Friday 26 February 2010

Runwick Cup Final - Sunday 25th April 2010

The long wait is finally over, as the Farnham and District Sunday League announced their proposal for the Runwick Cup final to be played on Sunday 25th April 2010.

The main talking point will be the choice of venue!  Hartley Wintney's ground was chosen over Farnham Town, the venue for three of the five cup finals.

This date is subject to change though, as Chawton Athletic's opponents, Royal Oak, have several gaps in their schedule should one of their remaining fixtures be postponed due to inclement weather.

An advantage for Chawton is that they are in action in the two weeks leading up to the final, so hopefully should have worked any rustiness from the squad after their impending month lay off.

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The proposed friendly against AFC Wanderers was called off due to a waterlogged pitch!

Monday 22 February 2010

Upcoming fixture Sunday 28th March 2010

Chawton Athletic return to action this Sunday, 28th March, as they take on AFC Wanderers in a friendly at Binsted.

Wanderers had got the better of Athletic in their first meeting at Broadwater School, running out winners 6-2 in a far closer contest than the scoreline suggests.  However, Athletic took revenge 4-2 in the tie at Binsted, so it promises to be a closely fought affair once again.

Wanderers have taken 3rd spot in the Farnham and District Sunday league and sit just 1 and 2 points behind CSL Hartley Wintney and Lindford respectively, albeit having played three games more.

Another victory at the weekend, 3-1 against the Royal Exchange, has seen them move onto 19 points and has also pushed their goal difference into the positive.  Athletic are still holding position in 7th on 10 points, with 3 wins and a draw from their 11 fixtures so far.

Injury News - Si P is still nursing a damaged knee and is likely to be missing from the football field for another 2 weeks, Scott D seems more likely to return from the ankle injury that has kept him out for several weeks.

Still awaiting availabilities, but am hopeful as ever that we will have a full compliment and that as a friendly we will be able to make as many substitutions as we like, but this is to be clarified with the referee on the day.

As per usual for home games - it is a 9:30am sharp meet at Binsted as there are the nets and flags to do. Also there are jobs to do after every home game; so please don't all rush off and leave it to the same few people.

Monday 15 February 2010

Remaining Chawton Athletic Fixtures

Currently the remaining fixtures look like this.

28th February 2010 - Home to AFC Wanderers - Friendly
28th March 2010 - Away to Bluebell - League
11th April 2010 - Home to CSL Hartley Wintney - League
18th April 2010 Away to Royal Exchange - League

Obviously, at some point, we have the final of the Runwick Cup to play.  I will ensure that everyone knows when and where this game is due to be played, as soon as I am made aware by the League.

There are several other free Sundays for some of the other teams in March and I will probably look to try and arrange at least one more friendly so that we do not have a month off between the AFC Wanderers game and the Bluebell game.  I will, of course, keep you all posted as to any developments friendly wise.

M

Sunday 14 February 2010

Chawton Athletic 3 - Royal Exchange 4

After the euphoria of their triumphant and, perhaps, unexpected victory against CSL Hartley Wintney, Athletic faced their second cup tie in two weeks against the Royal Exchange at Binsted.

This was the fifth attempt to play this tie, with the original fixture being abandoned with Athletic in the ascendancy, 1-0, but this was a totally different Exchange side to that very wet and windy day.

Looking well drilled, energetic and skillful, Exchange's much changed line up were ultimately far too good for an Athletic side who sadly looked to be suffering from a hangover after last week's efforts.  Starting the brightest Exchange were quickly into their stride and looked dangerous each time they rolled forward, but the early chances all fell Athletic's way...

Sam fired wide when well placed with just the keeper to beat, Marc's excellently struck shot was brilliantly palmed round the post at full stretch and, from the resulting corner, Si H's excellent delivery saw Sam's header from six yards saved superbly.

Although buoyed by the chances, Chawton looked leggy and slow into the challenge and it was Exchange who struck first with a well placed and powerful header from a well delivered corner, Dave P unlucky on the line, the ball skipped off the muddy goal mouth and found it's way through his legs.

