Change to previously published Fixtures is announced!

Please note that the fixtures previously published on the Blog have been amended by the league.

Please visit the Sports Today website, click Go to the results, choose Surrey from the drop down, then choose Farnham & District Sunday League. You can then filter by club on the left hand side.

Chawton Athletic's next two fixtures are League home games to Royal Oak on Sunday morning, followed by the visit of Bluebell to Binsted the following Sunday.  The first game, at least, is an excellent chance to improve the Yellows' current position of 7th in the league given the performance in the cup last weekend!

Morley Road 0 - Chawton Athletic 1

Injuries and unavailabilities once again put Chawton Athletic on the back foot before this Farnham and District Sunday League Runwick Cup tie away to Morley Road even started; as they only managed to raise ten players for this distraction to their league campaign.

Lee returned in goal and Pat was back after missing a couple of weeks of through injury, but Bob's later withdrawal due to family illness looked to have scuppered Athletic's chances.

Athletic started on the back foot as Morley Road quickly found their stride but Athletic, perhaps buoyed by the reward of a semi-final place on offer, were more than equal to the task and restricted the home side to poorly executed long range efforts.

Skipper Rich P, marshalled his defensive line excellently and each member of the defensive four were going to have to have a flawless ninety minutes if Chawton were to avoid a hiding.  Morley looked well organised, but having only recently played against today's opposition two week's ago, Athletic knew to keep their heads and concentration.

Half chances, at best, were coming Morley Road's way thick and fast but Lee in the Athletic goal was rarely concerned, with shots mostly being fired high and wide.  When called upon, the Chawton keeper did well to palm clear on a couple of occasions and claimed a cross confidently.

Athletic were perhaps fortunate to survive a confident penalty appeal as Rich bought down the marauding Morley Road winger.  The referee, who had a great game, was unable to clearly see the penalty box line and settled for a free kick just outside the box - possibly as punishment for not having a properly lined pitch!

Strangely, the best opportunity of the half fell Athletic's way as excellent build up play through the Yellow's midfield and then great hold up play by lone front man Sam, saw a measured lay off to Pat, who's sweetly struck side footed effort flashed millimetres over the bar.

Morley pushed again, but excellent defensive play all round from the Athletic back four saw them safely negotiate a tricky period before half time, the scores remaining goalless.

Chawton re-grouped at half time and knew that the real pressure to win was sat squarely on Morley Road's shoulders with their home and numerical advantages, but Athletic were determined not to capitulate.

Morley Road were still looking clever going forward but the game was slowly being stretched and the Athletic midfield quartet was starting to show their class.  A insightful ball behind the last man saw Sam shoot over when well placed and Athletic's confidence was lifted.  Another well orchestrated break saw Sam again volley over.  Chawton Athletic were beginning to look like the side more likely to take the lead, as every counter attack looked promising, a low, left-footed cross from Carl was connected by Mark who laid it off for Sam to put narrowly wide.

With twenty minutes left, Chawton made the break through as, again, a great ball behind the static high sitting Morley defence saw Sam race through and slot past the Morley keeper.  Perhaps generally against the run of possession, but difficult to say an undeserved lead for the Athletic.

Another good palmed save by Lee from a long range shot was the only real worry, as luck finally returned to a deserving Athletic defence.  Fifty/fifty tackles on the edge of the box were consistently won by the a determined away side's defence.

Sam could have settled it late on as he raced through but a good save by the Morley keeper saw a corner as the result.

The last fifteen minutes seem to take at least double that, with the game resembling a kind of defence versus attack training game as the home side pushed for a late equaliser.  Even their keeper joined the attack in the final five minutes.  But finally the referee looked at his watch for the last time and blew his whistle on a famous Athletic victory.

Blog man of the match was Rich P, an inspired captain's performance by the big central defender, but special mention must go to Sam who again worked tirelessly up front alone and Carl who had his best game in the colours of Chawton.  But ultimately every single player had to be at their best to forge this result; an excellent effort all round, well done and well deserved.

Athletic, with at least 14 players next week please boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, entertain Royal Oak at their Binsted home ground.

AFC.Wanderers 6 - Chawton Athletic 3

Chawton's longest away trip of the season, over to Broadwater School in Farncombe, had been in the balance up until Friday afternoon as player numbers were staggeringly low due to injury and other commitments, but a late surge saw Athletic turn up at new boys to the league AFC Wanderers with 13 players.

Utility Player/Manager Matt is still sadly a frustrated spectator, as his knee injury will now require further treatment and many others have been injured for the last weeks, with the list growing with every game!

Athletic lined up in usual order, with Sam ploughing a lone furrow up front and Skilts sat in front of the back four for additional protection.

Athletic started the game the brighter; they were quickly into a passing game which perhaps had been missing earlier on in the season.  They forced the home side into conceding a few corners, none of which would fall to the Chawton attackers in the box.  But it was Wanderers who took an undeserved lead, as a long ball through was allowed to bounce by the hesitant Athletic defence and after several attempted clearances it fell to the edge of the box where it was looped over the keeper and into the back of the net.





