Athletic were further boosted by the news that Exchange were struggling for players whilst Athletic for the first time for a while had 14 players available.
Matt; still suffering slightly from his injured shoulder; relinquished the keeping duties which were taken up by Martin, who himself was still feeling the knee injury picked up two weeks previous against the Exchange.
Athletic immediately set about stamping their authority and extra man on to the game, Matt and Sam starting up front, with Jimmer, George, Rob and Pat in midfield and Si, Scott, Si and Paul across the back and as mentioned Martin in goal.
Athletic took the lead as good work by Matt who made his way to the byline before cutting back well for Sam to smack the ball into the corner, a deserved lead for Athletic.
Chawton doubled their lead soon after as Jimmer's through ball found Matt racing clear, his lob just clearing the Exchange's stand in keeper's outstretched hand.
Athletic, with the time, space and confidence were playing some great football, everyone was involved right the way through the side, and the passing and moving was an example of the levels the boys surely could achieve with further practice over the Summer.
Exchange pulled a goal back as Athletic were caught holding a higher line than usual, Martin unlucky not pull off the save.
Back came Athletic and a through ball from Sam found Matt beating the keeper to a bouncing ball, before looking to lift it over the retreating defender but incredibly lifted up and over the bar from 5 yards, a terrible miss but Athletic buoyed by the opportunities they were creating, Jimmer was controlling the middle of midfield and Pat and Rob were chasing and harrying the Exchange midfielders and defenders into mistakes.
Jimmer nearly added a third as he burst through a launched a blockbuster from 30 yards, the rising drive scorched inches over the bar and good work from Matt including a neat back heeled turn past the last man saw his tame left footed shot easily fielded by the keeper.
Athletic deservedly did add a third moments before half time, great work again by Sam saw him beat several exchange players before rolling the ball back from the edge of the box for a on-rushing Rob, who's very firmly struck side footed effort flew high into the corner leaving the Exchange keeper well beaten. A superb strike by Rob and as the whistle went Athletic were delighted with their half's work, but knew they needed to keep the work rate up in the second half.
Rob brilliantly volunteered to come off and Jack took his place on the right hand side of midfield.
Chawton looked even stronger in the second half as Exchange tired, and they soon opened a three goal gap as Sam superb effort saw found the net via the keeper's hand.
Bob replaced Matt, and Jack replaced Si E, Pat dropped back to centre back, Scott moved to right midfield, Jack and Bob took the central midfield roles and Jimmer joined Sam up front.
Exchange responded well and narrowed the deficit with a well struck shot into the corner, Martin having no chance.
Jimmer was regularly the free man in midfield and a lot of Chawton's attacking came through him, pass after pass and opportunity after opportunity came and went for Athletic, before Sam finally added the 5th and his hat trick. Another brilliantly taken goal lobbing the keeper superbly.
Again back came Exchange, who despite only having ten were giving a good account of themselves and kept trying to play football, they scored again reducing he deficit back to 5-3.
Athletic re-opened the three goal gap as an excellent run saw Jack slot home handsomely, there was still time for Exchange to grab another, but Athletic comfortably held on and saw out the rest of the game for a thoroughly deserved 6-4 victory.
Blog man of the match was of course Sam, his hat trick was exactly the fillip that Athletic needed, he showed superb touch, control and finishing.
Next week sees Athletic take on fellow strugglers Morley Road at Farnham College in the final league game of the season.
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