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.