Athletic refused to allow their heads to drop despite the very early set back, and were soon on level terms as great skill and a low shot inside the post gave the Wanderers keeper no chance.

The Yellows were revelling in their new found equality and pushed forward meaningfully, only to be caught again on the break.  The Wanderers striker did well to clip over the advancing Athletic keeper.

It was another setback, but still Athletic knew they were playing well enough and were again level soon after.   A marauding Skilts burst through the static Wanderers midfield and let fly on goal, seeing his slightly dragged shot finding Sam on the edge of the box who controlled excellently before slotting round a helpless keeper.

Athletic pressed forward seeking a third and forced several corners.  They let fly a couple of times, the keeper doing very well to tip one shot onto the bar. Still Chawton were not having it all their own way as Wanderers were looking dangerous on the break and the Athletic keeper did well on several occasions to tip onto the post and collected through balls well. AFC came closest to adding to the score line when a shot again ricocheted off the post and across the line before being smothered by the thankful keeper.

2 - 2 at the break and Athletic knew the game was there for the taking, and started the second half looking the likely winners, Robbie was breaking play up in the middle of midfield and was revelling in the space afforded to him, several of his through balls were only just cut out by the last Wanderers defender, but the goal was coming and the next through ball was rammed home.

3-2 up and it was surely a matter of how many Athletic would score whilst ensuring they kept tight at the back?  Sadly Chawton's frailties at the back returned and as the midfield pushed on to press home the advantage, Wanderers stole their way back into the game; good finishing again from Wanderers but disappointment from Athletic.

The game was well and truly stretched now and it had turned into both sides playing with three or four players caught up front in a strange kind of Attackers v Defenders training type session.  It was Wanderers quality with the final ball that was telling as they added a fourth and then a fifth, Athletic's final ball fell away a little and only half chances fell their way.

Manager Matt made a couple changes to covered some injuries, with Bob replacing Paul I and a still-not-fully-fit Carl replacing Ryan in the closing stages.

A sixth was added before the end, as a free kick managed to elude everyone and nestled into the far corner.  This completed a thoroughly undeserved 3 - 6 scoreline for Athletic, who will be hoping for a similar performance next week as they visit Morley Road next week in the Runwick Cup.  Hopefully a fuller squad will be available to choose from.

Special mention for referee, Dave Osborn, who had an excellent game indeed, allowing the game to flow well.  In fact he only had to give three or four free kicks during the whole of the game, a testament to the players for playing the game in a great spirit.

Blog Man of the Match was Robbie in the middle of the park who, despite playing on Saturday as well, worked tirelessly and controlled the midfield and made us look dangerous.

Chawton Athletic 2 - Morley Road 5 match report

Chawton Athletic headed into this near bottom of the table clash buoyed after their outstanding performance against the Royal Oak last week, but again late drop outs, no shows, work commitments and injuries scuppered their chances of taking a vital victory against Morley Road at Athletic's picturesque home ground at The Street, Binsted.

Chawton managed to scrape together 11 players, with Carl still nursing a damaged ankle and forced into the action due to the shortage of players.

Chawton were quick into their rhythm but it was Morley Road; and particularly the two visiting strikers that, found their passing game and were ultimately to make the difference.

Chawton fell behind early in the piece, as a quick interchange allowed the striker through on goal to slot past the helpless Martin S in goal.  Chawton were harrying and closing down well, and were looking like a team likely to get something from the game.

A second and third were added by Morley Road, one a delightful strike from the edge of the box after a mad scramble, again leaving Martin a spectator.

Morley Road pressed and were unlucky when Martin S pulled off a magnificent save, tipping over a ferocious drive.

Half time came and Chawton collected themselves for a concerted push at the beginning of the second half, but again it was Morley who made the breakthrough. 4-0, but the Athletic heads were not down yet and they came storming back, a long ball was chased down by Sam, the Morley Road keeper's clearance struck Sam who rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Chawton had Morley road rattled and were suddenly winning the 50/50's that had gone against them, the ball was down on the ground mostly, and they looked dangerous.  And it was Chawton who took advantage while their tails were up, a great longer ball over the full back set Craig free who calmly lobbed the advancing keeper; Chawton were well in the game at 2-4 down.

The chances kept coming at both ends, Craig could have squared to an unmarked Sam, but took the chance on himself and fired over. Chawton's long balls were troubling a very high sitting Morley Road defence, and Craig was unlucky when his header was pushed round for a corner, and also when he failed to collect when through on goal.

A late challenge halted a great break by Scott and prevented him bearing down one-on-one with the goalkeeper; the perhaps slightly over officious referee surprised everyone by only awarding a free kick, which, though well struck by Bob was saved well.

Morley Road finally hammered the nail in the coffin as a through ball found the striker free and he rounded Martin to score the 5th, leaving the final score 2-5.

