ADSFL Division 7 Cup: Quarter-Final
11 December 2011
ALDERSHOT PARK ELITE 2
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 13
Starting XI: Jamie Oakley (GK). Elliot Watkins (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), Jake Channon (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), James Harvey (CM), Danny Taylor (CM), Mikey Phillips (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Substitutes: Carl Waterfield, Martin Booth, David Nicholson, Pete Goodall, Ashley Brooks.
Chawton eased into the semi-finals of the divisional cup by demolishing basement club Aldershot Park Elite and equaling the club's biggest ever win record in the process.
The first half saw the away side plunder eight goals, itself a record. But it was Elite that drew first blood, looking to carry on where they left off in the second league meeting between the two sides. A free kick was conceded just outside the area and it was well struck past Oakley in goal.
The lead did not last long though, as Danny Taylor soon equalised.
The ten men of Elite were then subjected to a constant tide of Yellows' attacks for the remaining thirty five minutes of the half. While a lot of attacks were quelled by the hard working Elite defence, Will Rietzler did find himself on the scoresheet. He was joined before half-time by Ryan Furey who scored twice, allowing him to wear both gloves without being fined, and captain Ben Hodkin who helped himself to four!
With payback for the season's earlier league defeat well and truly dished out, Athletic went in 8-1 leaders at half-time.
The second half was very much like the first - a goal fest! And again it was Elite that pinched a goal back first. The referee gave a soft penalty, booking Danny Taylor for the foul in the process. He also booked keeper Jamie Oakley after the penalty was scored for daring to ask why it was worthy of a card!
From then on in it was mostly one way traffic. Rietzler added his second goal of the game before Chawton were given a penalty of their own. Hodkin relinquished penalty duties to substitute Carl Waterfield, who was yet to score for the club. He stepped up and coolly sent it to the keeper's left, although the glovesman did get a hand to it.
Danny Taylor, captain by this point after Hodkin was given a rest, scored his second of the match - but the scoring was far from done. Another substitute, Ashley Brooks, scored a brace of his own - his first competitive goals for the club and both following hard work in the build up and well fashioned finishes.
There could even have been more goals with Mikey Phillips, James Harvey and Pete Goodall all coming close. Kyle Bale's running, which caused panic in Elite's defence all game, almost yielded a goal for him too.
The pedantic ref, who had booked four Athletic players (but no Elite players, interestingly) called time on the match which ended in a 13-2 victory - the largest ever away win for the club.
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: Ben Hodkin - An all round captain's performance! He hit four first half goals, set up a few others too and even shared the glory with his grateful Treasurer!
Tuesday 27 December 2011
Sunday 11 December 2011
Yellows Ruin Wandering Wonka's Return!
ADSFL Division 7
4 December 2011
ALTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 3
Starting XI: Jamie Oakley (GK). Elliot "Bieber" Watkins (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), Jake Channon (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), James Harvey (CM), Danny Taylor (CM), Paul Nicholson (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Andy Vickers, Mikey Phillips, Carl Waterfield, Pete Goodall, Ashley Brooks.
Following the previous weekend's controversy following the Camberley Cougars match, in which the cards were not exchanged and the game went ahead at their insistence, Chawton looked to move on and turned their attention to arch rivals Alton Wanderers - who named former Yellow Matt "Wonka" Stevens in the starting line-up.
And it didn't take long for the first goal to fly in, straight from the kick off! Wanderers kicked off and were immediately dispossessed by Hodkin who threaded a neat ball through to Ryan Furey who made no mistake. The bench timed it as 10 seconds, although the official time given by the ref was 17 seconds - the fastest goal in Chawton history. This was Furey's 14th goal this season, in just eight games!
Wanderers tried to hit back with a few good plays forcing corners, but Oakley and his defence were equal to anything that came their way. The game, predictably, began to get a little fractious and Rietzler was brought down thirty yards from goal. The resultant free kick was delivered into the box, but no Yellows' player got a touch on it!
But it wasn't long before Athletic went 2-0 up when a Paul Nicholson corner was hit low and hard into the box and deflected in off the Wanderers' right back (not Wonka) at the front post. Was the ball going in? Either way, Nicholson will claim it!