Athletic struck back soon after as great work by Sam saw his 20 yard shot find the back of the net past the out of position Exchange keeper.  Exchange came straight back again, and Matt did well to tip a bouncing header onto the bar and away for another corner.  The leaden skies had finally delivered and snow fell and looked likely to settle.

Athletic could not seem to get their passing going at all, and were second to many of the second balls.  Half time came as a relief and enabled the Yellows to re-group and try to address some of the problems plaguing them during the first half.

Exchange were again the first side to get into the groove and Matt did well to block at the feet of the forward and the follow up was deflected wide.  Exchange had the ball and looked dangerous and Athletic were simply trying to hold on until they could get possession.  Despite the home side's best efforts it was Exchange who opened the second half scoring, as a poorly struck corner found it's way past everyone and went in off Paul I on the line.

Athletic dug deep and were back on level terms as the ref rightly penalised the Exchange centre back for a foul on the marauding Sam.  Despite the kick being indirect, Si H took the kick and fired at goal, his effort bounced just before the Exchange keeper who could only parry up into the air and Gilly nodded in to bring the scores back to 2-2.

Athletic fell behind yet again as good work from the Exchange winger to keep the ball in the by-line saw a floated ball to the back post and the Exchange striker drifted in unmarked to head home from a yard out.

The game was looking done and dusted with Athletic unable to win the ball back but suddenly burst back into life as great play from Gilly saw him force his way through one of one with the keeper only to be criminally hacked down from behind as he was setting himself to finish.  The ref, who had controlled a difficult game all day, made his only real mistake of the game in this incident, as he was chose to not even book the Exchange player despite the cynical nature of the foul and the fact he was the last defender and had prevented a clear goal scoring opportunity.  Nobody ever wants to see a team lose players to red cards, but no doubt everyone expected the Exchange defender to walk for that one.

Gilly offered up the resulting penalty to Sam who duly tucked the ball away via the palm of the goalkeeper, 3-3 and it was de ja vu!

The clock was counting down and Athletic foraged on, looking for the decisive strike,.  This left them slightly vulnerable against the counter attack and it was a long clearance that was almost too well controlled by Skilts which saw the next opportunity...

Unable to clear, Skilts was helped off the ball and the striker was away and bearing down on goal.  Thankfully, the Exchange player shot rather than passed and it was blocked by Matt, Paul I just making it back to block the follow up.

Just minutes remaining before extra time and Exchange were not done.  Another floated ball to the back post found a very unmarked forward who finished well past a spectating Matt.  The whistle went and brought proceedings to an end, Exchange on balance the rightful victors and they go through to take on Lindford in the semi-final.

Blog Man of the Match was Dave P, who worked exceptionally hard under almost impoosible circumstances.

Chawton now have a free week (21st Feb) with no fixture until the friendly against AFC Wanderers on the 28th February.

The next official fixture is due to be the 28th March but please keep checking the official league website for details.

The address is http://full-time.thefa.com/Index.do?league=252855 .

Thursday 11 February 2010

Chawton WILL Play Final!

The outcome of tonight's League meeting is that the Runwick Cup semi-final result will stand.  Chawton Athletic will play Royal Oak, 4th in the league, at a venue and date to be decided.  Further detail may come from manager Matt I, who attended the meeting.

Wednesday 10 February 2010

Team Photo!


The first ever team photo of the mighty Chawton Athletic F.C., taken after the recent controversial Runwick Cup semi-final.

Back row, from left:
Chopper Dave, Bob, Si "Spiderhead" H, Skilts, Wonka, George, Sam, Gilly, Pat, Si,

Front row, from left:
Carlos, Matt I (manager & keeper), Rich P


The last three blog posts, regarding the aforementioned Runwick Cup semi penalty victory against second-in-the-league CSL Hartley Wintney, have now had pictures added to them. As will all the pictures on the blog, clicking on them should open the picture to show it in greater detail!

