Eric Holbrook Cup 1st Round: Chawton Athletic 7 Alton Wanderers 1.

Starting XI:  Jamie Oakley (GK).  Matt Stevens (RB), James Harvey (CB), Marc Taylor (CB), Kyle Bale (LB).  Will Rietzler (RM), Jake Channon (CM), Danny Taylor (CM), Pete Goodall (LM).  Ben Hodkin (FW), Andy Vickers (FW).
Subs:  Carl Waterfield, David Nicholson, Jordan Dunbar, Ashley Brooks, Michael Phillips.

Chawton Athletic have started the season in blistering fashion and have now settled into their new Jubilee Fields home.  Following last week's 11-0 victory in the league, it was time to start a cup run on Sunday as they faced local rivals Alton Wanderers Reserves in the first round of the Eric Holbrook Cup.

After a fairly even opening ten minutes, in which both sides got forward without really threatening the goals, Chawton slowly began to dominate possession.  They duly opened up a 2-0 lead with Ben Hodkin opening the scoring with a typically calm finish.  Will Rietzler added the second before half time.

Before the break, though, there was still time for controversy as Pete Goodall, following up from an over-hit cross, saw his rifled shot cleared onto the post by what appeared to be an arm.  Unfortunately the referee was unsighted so a penalty and/or red card was not forthcoming.

So the Yellows went in 2-0 up at half time, but felt they could have scored four or five, as there were also some chances put wide in the first half.

The second half began as the first half ended, with the Yellows on top.  Rietzler scored twice again to complete the first back to back hat-tricks by a Chawton player.  Danny Taylor then scored a memorable goal to open his account, taking on half the opposing side, before scoring off the underside of the bar!

Wanderers did manage to pull a goal back, as keeper Oakley was unsighted until the last second, but the scoreline was restored by Jake Channon's bullet header from a pinpoint Rietzler corner.  Captain Hodkin added his second of the match and after a flurry of substitutions, Athletic ran out 7-1 winners.

The reward for the win is a game against Blackwater Badgers in the second round, while this week's match is at home to Cove Youth Reserves.

Elstead Lighting Man of the Match, Danny Taylor.

There were a lot of positives to take from the match, not least Will Rietzler's continuing good form and, once again, James Harvey's strong defensive game, but the Elstead Lighting Man of the Match was awarded to Danny Taylor for a commanding midfield performance, coupled with a wonder goal!

Goals:  Rietzler (3), Hodkin (2), D Taylor, Channon.