Another excellent effort, but Chawton again were left ruing the fact that they were so short of players, some extra quality with the likes of Si H, Pat and Matt all out and some substitutes to be able to freshen it up.

Next week sees an unknown challenge as Athletic travel to A.F.C. Wanderers, a new team to the league this season.

Blog Man of the Match was Craig.

Chawton League Update!

Chawton Athletic's start to the season has been varied.  Some good performances have seen the team achieve much better results than last year.

The early season 2-1 victory at home to Royal Exchange has catapaulted Athletic to 6th in the table.  Another victory at home to Morley Road this Sunday, the 11th, could see the Binstead Recreation Ground side open a six point gap to the bottom two and further their hopes of attaining a top five finish.

The opening five games, which have included going out of the Challenge Cup at the first hurdle, have seen Chawton remain unbeaten at their new home in Binstead.  They are still yet to avoid defeat away from home, but two of the away defeats have been to the current top two (as yet undefeated) sides in the division!

Royal Oak 4 - Chawton Athletic 1

Chawton Athletic again faced another short away trip to Bordon for this "tough on paper" looking Farnham and District Sunday League fixture against the Royal Oak.

Injuries again having robbed Chawton of several members of the squad, it was still great to see Si E and Rich P cheering the boys on from the touchline. Athletic headed into the game with just 12, but with George already struggling for injury and substitute Carl not fit to start, having twisted an ankle the previous week.

Lee returned in goal and Bob and Pat returned in midfield and defence respectively, so Matt I took a lone role up front with Scott, Rob and Ryan added to the squad as emergency signings.

Athletic started the brighter and created the first clear cut opening of the game as a great lay off to Bob saw him float a special ball into the middle, picking Matt out who rose well between the Oak centre backs; but failed to keep his header down, a glorious opportunity gone begging early for Athletic.

Oak really had not started and were ineffectual against a well drilled Athletic midfield, marshaled well once again by Si H. Athletic were fortunate not to fall behind against the run of play, great defensive play and a super block from Lee, followed by a clearance off the line by Martin maintained the deadlock.

The next golden chance fell Matt's way again, as an excellent lobbed pass from Si H set him free on goal, defensive cover closed Matt down and his volleyed 15 yard effort left the keeper a spectator but narrowly cleared the bar.

George's troublesome thigh flared up and he was replaced by the already struggling Carl on the left hand side of midfield.

Oak were extremely fortunate to take the lead, as Bob's excellently timed tackle was harshly deemed to be a foul and the resulting whipped free kick saw the ball ricochet off of Martin past a helpless Lee.

Oak quickly added a second and third, but Athletic were more than a match during period of the first half and were unlucky to find themselves behind at all, let alone 3 down. Another excellent ball through saw Rob burst through on goal, he brilliantly rode a couple of challenges before slotting past the Oak keeper.

3-1 at half time and Athletic were right to be a) Disappointed to be behind and b) Spurred on by the first half performance which was one of the better ones I had seen the boys put in.

Athletic were quick on the attack at the start of the second half and definitely had the Oak back four rattled as Rob then Matt again went close, perhaps; though a little harshly as the keeper saved well both times; they both could have done a little better. A succession of very tight offsides thwarted Athletic as the Oak pushed up and left acres of space behind a slightly frail looking back four.

Chances were still coming the Oak way though a mixture of poor finishing, good cosing down and a great save by Lee, saw the score remain at 3-1.

Athletic were pushing the Oak all the way and were starting to get under the skin of the Oak, who gave needless free kicks away, one of which was a fairly poor shoulder charge against Scott when well placed, the subsequent free kick sadly coming to nothing. As Athletic started to look to get a grip on the game, Oak finally hammered the final nail on the coffin as a near post ball was converted past Lee.

Athletic kept pushing on, and forced several corners as the game counted down, in fact probably forced the lion's share of corners across the 90 minutes.

The referee finally blew the final whistle on an exhausted and slightly disappointed Athletic, difficult to say on balance that Athletic did not deserve to lose this tie, as Oak made many chances and ultimately took 4 of them, but the effort the boys showed and the clear cut opportunities they created, on a different day it could have been a more positive outcome.

Blog Man of the Match was Bob, who narrowly pipped the ever excellent Si "Spider Head" H, who was at the heart of the majority of Athletic's attacking play. Bob never gave up and never seemed to stop running, creating two great opportunities for himself, and was quick to get a foot in a break up the play.

Athletic finally return home next week after three away games as they play host to Morley Road next Sunday, hopefully Matt, George and Carl will recover sufficiently from this week's knocks to take an active part in proceedings and also hoping that Paul I, Rich T and perhaps Si E may return, though it may be that Rich P may still need to rest his pulled thigh muscle. Thanks Rich P for running the line.

Up the Athletic!! Another performance like today next week against Morley Road should see a very good opportunity to take another 3 points!