Once again Chawton faced up against The Bluebell, this time on familiar territory as they travelled over to Liss and Chawton were once again facing the same problem as previous week, a severe lack of numbers.
The proposed 14 players due to make appearances had melted away like the snow from a fortnight ago and so they travelled with just 9 players again.
Unlike the Royal Exchange, Chawton's previous opponents, The Bluebell were always better equipped to take full advantage of Chawton's player shortage.
The game kicked off with Chawton's previous 9 player experience still fresh in the mind, lining up as a 4 - 3 - 1, and Bluebell almost struck the first blow just seconds into the game as a "caught cold" Chawton defence failed to deal with a determined run into the box, the chance seemingly coming too early for the Bluebell striker as Matt saved well with an outstretched foot.
Bluebell settled into their excellent passing game, Chawton doing what they could when they could to disrupt their skillful opponents, but it was not long before Bluebell started creating chance after chance. Matt was again called on and again did well to save with another outstretched foot. Every single Chawton outfielder deserves special mention as lunging, diving blocks saved Chawton falling behind, Wonka and Rich P particularly pairing up well at Centre Back., with Paul and George battling away bravely on the left.
Chawton clung on bravely, excellent blocks from Si, who picked up a kick to the back of the head in the process and Rich P, spurred Athletic on. Si tried several times to return to the pitch but eventually had to leave the field with blurred vision from the earlier tangled block, Chawton still battled and it was much to their credit as much as Bluebell's slightly lax finishing and Matt's goalkeeping that Bluebell finally breached the Chawton defence ten minutes before half time. Bluebell worked the left hand side of the defence before a floated cross was firmly met and buried passed a helpless Matt.
Chawton's attempts to play a passing game was obviously severely restricted by the lack of outfield players, but several good interchanges between Paul and George and Carl and Pat showed that Chawton were still in the game.
Matt was forced to turn a well struck shot round the post and as in previous weeks came to collect the corner well. Matt was called on again; diving to block fortuitously with his backside; on the goal line. (the block not his backside)
Bluebell finally took another chance and deservedly doubled their lead as Chawton had forgotten to mention that Si was off the pitch to Carl and the left winger had a free run on goal before slamming home a shot into Matt's near post, the keeper only managing to get finger tips onto the effort.
Half time and Chawton could be proud of holding Bluebell to a scoreline of 2-0. Carl provided the Lucozade and George the mini Jaffa Cakes and almost all was good with the world.
No mention so far of the referee who I might add had an excellent game indeed.
Chawton turned round and started the second half with the aim of keeping the score as respectable as possible. Sadly stamina was draining away from the 7 outfielders and Chawton were finding it nearly impossible to retain the ball, the onslaught resumed from the off and Bluebell quickly added to their tally.
A ball over the top saw Carl, who was having to cover round from right midfield, nudged off of the ball and the striker slotted the ball into the corner.
Athletic's heads dropped a touch but just a few minutes later a Rich P freekick was missed by the Bluebell left back on the half way line and was pounced upon by Martin who set off towards the Bluebell goal, drifted passed a couple of defenders before cutting inside onto his left foot and slamming home. 3-1 and perhaps the faintest hope of a lifeline.
Bluebell were holding a high line, but still Athletic were finding it difficult against a very well drilled opposition.
Bluebell created chance after chance; Matt again saving well and his corner collecting confidence having returned after the odd dubious moment early in the second half.
Many of the Bluebell's chances were fortunately off target, but after they made their substitutions the accuracy improved as Athletic's stamina wained and the lead was reestablished at three again. Matt really had little chance with the efforts, which were either placed into the corner or high into the roof of the net.
Chawton; although obviously disappointed to have lost this encounter 8-1 in the end, can be proud of their efforts, those missing 5 players would probably have lead to a much closer match.
Athletic meet the Royal Oak this coming Sunday at Bohunt School, and as always are hopeful that they might manage to get a full team for this important tie.
Blog man of the match was Paul, who despite playing out of position every week at left back and (apologies for telling everyone) is nearing 40, kept running and running for the whole game. Well played Paul and well played everyone. The spirit shown was exactly what Chawton Athletic is all about and how and why we play football every Sunday.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Monday, 2 February 2009
Chawton Athletic v Royal Exchange
The threat of snow was hanging in the air as Chawton faced up to The Royal Exchange; just one of the two sides they had managed to beat so far this season.
