Div6: Chawton Athletic 3 Lindford 2

Chawton Athletic played their first home game of 2011 against ex-Farnham League rivals, Lindford. The Yellows recent form has lifted them to a respectable mid-table in their maiden season in the Aldershot league. Previous club records had been smashed along the way and four wins in the last five outings meant this was due to be a cracker.


Athletic lined up in the familiar 4-4-2, with Skilton in goal. The solid backline of Channon, Stevens, Dave Nicholson and Taylor-Penfold behind a midfield quartet of Nathan Ingram, Harvey, Paul Nicholson and Williams. Booth and Hodkin continued in attack. Player-Manager, Waterfield, Russell and Goodall started on the bench.


The game set off at a terrific pace, with Chawton having the better spells in attack. The strikers Hodkin and Booth were linking up well wth Paul Nicholson. The defence did their part too, limiting the Lindford forwards to nothing more than long shots.

Hodkin gets stuck in.

Athletic took the lead a mere five minutes into the match, after a Nathan Ingram corner reached Williams at the back post. He held the ball well until Channon arrived in support, collected Williams' pass and hit a looping shot from fully twenty yards, which went in the top corner - leaving the away sides keeper with no chance and the scoreline at 1-0.
The Yellows nearly increased their lead soon afterwards, as a good cross into the box by Hodkin just evaded the final touches of the onsliding Booth and Williams. But, luckily, a few minutes later the scoreline was doubled when a similar cross did find the back of the net. Williams with the crucial touch at the back post to make it 2-0.

Dave Nicholson jumps highest!

Still within the first twenty five minutes, Chawton stretched their lead even further after some of the usual fancy footwork by Paul Nicholson and another inch perfect cross by Hodkin found the head of Booth who powered home for 3-0.
The home side were cruising now with confidence flowing throughout the team. Clean crisp passing down both wings were causing Lindford no end of problems. However, the away sidedid pull one back before half time, thanks to a dubious offside decision. The ball touched a defender on the way through to the first forward, but the second pass to the forward who scored was also offside, the referee not seeing the linesman's flag and giving the goal.

Half time came with the score at 3-1 and the match delicately poised.

Harvey and Paul Nicholson attempt to win the ball.

The second half started with a bit more venom from both sides, a faster pace and tougher tackles. The referee had to remain calm and to exude his authority on a number of players as some mistimed tackles from both sides threatened to disrupt the match.
The wing play was a joy to behold at the beginning of the half, with Williams and Ingram working hard on the flanks. They were finding a lot more space, but the ball failied to reach them on a few crucial occasions.
Booth had a chance to notch his second goal of the game, but powered his shot over the bar after being set through on goal.

"Yellow head on that!"

The right hand side was providing an outlet, with more good passing between Hodkin, Ingram and Paul Nicholson.
The Yellows eventually conceded a second goal with ten minutes remaining. There were also some doubts as to whether the forward was onside, but the linesman saw nothing wrong. 3-2 was now the score and this set up a tense final ten!

The final onslught from Lindford began and captain, Taylor-Penfold, had to be alert to block a shot at front post from a free kick.
The away side forced several corners and free kicks in the final five, and even their keeper was coming up for them as they pressed for a fairly undeserved equaliser. But the Chawton back line, aided by the other six outfield players, held out and indeed even had a chance at a shot on an open goal... but the shot was not forthcoming.
Manager Waterfield was relieved to hear the final whistle go, with Chawton securing their third win on the bounce, 3-2.

Man of the match, Ollie Williams, as voted for by the players.

The hard fought victory brought good performances from a number of players. Jake Channon at right back defended resolutely and linked up well with Nathan Ingram down the wing as well as getting his blinding goal. Ben Hodkin laid on two assists for his team-mates and provided many more crosses. Martin Booth's header was extremely well taken and he worked tirelessly for the team. The defence held up well to the Lindford challenge and were unlucky to concede the two goals.
But the man of the match, chosen by the players, went to the other goal scorer Ollie Williams for his well taken goal and excellent running down the left wing.
Lindford have an immediate chance for redemption as they host Chawton Athletic's next game, in two weeks time. In the meantime, there will be training next Sunday... at a time and venue to be decided.