Chawton seemed to be coasting at this point and looked to extend their lead until the referee awarded a free kick to the home side (Wanderers!) after a foul by debutant, Elliot Watkins - the effects of adult football clearly telling on the youngster. The centre mid stepped up and drilled his shot at Oakley who could only parry the ball into the path of an opposing player who tapped in the rebound. The defence was a tad slow to react, 1-2.
Suddenly, Chawton were on the back foot and making it hard for themselves, with "Diggers Elite" being the first to almost every ball. With the wind in their metaphoric sails, the equalised. A ball crossed over to their right winger who finished superbly with a volley past an outstretched Oakley.
Danny Taylor and Paul Nicholson finished the half with some classy one-twos and some shots from Hodkin and Furey - 2-2 the score at half time.
The second half started as the first finished, with Furey coming close on several occasions. One shot in particular came from a fantastic through ball from Nicholson to Reitzler, whose cross found Furey unmarked at the far post. His header seemed destined for the back of the net but some determined goal line defending by the home team's right back kept it out.
The Chawton dominance continued with Taylor and Harvey commanding the midfield, with Hodkin offering to receive the ball on occasions. Bale was marauding down the left flank and one such run took him inside the penalty box, his testing shot rebounding to Nicholson. His well struck volley was yet again cleared off the line.
Rietzler also came close but only hit the side netting. Vickers came on for the frustrated Furey soon after.
The game's tempo hit peak level, with Wanderers mounting some good attacks, but the Yellows' defence continued to match them. The passing from both sides was quick and fast and the tackles were becoming hard and bordering on unfair, one of which saw Oakley forced off with a bloody nose. Mikey Phillips volunteered to take over in goal at a crucial point in the match!
Athletic regained the initiative and came within a whisker of taking the lead. First Bale hit the woodwork, then Reitzler's follow-up also came back off the frame of the goal before being cleared for a corner, much to the frustration of the Chawton bench who were at this point were jumping up and down and kicking every ball! The corner from Vickers came to Nicholson whose audacious overhead kick was headed over at the far post by Rietzler.
Just when it looked Chawton's day was going to end is disappointment, they thought they'd finally got the break through their second half threat deserved, as Hodkin found the back of the net - only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It was a warning Wanderers did not heed as the Yellows did then take the lead. A poor clearance fell to James Harvey and his header deflected in off the keeper.
Some very calm and professional passing then followed, as relief swept through the whole side. Athletic saw out the final ten minutes with some good challenges from Channon, Harvey, Merritt and Watkins. Not the prettiest match on the eyes, but an enthralling one nonetheless. But three points and a 3-2 derby victory was all that mattered!
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: James Harvey - a dominating performance in midfield, capped with the winning goal.
4 December 2011
ALTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 3
Starting XI: Jamie Oakley (GK). Elliot "Bieber" Watkins (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), Jake Channon (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), James Harvey (CM), Danny Taylor (CM), Paul Nicholson (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Andy Vickers, Mikey Phillips, Carl Waterfield, Pete Goodall, Ashley Brooks.
Following the previous weekend's controversy following the Camberley Cougars match, in which the cards were not exchanged and the game went ahead at their insistence, Chawton looked to move on and turned their attention to arch rivals Alton Wanderers - who named former Yellow Matt "Wonka" Stevens in the starting line-up.
And it didn't take long for the first goal to fly in, straight from the kick off! Wanderers kicked off and were immediately dispossessed by Hodkin who threaded a neat ball through to Ryan Furey who made no mistake. The bench timed it as 10 seconds, although the official time given by the ref was 17 seconds - the fastest goal in Chawton history. This was Furey's 14th goal this season, in just eight games!
Wanderers tried to hit back with a few good plays forcing corners, but Oakley and his defence were equal to anything that came their way. The game, predictably, began to get a little fractious and Rietzler was brought down thirty yards from goal. The resultant free kick was delivered into the box, but no Yellows' player got a touch on it!
But it wasn't long before Athletic went 2-0 up when a Paul Nicholson corner was hit low and hard into the box and deflected in off the Wanderers' right back (not Wonka) at the front post. Was the ball going in? Either way, Nicholson will claim it!
