left winger had a free run on goal before slamming home a shot into Matt's near post, the keeper only managing to get finger tips onto the effort.
Half time and Chawton could be proud of holding Bluebell to a scoreline of 2-0. Carl provided the Lucozade and George the mini Jaffa Cakes and almost all was good with the world.
No mention so far of the referee who I might add had an excellent game indeed.
Chawton turned round and started the second half with the aim of keeping the score as respectable as possible. Sadly stamina was draining away from the 7 outfielders and Chawton were finding it nearly impossible to retain the ball, the onslaught resumed from the off and Bluebell quickly added to their tally.
A ball over the top saw Carl, who was having to cover round from right midfield, nudged off of the ball and the striker slotted the ball into the corner.
Athletic's heads dropped a touch but just a few minutes later a Rich P freekick was missed by the Bluebell left back on the half way line and was pounced upon by Martin who set off towards the Bluebell goal, drifted passed a couple of defenders before cutting inside onto his left foot and slamming home. 3-1 and perhaps the faintest hope of a lifeline.
Bluebell were holding a high line, but still Athletic were finding it difficult against a very well drilled opposition.
Bluebell created chance after chance; Matt again saving well and his corner collecting confidence having returned after the odd dubious moment early in the second half.
Many of the Bluebell's chances were fortunately off target, but after they made their substitutions the accuracy improved as Athletic's stamina wained and the lead was reestablished at three again. Matt really had little chance with the efforts, which were either placed into the corner or high into the roof of the net.
Chawton; although obviously disappointed to have lost this encounter 8-1 in the end, can be proud of their efforts, those missing 5 players would probably have lead to a much closer match.
Athletic meet the Royal Oak this coming Sunday at Bohunt School, and as always are hopeful that they might manage to get a full team for this important tie.
Blog man of the match was Paul, who despite playing out of position every week at left back and (apologies for telling everyone) is nearing 40, kept running and running for the whole game. Well played Paul and well played everyone. The spirit shown was exactly what Chawton Athletic is all about and how and why we play football every Sunday.
Monday 2 February 2009
Chawton Athletic v Royal Exchange
The threat of snow was hanging in the air as Chawton faced up to The Royal Exchange; just one of the two sides they had managed to beat so far this season.
Sadly with regular defeats comes the continued lack of numbers and despite desperate calls and texts the 11 players due to be available had dwindled to 9 by the time we left the station for the short hop to Bohunt School.
The situation was explained to the referee who was happy to proceed with no linesman on our side of the pitch, and so we kicked off. Exchange passed the ball around Athletic's 8 outfield players, probing down the flanks as Athletic struggled to cope. Despite the pressure on the Athletic goal, Matt was untroubled, the cold conditions making the ball bobble in the 18 yard box.
Athletic's defence were clearing their lines effectively, Paul, Rich P, Martin and Si were defending manfully and Sam, Rich E, George and Greg were managing to get hold of the ball and attempt to forge a way forwards.
The breakthrough came as Sam set off on a superb winding run, twisting, turning leaving Exchange defenders in his wake. He turned inside the last defender and lost his footing and the Referee surprisingly awarded Athletic a Penalty. Sam was not complaining as he placed the ball on the spot and proceeded to roll it past the Exchange Keeper.
Difficult to say it was totally against the run of play, but Athletic were delighted with the fortune but were under no illusions that Exchange would be flying forwards looking to get back onto even terms.
The attacks continued down the sides of Athletic's midfield, the three sat slightly infield were doing a fantastic job along with full backs Si and Paul at closing down as much space as possible.
Athletic poured forwards with Athletic looking to hold what they had, the Exchange left winger turning inside Si and firing toward Matt's near post via the right back's heel, Matt did well to turn the ball round the post for a corner. The ball was cleared from the Corner.
Exchange were struggling to create clear cut chances against a resolute and perhaps slightly deep Chawton defence. Matt claimed several lofted ball's into the box well one of which he immediately launched with a thrown that found Greg near the half way line, Exchange were holding their defensive line on halfway and Greg's astute ball round the corner set Sam away, and he powered away from the chasing defender's to calmly slot passed the Exchange keeper, 2-0 to Athletic possibly sort of deserved.
Exchange pushed on and Matt had to be smart at his near post again to push round for a corner. The keeper again claiming the corner well.
Exchange should have pulled one back as a ball cut back across the six yard line was slotted wide of the far post.
So Athletic lead at half time 2-0, but they recognised how narrow that lead was and just how important the first 5 minutes of the second half would be.
Unfortunately for Athletic, the Exchange players were unhappy with the ball and the referee disappeared at half time only to return with the ball pumped up to it's maximum.
Suddenly Athletic's goal kicks were going nowhere and they immediately struggled to clear their lines even with the wind at their backs. The game had changed in Exchange's favour, they had re-grouped and were spurred on by the Athletic's inability to get the ball away.
Exchange pulled a goal back shortly into the second half, again a partially cleared ball fell to the Exchange player, who was not closed and had time to fire high into the far corner passed an unsighted Matt.
Minutes later and Exchange were level, a sweeping move starting from Athletics left and ending up on their right ended as the left winger smashed a shot into the top corner Matt getting his hand to it, the more solid ball powering through his fingers.
Matt managed to convince the referee to let the ball down, but not enough to see Athletic re-take control of the game, but with Exchange being egged on by their hardcore fans, Athletic were never out the of the game and all the time that Exchange continued to defend on the half way line they always had a chance.