CSL Hartley Wintney Lodge Official Complaint!

Dave Parsells, chairman of the Farnham and District Sunday League, has today confirmed by email to Athletic manager, Matt Ireson, that CSL Hartley Wintney have indeed made official their complaint regarding their defeat on Sunday, on penalties, to Chawton Athletic in the Semi Final of the Runwick Cup.

The match had ended 3-3 and, with Matt I saving all three of Wintney's penalties, Sam dutifully scored the winning kick in a 3-0 shoot-out win.

Matt is seeking clarification as to the possible consequences of what this complaint may be and is hopeful that; bearing in mind the circumstances under which they arose, Chawton will be able to take their rightful place in the final, the date of which is still to be announced.

The League meet on Thursday and this complaint will be on the Agenda for discussion.  Matt I made the League aware that should CSL Hartley Wintney be attending to represent themselves in this matter, that he, as manager, will also be attending to ensure that a fair balance is maintained.  His e-mail to the league remains unanswered, as of 5pm on Wednesday, but any further news will be added as soon as it comes to light.

And here, once more, is why they are complaining:
 !!

Monday 8 February 2010

Chawton's place in final in possible jeopardy!

Without meaning to drain the feeling of total and utter euphoria that currently exists in the Chawton Athletic squad, CSL Hartley Wintney are considering an appeal to the league regarding the Runwick Cup semi-final fixture which took place at Binsted on the 7th February 2010, which Athletic won 3-0 on penalties after the match was level 3-3 after extra time.


It is that period of extra time that has caused consternation in the CSL camp.  CSL are complaining that referee Bryan Cox has contravened League Rules by only playing ten minutes of extra time each way, rather than fifteen, despite the fact the match remained deadlocked and the game was decided emphatically in an exciting penalty shoot-out.

Manager Matt Ireson is stating Chawton's case of the facts as he sees them and his hopes are currently two-fold:  firstly, that CSL Hartley Wintney take the defeat on the chin and decide against making an appeal and, secondly, should they appeal that the League look favourably on the circumstances that surrounded the decision by the referee and decide that the result stands.

Keep an eye on the blog for the outcome of this situation as soon as it arises...

In the meantime, Chawton Athletic should wholly concentrate on getting past the Royal Exchange this coming Sunday in the quarter final of the Division 1 Cup.

Come on you Yellows!!

Sunday 7 February 2010

Chawton March to Cup Final... (Pictures Added!)

Chawton Athletic booked a place in the final of the Runwick Cup with an incredible victory over the much fancied CSL Hartley Wintney at Binsted.

Playing CSL, sitting second in the league with just one defeat, meant this fixture always looked likely to be more than difficult for Athletic who, after a shaky start to the season, had of late started to turn in impressive performances.

The absence through injury of Si P, Marc T-P, Scott D and with Rich P struggling, had meant Athletic shuffled the pack in midfield.  Bob joined Si H in the centre, Pat slotted in on the left hand side and Carl took a starting berth on the right wing.

Athletic started strongly with Si H and Bob controlling the play and launching regular attacks, and it was very much with the play when Athletic opened the scoring.  Si H stepped up and beautifully curled a 25 yard free kick around the edge of the wall and low, just inside the near post.  Suddenly everything was going Athletic's way and CSL were starting to bicker amongst themselves and at the referee.

Though on top, Athletic were tested as a rising 25 yard curler was tipped away for a corner by Matt; the corner was cleared well.

CSL were hard into the tackle but did not seem as keen when on the receiving end and a CSL player went into the book for his constant complaining at the referee.  Athletic were well in control and, despite a couple of half scrambles from corners, there was never any real danger.

Chawton were well on top and a corner brought them their second in an explosive opening 25 minutes, Gilly nodding home to stretch their already well deserved lead giving the Yellows a 2-0 lead.