Sadly with regular defeats comes the continued lack of numbers and despite desperate calls and texts the 11 players due to be available had dwindled to 9 by the time we left the station for the short hop to Bohunt School.
The situation was explained to the referee who was happy to proceed with no linesman on our side of the pitch, and so we kicked off. Exchange passed the ball around Athletic's 8 outfield players, probing down the flanks as Athletic struggled to cope. Despite the pressure on the Athletic goal, Matt was untroubled, the cold conditions making the ball bobble in the 18 yard box.
Athletic's defence were clearing their lines effectively, Paul, Rich P, Martin and Si were defending manfully and Sam, Rich E, George and Greg were managing to get hold of the ball and attempt to forge a way forwards.
The breakthrough came as Sam set off on a superb winding run, twisting, turning leaving Exchange defenders in his wake. He turned inside the last defender and lost his footing and the Referee surprisingly awarded Athletic a Penalty. Sam was not complaining as he placed the ball on the spot and proceeded to roll it past the Exchange Keeper.
Difficult to say it was totally against the run of play, but Athletic were delighted with the fortune but were under no illusions that Exchange would be flying forwards looking to get back onto even terms.
The attacks continued down the sides of Athletic's midfield, the three sat slightly infield were doing a fantastic job along with full backs Si and Paul at closing down as much space as possible.
Athletic poured forwards with Athletic looking to hold what they had, the Exchange left winger turning inside Si and firing toward Matt's near post via the right back's heel, Matt did well to turn the ball round the post for a corner. The ball was cleared from the Corner.
Exchange were struggling to create clear cut chances against a resolute and perhaps slightly deep Chawton defence. Matt claimed several lofted ball's into the box well one of which he immediately launched with a thrown that found Greg near the half way line, Exchange were holding their defensive line on halfway and Greg's astute ball round the corner set Sam away, and he powered away from the chasing defender's to calmly slot passed the Exchange keeper, 2-0 to Athletic possibly sort of deserved.
Exchange pushed on and Matt had to be smart at his near post again to push round for a corner. The keeper again claiming the corner well.
Exchange should have pulled one back as a ball cut back across the six yard line was slotted wide of the far post.
So Athletic lead at half time 2-0, but they recognised how narrow that lead was and just how important the first 5 minutes of the second half would be.
Unfortunately for Athletic, the Exchange players were unhappy with the ball and the referee disappeared at half time only to return with the ball pumped up to it's maximum.
Suddenly Athletic's goal kicks were going nowhere and they immediately struggled to clear their lines even with the wind at their backs. The game had changed in Exchange's favour, they had re-grouped and were spurred on by the Athletic's inability to get the ball away.
Exchange pulled a goal back shortly into the second half, again a partially cleared ball fell to the Exchange player, who was not closed and had time to fire high into the far corner passed an unsighted Matt.
Minutes later and Exchange were level, a sweeping move starting from Athletics left and ending up on their right ended as the left winger smashed a shot into the top corner Matt getting his hand to it, the more solid ball powering through his fingers.
Matt managed to convince the referee to let the ball down, but not enough to see Athletic re-take control of the game, but with Exchange being egged on by their hardcore fans, Athletic were never out the of the game and all the time that Exchange continued to defend on the half way line they always had a chance.
Exchange were creating half chances only and Matt had little to do of any note and was picking off crosses and corners with ease.
Eventually Exchange forged another opportunity and again it was another shot from outside the box that found the corner via the outstretched hands of a disappointed Matt. Athletic kept trying to get the ball down and pass it but the legs were going. Exchange broke through several more times as the clock ticked down Matt doing well to hold a softly struck shot and palming one round for a corner.
Time ran out with Athletic never really looking likely to get back on even terms, an excellent game, though it would have been very interesting to see exactly what the outcome would have been with a football in the second half rather than a cannon ball and also if Athletic had managed to put out 11 men.
Blog man of the match was Sam, who's instant impact was obvious for everyone to see and will be a fantastic replacement for Liam who I just can't get hold of any more. Well done Sam we look forward to seeing you play again.
Revenge comes on the 1st March with the return fixture against Royal Exchange.
Upcoming fixtures are as follows:
8th February - Away to Morley Road
15th February - Away to Bluebell
22nd February - "Home" to Royal Oak
1st March - Away to Royal Exchange
Sadly with regular defeats comes the continued lack of numbers and despite desperate calls and texts the 11 players due to be available had dwindled to 9 by the time we left the station for the short hop to Bohunt School.