Div6: Dynamo Cove Reserves 0 Chawton Athletic 2.

Chawton Athletic travelled to Kennels Lane, Southwood, for the second time this season - this time to face Dynamo Cove Reserves in their first match in 2011.

Athletic welcomed two new signings by putting them straight into the starting line-up.  This had been brought about by a growing list of injuries and unavailabilities.  Martin Skilton retained the gloves with Jake Channon, Matt Stevens, David Nicholson and captain Marc Taylor-Penfold in front of him.  Debutants Will Rietzler and Pete Goodall occupied the wings, with James Harvey and Nathan Ingram in the centre of a makeshift midfield four.  Ben Hodkin and Martin Booth started up front.  Carl Waterfield and Nathan Teague warmed the bench.

The game got under way, with Dynamo the more alert of the two sides.  Chawton looked a tad sluggish out of the blocks, after five weeks without a match.  Cove forced some good attacking play but, luckily for the Yellows, their finishing was not on a par with their build up play.

Then another injury problem for Athletic with centre back David Nicholson forced off with a knee injury; Carl Waterfield coming on at left back with Taylor-Penfold moving into the middle.

The Yellows continued to play some loose football.  The passes were not hitting their intended targets and the formation struggled to gain structure.  However, they still managed to take the lead!  A long throw in from Ingram and an excellent bullet header from Hodkin, who darted through a pack of players and left his marker static!  Not what Chawton deserved, but they certainly had something to work harder for.

The match began to have some more life put into it from Chawton and for the last fifteen minutes of the half there was more intent from the away side, with some good movement and hard work by all eleven players.

The half time scored remained 1-0 to Chawton.


The second half started at a quicker pace from both teams, Goodall and Rietzler switching flanks but Dynamo still looked the more likely to score.  A few niggling little fouls (some of which seemed completely innocuous) stopped the away side from getting any real rhythm going early on.

Continuous attacks from the home side forced Skilton to react well with a couple of decent saves, and the Dynamo forwards spooning some shots wide.

With half an hour on the clock, manager Waterfield decided a different tactic by putting on the slightly more experienced Nathan Teague for Pete Goodall in a straight swap at the right of midfield.

The Yellows soon found themselves two up after Hodkin knocked the ball past the centre back and tried to pick out strike partner, Booth.  But the pass rebounded off the last defender, back into Hodkin's path, who then chipped it over the advancing keeper.

Nathan Teague was lucky to escape a booking for a forceful tackle on Dynamos left midfielder, but was merely trying to get himself into the game and stave off any attackes down the Chawton right.

Chawtons clean sheet was threatened when the home side did eventually hit the back of the net, but thankfully it was ruled out due to the Dynamo striker fouling Stevens.  Stevens had to come off with an injury which left the Yellows having to finish the last ten minutes with ten men.  Harvey dropped to right back, Channon moved into the middle alongside Taylor-Penfold and Booth dropped to fill the hole in midfield.

Further attacks from the away side were few and far between, as Chawton concentrated on not conceding.  A few corners from Cove were cleared and with some misplaced passes from them too, the final score was 2-0.


There were solid performances by Taylor-Penfold commanding the defence, Channon at right back who put in some crunching tackles, solid headers and covered well and Skilton in goal who mopped up everything that was thrown, shot or miskicked at him!  Ingram in midfield worked tirelessly with Harvey, putting in some good flicked on headers.  But it was Hodkin who recieved the man of the match award for a tireless effort up front, pulling back to cover in midfield during the near constant onslaught in the first half hour.  Finishing with a brace also took the front man to 14 goals in 13 games.

Next match is at Binsted Rec, against old Farnham League rivals, Lindford.  Manager Waterfield hopes the injury list is shorter by then!