And so half time... Athletic knew that CSL would surely play better in the second half, and had chatted about keeping it tight.

CSL did indeed start the second half playing better and Athletic were struggling to get their passing game going, it looked like it was going to be a long half as wave after wave of CSL attacks reigned down on Matt in the Athletic goal.

Matt did well to palm a deflected shot round the post and the corner dealt with but it was not long before CSL were back in the game as a scrambled shot half cleared was buried past Matt and Skilts.

Athletic were determined not let their heads drop and started to get back into the game, though the majority of the play was taking place in the Athletic half.

Against the tide, Athletic scored again with Sam racing through and slotting home confidently after great work from Pat.  Cue more bickering and referee badgering from CSL, as Athletic looked to have sewn a spot in the final up.

Back came CSL and a long throw, parallel with the eighteen yard line, was half cleared to the edge of the box, it was returned goalward on the half volley (apparently) and crept past an unsighted Matt.  3-2, and it really was game on!  Gilly made way for George and Dave came on for Carl; both had made telling contributions.

Athletic were finding it almost impossible to get their game going and, on such a heavy pitch, the legs and minds were tiring.  CSL levelled with a well struck effort that crashed in off the underside of the bar.

Thankfully the remaining minutes were seen out with no real problems and so the tie went to extra time.  Agreed at ten minutes each way, as the referee had an additional fixture in the afternoon, I think every one was happy after such a fantastic effort on a difficult pitch.

CSL, though, continued to play the more attractive football in extra time.  They had pushed high up towards the half way line and it was this change that led to another chance for Athletic.  A superb through ball found George charging through, but a slightly heavy touch as he rounded the keeper saw the opportunity slip agonisingly away.

Turn around for the second half of extra time and again it was Athletic who went closest; Pat's performance was nearly rewarded with a goal as his effort beat the keeper but just continued to rise over the bar.  Rich P replaced the injured Bob and was immediately involved in the heart of the midfield

And so the total and utter agony of a penalty shootout.  Excellently, five volunteers were found among the shattered Athletic side, as well as one who had been subbed off!

CSL won the toss and chose to take the first penalty...  Matt stood expectantly on the line.  The referee whistled and Matt guessed right and swooped to save well, low to his right hand side.  A great start and, with confidence boosted, keeper and skipper Matt chose to take the first Chawton penalty.

Though poorly struck his effort had just enough on it to squeeze into the inside side netting, a heart stopping moment.  1-0 to Chawton, and the pressure was now mounting on CSL...

A left footer next for Wintney and a weak penalty!  Matt had not fallen for "the eyes" and guessed correctly again, diving away to his right to block.  So now the excitement was mounting in the Athletic camp.

Si H stepped up to take Athletic's next penalty and had no problem in stroking it home. 2-0 to the Yellow and Blues after 2 penalties each.

Up stepped the young CSL winger; who had been impressive all game.  An even poorer penalty, struck nearly straight down the middle.  Matt stayed central and it was straight forward to smother and so save his third penalty on the trot!

Sam could win it for the underdogs and did so, confidently firing past the prone keeper and sending the team into absolute raptures.  A team photo and a couple of pints in the French Horn rounded off a perfect day for Chawton Athletic.


Absolutely brilliant performance from every single team member and so blog man of the match is the whole team.

Athletic will face Royal Oak in the final, after they saw off AFC Wanderers in an equally nail biting penalty shoot out win - date to be announced.

Athletic will be look to carry this cup form into their next fixture, as they host Royal Exchange in the quarter finals of the Division 1 Cup.



Remaining fixtures are as follows.

14th Feb:  home to Royal Exchange- DIVISION ONE CUP
28th Feb:  home to AFC Wanderers - FRIENDLY
7th March:  away to Royal Exchange - LEAGUE
28th March:  away to Bluebell -LEAGUE
14th April:  home to CSL Hartley Wintney -LEAGUE

And of course the Runwick Cup Final, apparently at Meadow School, Bordon.