Chawton seemed to be coasting at this point and looked to extend their lead until the referee awarded a free kick to the home side (Wanderers!) after a foul by debutant, Elliot Watkins - the effects of adult football clearly telling on the youngster. The centre mid stepped up and drilled his shot at Oakley who could only parry the ball into the path of an opposing player who tapped in the rebound. The defence was a tad slow to react, 1-2.
Suddenly, Chawton were on the back foot and making it hard for themselves, with "Diggers Elite" being the first to almost every ball. With the wind in their metaphoric sails, the equalised. A ball crossed over to their right winger who finished superbly with a volley past an outstretched Oakley.
Danny Taylor and Paul Nicholson finished the half with some classy one-twos and some shots from Hodkin and Furey - 2-2 the score at half time.
The second half started as the first finished, with Furey coming close on several occasions. One shot in particular came from a fantastic through ball from Nicholson to Reitzler, whose cross found Furey unmarked at the far post. His header seemed destined for the back of the net but some determined goal line defending by the home team's right back kept it out.
The Chawton dominance continued with Taylor and Harvey commanding the midfield, with Hodkin offering to receive the ball on occasions. Bale was marauding down the left flank and one such run took him inside the penalty box, his testing shot rebounding to Nicholson. His well struck volley was yet again cleared off the line.
Rietzler also came close but only hit the side netting. Vickers came on for the frustrated Furey soon after.
The game's tempo hit peak level, with Wanderers mounting some good attacks, but the Yellows' defence continued to match them. The passing from both sides was quick and fast and the tackles were becoming hard and bordering on unfair, one of which saw Oakley forced off with a bloody nose. Mikey Phillips volunteered to take over in goal at a crucial point in the match!
Athletic regained the initiative and came within a whisker of taking the lead. First Bale hit the woodwork, then Reitzler's follow-up also came back off the frame of the goal before being cleared for a corner, much to the frustration of the Chawton bench who were at this point were jumping up and down and kicking every ball! The corner from Vickers came to Nicholson whose audacious overhead kick was headed over at the far post by Rietzler.
Just when it looked Chawton's day was going to end is disappointment, they thought they'd finally got the break through their second half threat deserved, as Hodkin found the back of the net - only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It was a warning Wanderers did not heed as the Yellows did then take the lead. A poor clearance fell to James Harvey and his header deflected in off the keeper.
Some very calm and professional passing then followed, as relief swept through the whole side. Athletic saw out the final ten minutes with some good challenges from Channon, Harvey, Merritt and Watkins. Not the prettiest match on the eyes, but an enthralling one nonetheless. But three points and a 3-2 derby victory was all that mattered!
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: James Harvey - a dominating performance in midfield, capped with the winning goal.
Cougars Fight Unfairly...
Camberley Cougars lodged a complaint after the match about match cards, so the result of this game is in doubt. Further info will follow when available. For the record, this is how the match panned out:
27 November 2011
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 2
CAMBERLEY COUGARS RESERVES 1
Starting XI: Martin Skilton (GK). Jamie Oakley (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), David Nicholson (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), Ben Hodkin (CM), James Harvey (CM), Mikey Phillips (LM). Paul Nicholson (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Jake Channon, Andy Vickers, Pete Goodall.
Camberley Cougars Reserves turned up at the Jubilee with a much stronger side than the Yellows faced in their previous league encounter, which ended in a big cat massacre. The Yellows' new signing Elliot Watkins was unable to feature in the game, as the club hadn't received his I.D. card.
From the off, everyone could see that this was going to be a feisty affair! The opening ten minutes saw Furey taking an elbow to the head in an aerial challenge and Skilts in goal getting a kick to the wrist, as the Cougars' striker attempted to play the ball from the keeper's hands. A free kick was duly awarded, but there were doubts in manager Taylor-Penfold's mind as to whether the glovesman would last the match.
Shortly afterwards, the away side took the lead thanks to a well taken finish by their winger as he broke through the Athletic defence with ease and neatly placed the shot past the outstretched arm of Skilton.
The rest of the first half was relatively mediocre by comparison with both sides pressing for a goal but to no avail. One such opportunity fell to Chawton to score and equaliser. Paul Nicholson fed a good through ball to Furey, who beat a couple of Camberley defenders and rounded the keeper to leave an open goal... but he dwelled on the ball too long before applying a finish, which allowed a defender to get back and block superbly on the line, twice!
