Sunday, 6 December 2009

Chawton Athletic 0 - Lindford 5

A lop-sided scoreline in a game that Chawton were always more that in with a shout of getting something from.

Despite the gulf between the club's current league positions this was a keenly and closely fought contest on a pitch that was playable but difficultly puddled in small areas.

Chawton, lining up for the first time in three weekends due to the weather, were quick into their stride with Si P and Si H immediately taking control of the middle of midfield.

Lindford looked nothing like the side that had beaten Athletic early in the season and who are currently residing top of the league as Chawton continually won the ball and forged toward their opponents' net, it was mostly one way traffic, but Lindford proved they had the teeth for the fight as Skilts was called upon to make a great double save.

The puddles were causing the Lindford centre backs problems and several half chances came athletic's way after Sam and Si H robbed the centre half but clear cut opportunities were at a premium for the Yellows.  Sam did get a good cross in from the left, but Carl's near post shot was well blocked by the Lindford keeper and went out for a corner.

From one corner, a header narrowly went over, as another chance went begging for the home side.

Athletic looked relatively untroubled at the back and Athletic's high percentage of possession was such a positive sign that a goal for Athletic never felt far away.

Si H did brilliantly to dribble through and was unlucky as his last touch just allowed the ball away from him and the opportunity was smothered by the Lindford keeper.

Half time came, still at 0-0, as Athletic were looking to push home their advantage, but the break gave the team an excellent opportunity to set up for a second half into the strong Easterly wind that was blowing across the Binsted ground.

Confidence was high as Athletic looked to cause an upset but it was Lindford who had perhaps settled the better, setting up with their back four sitting deep, they drew the Yellows into their half and sprang on the counter attack. Two unfortunate bobbles meant the ball evaded the Chawton back line and the Lindford forward did well to lift the ball over Skilts for a undeserving lead.

Chawton still looked well in the game and could have drawn level as they pushed forward, but it was Lindford who added to their tally as a mishit cross found the corner of the Athletic net. Definitely undeserved.

Chawton could have clawed a goal back as Si P's fantastic dribbling run was halted by what looked to be a clear foul from behind, but the referee waved away Chawton's claims!  Chawton, astonished, were caught on the break again and Lindford made it three.

Chawton stayed determined and always looked likely to work their way back into the game and nearly did so as another excellent through ball allowed Sam through one on one, but he was excellently denied by the Lindford keeper's outstretched leg.

Lindford added two more goals late on, on the break, Athletic really guilty of being beaten by their own game place of trying to draw their opponents toward the half way line.

Lindford certainly found their feet in the second half and were worthy winners, but 5-0 was very harsh on an ever improving Chawton team.

Next week brings another decent opportunity for Chawton as they travel to Farnham College to face Morley Road in the re-arranged game from a couple of games ago.

Blog man of the match today was Si P, who's energy levels, vision and all round play was clear for everyone to see and I thought he was the class act from both sides.

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