Exchange were creating half chances only and Matt had little to do of any note and was picking off crosses and corners with ease.
Eventually Exchange forged another opportunity and again it was another shot from outside the box that found the corner via the outstretched hands of a disappointed Matt. Athletic kept trying to get the ball down and pass it but the legs were going. Exchange broke through several more times as the clock ticked down Matt doing well to hold a softly struck shot and palming one round for a corner.
Time ran out with Athletic never really looking likely to get back on even terms, an excellent game, though it would have been very interesting to see exactly what the outcome would have been with a football in the second half rather than a cannon ball and also if Athletic had managed to put out 11 men.
Blog man of the match was Sam, who's instant impact was obvious for everyone to see and will be a fantastic replacement for Liam who I just can't get hold of any more. Well done Sam we look forward to seeing you play again.
Revenge comes on the 1st March with the return fixture against Royal Exchange.
Upcoming fixtures are as follows:
8th February - Away to Morley Road
15th February - Away to Bluebell
22nd February - "Home" to Royal Oak
1st March - Away to Royal Exchange
Sadly with regular defeats comes the continued lack of numbers and despite desperate calls and texts the 11 players due to be available had dwindled to 9 by the time we left the station for the short hop to Bohunt School.
The situation was explained to the referee who was happy to proceed with no linesman on our side of the pitch, and so we kicked off. Exchange passed the ball around Athletic's 8 outfield players, probing down the flanks as Athletic struggled to cope. Despite the pressure on the Athletic goal, Matt was untroubled, the cold conditions making the ball bobble in the 18 yard box.
Athletic's defence were clearing their lines effectively, Paul, Rich P, Martin and Si were defending manfully and Sam, Rich E, George and Greg were managing to get hold of the ball and attempt to forge a way forwards.
The breakthrough came as Sam set off on a superb winding run, twisting, turning leaving Exchange defenders in his wake. He turned inside the last defender and lost his footing and the Referee surprisingly awarded Athletic a Penalty. Sam was not complaining as he placed the ball on the spot and proceeded to roll it past the Exchange Keeper.
Difficult to say it was totally against the run of play, but Athletic were delighted with the fortune but were under no illusions that Exchange would be flying forwards looking to get back onto even terms.
The attacks continued down the sides of Athletic's midfield, the three sat slightly infield were doing a fantastic job along with full backs Si and Paul at closing down as much space as possible.
Athletic poured forwards with Athletic looking to hold what they had, the Exchange left winger turning inside Si and firing toward Matt's near post via the right back's heel, Matt did well to turn the ball round the post for a corner. The ball was cleared from the Corner.
Exchange were struggling to create clear cut chances against a resolute and perhaps slightly deep Chawton defence. Matt claimed several lofted ball's into the box well one of which he immediately launched with a thrown that found Greg near the half way line, Exchange were holding their defensive line on halfway and Greg's astute ball round the corner set Sam away, and he powered away from the chasing defender's to calmly slot passed the Exchange keeper, 2-0 to Athletic possibly sort of deserved.
Exchange pushed on and Matt had to be smart at his near post again to push round for a corner. The keeper again claiming the corner well.
Exchange should have pulled one back as a ball cut back across the six yard line was slotted wide of the far post.
So Athletic lead at half time 2-0, but they recognised how narrow that lead was and just how important the first 5 minutes of the second half would be.
Unfortunately for Athletic, the Exchange players were unhappy with the ball and the referee disappeared at half time only to return with the ball pumped up to it's maximum.
Suddenly Athletic's goal kicks were going nowhere and they immediately struggled to clear their lines even with the wind at their backs. The game had changed in Exchange's favour, they had re-grouped and were spurred on by the Athletic's inability to get the ball away.
Exchange pulled a goal back shortly into the second half, again a partially cleared ball fell to the Exchange player, who was not closed and had time to fire high into the far corner passed an unsighted Matt.
Minutes later and Exchange were level, a sweeping move starting from Athletics left and ending up on their right ended as the left winger smashed a shot into the top corner Matt getting his hand to it, the more solid ball powering through his fingers.
Matt managed to convince the referee to let the ball down, but not enough to see Athletic re-take control of the game, but with Exchange being egged on by their hardcore fans, Athletic were never out the of the game and all the time that Exchange continued to defend on the half way line they always had a chance.
Exchange were creating half chances only and Matt had little to do of any note and was picking off crosses and corners with ease.
Eventually Exchange forged another opportunity and again it was another shot from outside the box that found the corner via the outstretched hands of a disappointed Matt. Athletic kept trying to get the ball down and pass it but the legs were going. Exchange broke through several more times as the clock ticked down Matt doing well to hold a softly struck shot and palming one round for a corner.
Time ran out with Athletic never really looking likely to get back on even terms, an excellent game, though it would have been very interesting to see exactly what the outcome would have been with a football in the second half rather than a cannon ball and also if Athletic had managed to put out 11 men.
Blog man of the match was Sam, who's instant impact was obvious for everyone to see and will be a fantastic replacement for Liam who I just can't get hold of any more. Well done Sam we look forward to seeing you play again.
Revenge comes on the 1st March with the return fixture against Royal Exchange.
Upcoming fixtures are as follows:
8th February - Away to Morley Road
15th February - Away to Bluebell
22nd February - "Home" to Royal Oak
1st March - Away to Royal Exchange
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