The situation was explained to the referee who was happy to proceed with no linesman on our side of the pitch, and so we kicked off. Exchange passed the ball around Athletic's 8 outfield players, probing down the flanks as Athletic struggled to cope. Despite the pressure on the Athletic goal, Matt was untroubled, the cold conditions making the ball bobble in the 18 yard box.
Athletic's defence were clearing their lines effectively, Paul, Rich P, Martin and Si were defending manfully and Sam, Rich E, George and Greg were managing to get hold of the ball and attempt to forge a way forwards.
The breakthrough came as Sam set off on a superb winding run, twisting, turning leaving Exchange defenders in his wake. He turned inside the last defender and lost his footing and the Referee surprisingly awarded Athletic a Penalty. Sam was not complaining as he placed the ball on the spot and proceeded to roll it past the Exchange Keeper.
Difficult to say it was totally against the run of play, but Athletic were delighted with the fortune but were under no illusions that Exchange would be flying forwards looking to get back onto even terms.
The attacks continued down the sides of Athletic's midfield, the three sat slightly infield were doing a fantastic job along with full backs Si and Paul at closing down as much space as possible.
Athletic poured forwards with Athletic looking to hold what they had, the Exchange left winger turning inside Si and firing toward Matt's near post via the right back's heel, Matt did well to turn the ball round the post for a corner. The ball was cleared from the Corner.
Exchange were struggling to create clear cut chances against a resolute and perhaps slightly deep Chawton defence. Matt claimed several lofted ball's into the box well one of which he immediately launched with a thrown that found Greg near the half way line, Exchange were holding their defensive line on halfway and Greg's astute ball round the corner set Sam away, and he powered away from the chasing defender's to calmly slot passed the Exchange keeper, 2-0 to Athletic possibly sort of deserved.
Exchange pushed on and Matt had to be smart at his near post again to push round for a corner. The keeper again claiming the corner well.
Exchange should have pulled one back as a ball cut back across the six yard line was slotted wide of the far post.
So Athletic lead at half time 2-0, but they recognised how narrow that lead was and just how important the first 5 minutes of the second half would be.
Unfortunately for Athletic, the Exchange players were unhappy with the ball and the referee disappeared at half time only to return with the ball pumped up to it's maximum.
Suddenly Athletic's goal kicks were going nowhere and they immediately struggled to clear their lines even with the wind at their backs. The game had changed in Exchange's favour, they had re-grouped and were spurred on by the Athletic's inability to get the ball away.
Exchange pulled a goal back shortly into the second half, again a partially cleared ball fell to the Exchange player, who was not closed and had time to fire high into the far corner passed an unsighted Matt.
Minutes later and Exchange were level, a sweeping move starting from Athletics left and ending up on their right ended as the left winger smashed a shot into the top corner Matt getting his hand to it, the more solid ball powering through his fingers.
Matt managed to convince the referee to let the ball down, but not enough to see Athletic re-take control of the game, but with Exchange being egged on by their hardcore fans, Athletic were never out the of the game and all the time that Exchange continued to defend on the half way line they always had a chance.
Exchange were creating half chances only and Matt had little to do of any note and was picking off crosses and corners with ease.
Eventually Exchange forged another opportunity and again it was another shot from outside the box that found the corner via the outstretched hands of a disappointed Matt. Athletic kept trying to get the ball down and pass it but the legs were going. Exchange broke through several more times as the clock ticked down Matt doing well to hold a softly struck shot and palming one round for a corner.
Time ran out with Athletic never really looking likely to get back on even terms, an excellent game, though it would have been very interesting to see exactly what the outcome would have been with a football in the second half rather than a cannon ball and also if Athletic had managed to put out 11 men.
Blog man of the match was Sam, who's instant impact was obvious for everyone to see and will be a fantastic replacement for Liam who I just can't get hold of any more. Well done Sam we look forward to seeing you play again.
Revenge comes on the 1st March with the return fixture against Royal Exchange.
Upcoming fixtures are as follows:
8th February - Away to Morley Road
15th February - Away to Bluebell
22nd February - "Home" to Royal Oak
1st March - Away to Royal Exchange
Monday, 26 January 2009
Challenge Cup - Semi Final - Chawton V Bluebell
Having started week so positively with availabilities, it actually turned out to be another major struggle this weekend, even the lure of a final was not enough to bring some of the players out of the woodwork and Chawton set off to the Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club, a hasty pitch re-arrange Saturday night, with just 11 players, never an ideal situation against a well organized Bluebell side.