Even Harvey was trying to get in on the action as he tried a thirty yard lob that went narrowly wide. Half time came at 0-1, leaving Chawton plenty to think about during the team talk.
Athletic were not helped at the break in having to make a forced change, with Oakley coming on in goal for the injured Skilton. Channon came on at centre-back, with David Nicholson reverting to right back.
The Yellows immediately set about making amends with Phillips working the flank and the home side nearly drew level, as Hodkin and Furey combining well but the resulting shot was gathered by the keeper.
Taylor-Penfold made his last two changes, replacing the wingers with Goodall and Vickers and the equaliser came soon after. A Channon free kick wasn't cleared properly and that gave Harvey the chance to slide in and notch his second goal of the season.
Chawton continued to apply the pressure on the Cougars, with Bale a constant threat with his solid runs. Vickers' tidy free kick from a tight angle panicked the away side's keeper and Hodkin could have got on the scoresheet if Furey had squared the ball rather than going for goal himself and slipping on the slick Jubilee surface.
Stand-in keeper Oakley was beginning to look bored in the Chawton goal with nothing to do, as the strengthened back line wasn't letting anything through. And it was indeed Chawton that took home all three points in a smash and grab, as Furey poked the ball into the back of the net with his right boot from yet another Hodkin pass.
The final whistle blew soon after to register a 2-1 win and end the run of five matches without a win. The points are yet to be confirmed of course, but the win was important nonetheless.
More good performances all round, despite the set back.
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: Kyle Bale - another fine performance from the left back.
27 November 2011
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 2
CAMBERLEY COUGARS RESERVES 1
Starting XI: Martin Skilton (GK). Jamie Oakley (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), David Nicholson (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), Ben Hodkin (CM), James Harvey (CM), Mikey Phillips (LM). Paul Nicholson (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Jake Channon, Andy Vickers, Pete Goodall.
Camberley Cougars Reserves turned up at the Jubilee with a much stronger side than the Yellows faced in their previous league encounter, which ended in a big cat massacre. The Yellows' new signing Elliot Watkins was unable to feature in the game, as the club hadn't received his I.D. card.
From the off, everyone could see that this was going to be a feisty affair! The opening ten minutes saw Furey taking an elbow to the head in an aerial challenge and Skilts in goal getting a kick to the wrist, as the Cougars' striker attempted to play the ball from the keeper's hands. A free kick was duly awarded, but there were doubts in manager Taylor-Penfold's mind as to whether the glovesman would last the match.
Shortly afterwards, the away side took the lead thanks to a well taken finish by their winger as he broke through the Athletic defence with ease and neatly placed the shot past the outstretched arm of Skilton.
The rest of the first half was relatively mediocre by comparison with both sides pressing for a goal but to no avail. One such opportunity fell to Chawton to score and equaliser. Paul Nicholson fed a good through ball to Furey, who beat a couple of Camberley defenders and rounded the keeper to leave an open goal... but he dwelled on the ball too long before applying a finish, which allowed a defender to get back and block superbly on the line, twice!
Even Harvey was trying to get in on the action as he tried a thirty yard lob that went narrowly wide. Half time came at 0-1, leaving Chawton plenty to think about during the team talk.
Athletic were not helped at the break in having to make a forced change, with Oakley coming on in goal for the injured Skilton. Channon came on at centre-back, with David Nicholson reverting to right back.
The Yellows immediately set about making amends with Phillips working the flank and the home side nearly drew level, as Hodkin and Furey combining well but the resulting shot was gathered by the keeper.
Taylor-Penfold made his last two changes, replacing the wingers with Goodall and Vickers and the equaliser came soon after. A Channon free kick wasn't cleared properly and that gave Harvey the chance to slide in and notch his second goal of the season.
Chawton continued to apply the pressure on the Cougars, with Bale a constant threat with his solid runs. Vickers' tidy free kick from a tight angle panicked the away side's keeper and Hodkin could have got on the scoresheet if Furey had squared the ball rather than going for goal himself and slipping on the slick Jubilee surface.
Stand-in keeper Oakley was beginning to look bored in the Chawton goal with nothing to do, as the strengthened back line wasn't letting anything through. And it was indeed Chawton that took home all three points in a smash and grab, as Furey poked the ball into the back of the net with his right boot from yet another Hodkin pass.
