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.
No comments:
Post a Comment