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.