Chawton lined up in their familiar deep sitting 4-4-2, with Greg and Rich E trying to contain the midfield. Matt was busy early on intercepting through balls, and was positioned well to hold onto a header early on.
Chawton were holding their own until a mazy run saw the Bluebell winger slot past an unsighted Matt, back in the Chawton goal this week. Athletic kept plugging away and although never seriously threatened were enthusiastic enough to force mistakes and mis-placed passes from the Bluebell midfield.
Another Bluebell attack saw a 25 yarder beat Matt, only to crash back off of the crossbar, the rebound fortunately headed over the bar from 5 yards. Bluebell hit the bar again moments later, the ball this time bouncing down onto the line and into the arms of a very relieved Matt.
Bluebell doubled their lead shortly after, Matt doing well to save a well struck shot with an outstretched foot, the re-bound falling to the on-coming winger, who beat the chasing defenders and smashed the ball into the net past the desperately diving Matt.
Bluebell looked to force home their advantage but Athletic held firm, reducing Bluebell to longer efforts, Matt called on once to push a grubber round the post.
0-2 at half time, Athletic were immediately under pressure again in the second half and Bluebell soon added another as another mazy run saw the other Bluebell winger dribble into the box before sliding the ball home, no chance again for Matt.
Bob, Greg, Si, Carl and Rich all were involved heavily in Athletic trying to get the ball back down and play some football, the heavy pitch and the pressure of the Bluebell midfield saw passes going astray and possession lost.
The defence held firm despite the pressure, Dave, Rich P, Martin and Paul defending stoutly as wave after wave of Bluebell attacks rained in, Bluebell added a fourth, as the ball fell to the forward, Matt closed the angle and did well to deflect the ball spinning up on the crossbar, Dave in the right place to hack clear before the return shot missed the far post. Unfortunately the Linesman had signalled to the referee that ball had crossed the line despite Dave's best efforts, not an intentionally contentious decision but I personally felt the ball had not fully crossed the line. Perhaps unfortunate luck for Chawton as they had been competing well for the majority of the second half.
Bluebell added a fifth with another soft shot which evaded the unsighted Matt, there was still time for Matt to accidentally use his face to turn a shot round the post, after the ball bobbled past his hands.
A deserved victory for the Bluebell who go on to face Wey Valley Sunday in the final at Farnham Town's ground, best wishes to the Bluebell in the final.
Weather permitting, Athletic face the Royal Exchange at Bohunt School next weekend
Chawton lined up in their familiar deep sitting 4-4-2, with Greg and Rich E trying to contain the midfield. Matt was busy early on intercepting through balls, and was positioned well to hold onto a header early on.
Chawton were holding their own until a mazy run saw the Bluebell winger slot past an unsighted Matt, back in the Chawton goal this week. Athletic kept plugging away and although never seriously threatened were enthusiastic enough to force mistakes and mis-placed passes from the Bluebell midfield.
Another Bluebell attack saw a 25 yarder beat Matt, only to crash back off of the crossbar, the rebound fortunately headed over the bar from 5 yards. Bluebell hit the bar again moments later, the ball this time bouncing down onto the line and into the arms of a very relieved Matt.
Bluebell doubled their lead shortly after, Matt doing well to save a well struck shot with an outstretched foot, the re-bound falling to the on-coming winger, who beat the chasing defenders and smashed the ball into the net past the desperately diving Matt.
Bluebell looked to force home their advantage but Athletic held firm, reducing Bluebell to longer efforts, Matt called on once to push a grubber round the post.
0-2 at half time, Athletic were immediately under pressure again in the second half and Bluebell soon added another as another mazy run saw the other Bluebell winger dribble into the box before sliding the ball home, no chance again for Matt.
Bob, Greg, Si, Carl and Rich all were involved heavily in Athletic trying to get the ball back down and play some football, the heavy pitch and the pressure of the Bluebell midfield saw passes going astray and possession lost.
The defence held firm despite the pressure, Dave, Rich P, Martin and Paul defending stoutly as wave after wave of Bluebell attacks rained in, Bluebell added a fourth, as the ball fell to the forward, Matt closed the angle and did well to deflect the ball spinning up on the crossbar, Dave in the right place to hack clear before the return shot missed the far post. Unfortunately the Linesman had signalled to the referee that ball had crossed the line despite Dave's best efforts, not an intentionally contentious decision but I personally felt the ball had not fully crossed the line. Perhaps unfortunate luck for Chawton as they had been competing well for the majority of the second half.