Chawton Athletic took their bow in the Basingstoke Powerleague, winning 22-4 against Sota FC.

Athletic turned up ready to play with a full team of 8 players:
Marc Taylor-Penfold(c), Ben Hodkin, Jake Channon, Karl Teague, Nathan Teague, Paul Nicholson, David Nicholson and James Russell.  D.Nicholson spent the first half in goal, then Channon took the gloves in the second half.

The four goals conceded by the Yellows came from defensive errors and a couple of penalties where Athletic hadn't fully learnt the rules.  Some fantastic passing play throughout the fifty minute match and good individual performances punished the Sota FC team, Chawton ending their 'training' session on a high.

Goals:
Hodkin 9, P.Nicholson 6, Russell 3, Taylor-Penfold 2, Channon 2

Stay tuned to the blog and website for updates.

Powerleague Training is ON.

Chawton Athletic have entered a team in the Thursday night Powerleague in Basingstoke, as a means of training through the winter.

The cost is £38.50, which works out at £5 per player per week - this is payable on the night.  The treasurer is looking into the Club assimilating any extra money due if we get less than an 8 man squad in a week.  games are 50 minutes long and start at 7pm, 8pm or 9pm.

This week we do have a game, at 8pm on Thursday 13th January.  Players need to be there early to sign forms etc.  Captain Marc Taylor-Penfold is in charge of the running of the team - his number is on the Club Info tab.  Other non-Club players may play if there is shortage of players on the night.  Marc will be in contact with the players who said they are/may be available soon.

Rain Stops Play - And Other Updates!

Rain Stops Play

Sunday's match at West Liss has been called off.

Water polo anyone?

The home side's groundsman called the match off on Friday afternoon, as the waterlogged pitch would be unplayable.  Manager Carl Waterfield was working with his opposite number at West Liss to get the game moved to Chawton's Binsted ground, but the Parish Council also ruled Binsted Rec as unplayable too.  The fixture will now have to be rearranged for later in the year - although not likely to be the free weekend on 30th January, as there is already a full fixture list.

In place of the match, there will now be compulsory training at Anstey Park.  This will begin at 10am and anybody who had made themselves available for the match is expected to attend.  Training should be finished by the time Man Utd and Liverpool kick off... for those desperate to watch the "professionals"* play...!


Player Profiles

The website has player profiles, some of which already include pictures.  The camera is at every match for those who don't have their picture up, and profile shots will be taken if the weather is dry.  A new team picture for this season will also be taken soon, when we have a good turn out at a (dry) home match.

Regarding the written profiles, could all players email the manager at sabrewulf7@yahoo.com with any interesting football related info to put on their profiles, along with any previous (or current Saturday) clubs.  The website is getting quite a few hits, so the club wants to use both the website and blog as much as possible!


Kit - Financial Constraints!

The club is, as has been previously mentioned, wanting to get a new kit in time for next season.  Discussions are currently ongoing with various parties regarding a sponsorship deal, but the club is owed some £300 by players.  Would all players who owe money please ensure they are up to date by the end of January.  This impacts the club financially, as well as shows a bit of disrespect to those who pay their dues.


* term used lightly!

The First Fixtures of 2011 Released.

The January fixtures were released earlier this week, meaning Chawton Athletic now know their first opponents of 2011.  And they are a familiar foe!

Next weekend's first match of the year is away at high-flying ex-Farnham League rivals West Liss, a team the Yellows have already played three times since the admission into the Aldershot and District Sunday Football League.  A series of steadily improving matches against them leaves manager Carl Waterfield confident of getting a positive result.

Following that, on the 16th, is a trip to Farnborough to play Dynamo Cove Reserves, a team that are in and around Athletic in the Division 6 table.

The 23rd sees Chawton's first home match of the year, as they host Lindford - another team from the defunct Farnham League.

The last weekend sees Athletic sit out, as the other teams in the league seek to make up their games in hand.

These fixtures have been added to the club website.