Lee returned in goal and Pat was back after missing a couple of weeks of through injury, but Bob's later withdrawal due to family illness looked to have scuppered Athletic's chances.
Skipper Rich P, marshalled his defensive line excellently and each member of the defensive four were going to have to have a flawless ninety minutes if Chawton were to avoid a hiding. Morley looked well organised, but having only recently played against today's opposition two week's ago, Athletic knew to keep their heads and concentration.
Half chances, at best, were coming Morley Road's way thick and fast but Lee in the Athletic goal was rarely concerned, with shots mostly being fired high and wide. When called upon, the Chawton keeper did well to palm clear on a couple of occasions and claimed a cross confidently.
Athletic were perhaps fortunate to survive a confident penalty appeal as Rich bought down the marauding Morley Road winger. The referee, who had a great game, was unable to clearly see the penalty box line and settled for a free kick just outside the box - possibly as punishment for not having a properly lined pitch!
Strangely, the best opportunity of the half fell Athletic's way as excellent build up play through the Yellow's midfield and then great hold up play by lone front man Sam, saw a measured lay off to Pat, who's sweetly struck side footed effort flashed millimetres over the bar.
Morley pushed again, but excellent defensive play all round from the Athletic back four saw them safely negotiate a tricky period before half time, the scores remaining goalless.
Chawton re-grouped at half time and knew that the real pressure to win was sat squarely on Morley Road's shoulders with their home and numerical advantages, but Athletic were determined not to capitulate.
Morley Road were still looking clever going forward but the game was slowly being stretched and the Athletic midfield quartet was starting to show their class. A insightful ball behind the last man saw Sam shoot over when well placed and Athletic's confidence was lifted. Another well orchestrated break saw Sam again volley over. Chawton Athletic were beginning to look like the side more likely to take the lead, as every counter attack looked promising, a low, left-footed cross from Carl was connected by Mark who laid it off for Sam to put narrowly wide.
With twenty minutes left, Chawton made the break through as, again, a great ball behind the static high sitting Morley defence saw Sam race through and slot past the Morley keeper. Perhaps generally against the run of possession, but difficult to say an undeserved lead for the Athletic.
Sam could have settled it late on as he raced through but a good save by the Morley keeper saw a corner as the result.
The last fifteen minutes seem to take at least double that, with the game resembling a kind of defence versus attack training game as the home side pushed for a late equaliser. Even their keeper joined the attack in the final five minutes. But finally the referee looked at his watch for the last time and blew his whistle on a famous Athletic victory.
Blog man of the match was Rich P, an inspired captain's performance by the big central defender, but special mention must go to Sam who again worked tirelessly up front alone and Carl who had his best game in the colours of Chawton. But ultimately every single player had to be at their best to forge this result; an excellent effort all round, well done and well deserved.
Athletic, with at least 14 players next week please boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, entertain Royal Oak at their Binsted home ground.
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