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 .
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