The final whistle blew soon after to register a 2-1 win and end the run of five matches without a win. The points are yet to be confirmed of course, but the win was important nonetheless.
More good performances all round, despite the set back.
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: Kyle Bale - another fine performance from the left back.
Points Shared at Plough and Horses.
ADSFL Division 7
20 November 2011
PLOUGH & HORSES RESERVES 4
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 4
Starting XI: Andy Vickers (GK). Carl Waterfield (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), David Nicholson (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), Jake Channon (CM), James Harvey (CM), Mikey Phillips (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Jamie Oakley, Pete Goodall, Ashley Brooks.
Chawton travelled to the Zebon Copse Centre to face old friends Plough & Horses Reserves in a keenly fought match. The game was without a nominated official, so the responsibility fell to the Plough captain.
The game kicked off with the home side quickly stamping their authority on the match and opening up a quick two goal lead, for the first time in the history of the two sides' fixtures. A combination of some good play by Plough and the inexperience in goal of Vickers.
The game didn't stay that way for long though, as the Yellows pegged one back through Hodkin's pass and a great finish from Rietzler, who lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. It surely would have been a penalty if he had missed as he was sliced down by the covering defender.
Chawton were soon level through Hodkin, who's speculative shot somehow found the net.
2-2 after thirty minutes and the half wasn't done by a long shot. Chawton allowed the Plough #10 to walk through them and he cooly knocked the ball past a well positioned Vickers to give the home side the lead again. Plough added a fourth thanks to some slack defending as they looked to achieve a decisive lead.
Unfortunately for them, Athletic rallied again fore the final ten minutes of the half. Furey got on the scoresheet and Hodkin added his second soon after to level the scores at four each at half time.
By comparison the second half was a dull affair with Athletic trying to exert their authority all over the pitch. However they could not find the break through or even really test the keeper. And it was indeed Plough who almost stole all the points when a through ball found their striker who was at least two yards off side. Despite the assistant's flag going up straight away, the stand-in ref waved play on and Chawton were saved by the post. The assistant was a little perturbed by this, to say the least!
The match fizzled out and the final score of 4-4 meant a welcome point for the Yellows who ended a run of four defeats on the trot, in all competitions.
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: Ben Hodkin - picked up a brace and an assist.
20 November 2011
PLOUGH & HORSES RESERVES 4
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 4
Starting XI: Andy Vickers (GK). Carl Waterfield (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), David Nicholson (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), Jake Channon (CM), James Harvey (CM), Mikey Phillips (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Jamie Oakley, Pete Goodall, Ashley Brooks.
Chawton travelled to the Zebon Copse Centre to face old friends Plough & Horses Reserves in a keenly fought match. The game was without a nominated official, so the responsibility fell to the Plough captain.
The game kicked off with the home side quickly stamping their authority on the match and opening up a quick two goal lead, for the first time in the history of the two sides' fixtures. A combination of some good play by Plough and the inexperience in goal of Vickers.
The game didn't stay that way for long though, as the Yellows pegged one back through Hodkin's pass and a great finish from Rietzler, who lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. It surely would have been a penalty if he had missed as he was sliced down by the covering defender.
Chawton were soon level through Hodkin, who's speculative shot somehow found the net.
2-2 after thirty minutes and the half wasn't done by a long shot. Chawton allowed the Plough #10 to walk through them and he cooly knocked the ball past a well positioned Vickers to give the home side the lead again. Plough added a fourth thanks to some slack defending as they looked to achieve a decisive lead.
Unfortunately for them, Athletic rallied again fore the final ten minutes of the half. Furey got on the scoresheet and Hodkin added his second soon after to level the scores at four each at half time.
By comparison the second half was a dull affair with Athletic trying to exert their authority all over the pitch. However they could not find the break through or even really test the keeper. And it was indeed Plough who almost stole all the points when a through ball found their striker who was at least two yards off side. Despite the assistant's flag going up straight away, the stand-in ref waved play on and Chawton were saved by the post. The assistant was a little perturbed by this, to say the least!
The match fizzled out and the final score of 4-4 meant a welcome point for the Yellows who ended a run of four defeats on the trot, in all competitions.
