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Azzuri became the only team to do the
double over us this season on Sunday. Azzuri have had
indifferent results, but we have been unfortunate to catch
them twice with a strong squad when we ourselves have
had a weak team fielded. Consider that the following who
have all played regularly were unavailable: Warren
Partidge, Aaron Comber, Richard Wilkie, Ben Garman, Sean
Hourigan, Si Price, Chris Duffet, James O'Neill, Simon
Friend-James, Christian Young. That's ten players,
at least six of whom would have started had they been
available
Without either of last weeks
strikers playing who bagged five against Beckett, and
these other key players missing we were always going to
struggle to find the net.
Chequer, however, had the
better of the opening twenty minutes, and missed two glorious
chances to take an early lead. Then Gareth brought down
an Azzuri forward, after he had skipped past several challenges,
to concede a penalty. The spot kick was duly despatched
to leave us trailing 1-0.
The exchanges were fairly
even, but Azzuri grabbed two late first half goals in
quick succession, taking advantage of the high wind by
hanging high balls in which we failed to defend with conviction.
Chequer maintained an element
of pride in the second half. A three goal defecit was
always going to be a mountain to climb, particularly when
Lewis Partridge was dismissed on 70 minutes for retaliating
to a high and late challenge.
Azzuri had by far the better
of the second half, but Chequer were unlucky to concede
a fourth right on 90 minutes as both Gareth Dutton and
Steve Duffet were caught in possession when they had chances
to clear.
A frustrating result
after last weeks excellent win, but with a whole side
missing a win was always unlikely.
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Squad:
(4-4-2)
Matt Bailey
Lewis partridge
Steve Duffet
James Davis
Gareth Dutton
Jonathan Wood
Tom Pickford
(David Kennett 80)
Adam Searle
Trevor Yearwood
George Trafford
Si Gilchrist
Subs:
David Kennett(80)
M.O.M.:
Adam Searle
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