Bluebell added a fifth with another soft shot which evaded the unsighted Matt, there was still time for Matt to accidentally use his face to turn a shot round the post, after the ball bobbled past his hands.
A deserved victory for the Bluebell who go on to face Wey Valley Sunday in the final at Farnham Town's ground, best wishes to the Bluebell in the final.
Weather permitting, Athletic face the Royal Exchange at Bohunt School next weekend
Monday, 19 January 2009
Chawton v Royal Oak - MATCH POSTPONED
Once again the British Weather was the winner as the scheduled Chawton Athletic v Royal Oak fell foul to the horrendous downpour on Saturday night; which left the Bohunt groundsman with little choice than to call the match off on Sunday morning.
A disappointing outcome considering how hard we had worked to scrape together 11 available players for the match.
Chawton's bid for maiden season Cup glory continues this weekend though as they take on the Bluebell in the semi-final of the Challenge cup.
Bluebell came from a goal behind inthe two sides meeting earlier on the season, edging ahead 2-11 early in the second hald before finally pulling away in the final five minutes to a rather flattering 5-1 victory. Chawton will be out to set the record straight and attempt to reach a final in this their first season.
A disappointing outcome considering how hard we had worked to scrape together 11 available players for the match.
Chawton's bid for maiden season Cup glory continues this weekend though as they take on the Bluebell in the semi-final of the Challenge cup.
Bluebell came from a goal behind inthe two sides meeting earlier on the season, edging ahead 2-11 early in the second hald before finally pulling away in the final five minutes to a rather flattering 5-1 victory. Chawton will be out to set the record straight and attempt to reach a final in this their first season.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Fixture update
Another fixture was lost to the weather over the weekend, as the Royal Exchange match was cancelled Saturday evening.
Hopefully the slightly warmer weather with stay with us for a while and will not cause a postponement of the next fixture, home to Royal Oak, which due to our continued lack of playing facilities is due to take place at Bohunt School.
Matt is busily trying to sort availabilities, especially after last week's fiasco that saw Chawton with only 7 players on Saturday evening, Matt was left hoping that the weather would intervene before he had to try and postpone the match.
Both Athletic and Oak's last fixture was the 10-0 Cup drubbing that Oak handed out on the 28th January, Athletic will be hoping for a slightly more solid performance on this next occasion.
Team news, Matt returns in goal for Jimmer, who hopefully will be fit after his recent illness. Rich E also has been suffering and is a hopeful returnee. Paul has to work in the afternoon but should be able to take part for the majority of the match.
The new kit has arrived and looks brilliant and with Oak playing in Sky blue, the new Yellow kit should be fine to wear.
Always as a reminder, if players are due to meet at Alton Station please ensure that you arrive by 9:15am SHARP, if you are going to the ground direct, please ensure that you arrive by 9:45am SHARP. This enables us to start to be a little bit more like a team, enables us to prepare in the right way and also ensure that we are properly warmed up!!
Hopefully the slightly warmer weather with stay with us for a while and will not cause a postponement of the next fixture, home to Royal Oak, which due to our continued lack of playing facilities is due to take place at Bohunt School.
Matt is busily trying to sort availabilities, especially after last week's fiasco that saw Chawton with only 7 players on Saturday evening, Matt was left hoping that the weather would intervene before he had to try and postpone the match.
Both Athletic and Oak's last fixture was the 10-0 Cup drubbing that Oak handed out on the 28th January, Athletic will be hoping for a slightly more solid performance on this next occasion.
Team news, Matt returns in goal for Jimmer, who hopefully will be fit after his recent illness. Rich E also has been suffering and is a hopeful returnee. Paul has to work in the afternoon but should be able to take part for the majority of the match.
The new kit has arrived and looks brilliant and with Oak playing in Sky blue, the new Yellow kit should be fine to wear.
Always as a reminder, if players are due to meet at Alton Station please ensure that you arrive by 9:15am SHARP, if you are going to the ground direct, please ensure that you arrive by 9:45am SHARP. This enables us to start to be a little bit more like a team, enables us to prepare in the right way and also ensure that we are properly warmed up!!
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