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.
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