Elstead Lighting Man of the Match: Ben Hodkin - picked up a brace and an assist.
Chawton Robbed of Points Against League Leaders.
ADSFL Division 7
13 November 2010
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 0
LINDFORD 2
Starting XI: Martin Skilton (GK). Jamie Oakley (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), James Harvey (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), Jake Channon (CM), Danny Taylor (CM, Andy Vickers (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Carl Waterfield, Pete Goodall, Mikey Phillips.
Lindford came to the Jubilee undefeated and boasting an eight game winning streak. However, it was the Yellows who went out to pressurise the opposition from the first whistle, earning a corner with their first attack. Although nothing came of it, it signaled their intent. The away side answered straight back with some good switching play and the resulting shot was well gathered by Skilton in goal.
Lindford continued to attack with a few set pieces the didn't manage to test the Chawton defence. When they did break the barrier, their shots were wayward. The Lindford left back made a clever run into the Athletic box and earned a corner, which came to nothing. Skilton kept Chawton in the game, parrying a well struck shot, with the rebound skied over.
The Yellows soon started making more chances of their own. Danny Taylor slotted a neat pass through to Furey, who couldn't quite get the ball under control. Soon after, Vickers showed some fancy footwork before slipping in Hodkin who knocked it wide.
But it was the away side who took a thoroughly undeserved lead into the break, thanks to a dubious refereeing decision. The Lindford winger threw himself to the floor, despite minimal contact (forgetting this was a man's game), and was duly awarded a very soft penalty. Skilton beaten from twelve yards.
A very hard done by Chawton carried on in the second half, failing to take any of their chances before Lindford dealt the sucker punch - another howler from the referee. A corner was floated in and fell to the marauding Lindford defender who proceeded to punch the ball into the net. The Hand of God sequel! The ref saw nothing wrong, even with the goalscorer gloating about his "fortune" right under his nose!
The game fizzled out as there was no coming back from two down with five to go against the league leaders. The match ended 0-2, although Chawton could feel very hard done by!
A solid performance undone by a couple or poor decisions.
Elstead Lighting man of the Match: Kyle Bale - always a reliable defender.
13 November 2010
CHAWTON ATHLETIC 0
LINDFORD 2
Starting XI: Martin Skilton (GK). Jamie Oakley (RB), Steve Merritt (CB), James Harvey (CB), Kyle Bale (LB). Will Rietzler (RM), Jake Channon (CM), Danny Taylor (CM, Andy Vickers (LM). Ben Hodkin (FW), Ryan Furey (FW).
Subs: Carl Waterfield, Pete Goodall, Mikey Phillips.
Lindford came to the Jubilee undefeated and boasting an eight game winning streak. However, it was the Yellows who went out to pressurise the opposition from the first whistle, earning a corner with their first attack. Although nothing came of it, it signaled their intent. The away side answered straight back with some good switching play and the resulting shot was well gathered by Skilton in goal.
Lindford continued to attack with a few set pieces the didn't manage to test the Chawton defence. When they did break the barrier, their shots were wayward. The Lindford left back made a clever run into the Athletic box and earned a corner, which came to nothing. Skilton kept Chawton in the game, parrying a well struck shot, with the rebound skied over.
The Yellows soon started making more chances of their own. Danny Taylor slotted a neat pass through to Furey, who couldn't quite get the ball under control. Soon after, Vickers showed some fancy footwork before slipping in Hodkin who knocked it wide.
But it was the away side who took a thoroughly undeserved lead into the break, thanks to a dubious refereeing decision. The Lindford winger threw himself to the floor, despite minimal contact (forgetting this was a man's game), and was duly awarded a very soft penalty. Skilton beaten from twelve yards.
A very hard done by Chawton carried on in the second half, failing to take any of their chances before Lindford dealt the sucker punch - another howler from the referee. A corner was floated in and fell to the marauding Lindford defender who proceeded to punch the ball into the net. The Hand of God sequel! The ref saw nothing wrong, even with the goalscorer gloating about his "fortune" right under his nose!
The game fizzled out as there was no coming back from two down with five to go against the league leaders. The match ended 0-2, although Chawton could feel very hard done by!
A solid performance undone by a couple or poor decisions.
Elstead Lighting man of the Match: Kyle Bale - always a reliable defender.
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