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Chequer reverted to the 3-5-2 formation
that had been used to great success in previous seasons
in a bid to shore up at the back. The central defensive
trio of Gareth Dutton, Christian Young & Richard Wilkie
appeared to be under no pressure for the opening half
hour in which Chequer had the greater possession without
really threatening the Town goal. The defence was let
down horribly though when a runner from the Town midfield
arrived unmarked to powerfully head home from a long throw
into the box.
Town's lead didn't last
long, as within three minutes Chequer were level, Tom
Pickford shooting low and hard past the Town keeper from
the edge of the box. Soon afterwards George Trafford expertly
trapped and brought down a long ball, only to fire wide
of the far post with just the goalkeeper to beat.
The scores remained level
at half time, but Chequer never got out of the blocks
in the second half. Despite having more possession, Chequer
only created one clear opportunity in the whole of the
second half, and as is our problem in recent matches surrendered
possession in midfield too often, where we are sorely
missing an agressive ball winner. Town were stronger in
the tackle, never allowing us to put together any flowing
moves. Chequer's passing game wasn't helped by a bone-dry,
bobbly pitch where passes could end up anywhere, and the
conditions were better suited to Town's more direct style.
Neither side looked like
scoring, but halfway through the second half, we conceded
possession in midfield, and a quality ball sent one of
Town's forward line past Gareth Dutton. Sweeper Richard
Wilkie was slow to react to cover the danger and keeper
Matt Bailey slow off his line and a cool finish from 8
yards saw us fall 2 - 1 behind and chasing a goal that
never seemed likely.
Town added a third in the
final 10 minutes, when Chequer, thinking a corner had
been cleared failed to pick up, and as the ball came back
in Town fired home from close range to seal the tie.
3 - 1 is a little
flattering to Town as the sides fairly much cancelled
each other out all match, and Chequer saw more of the
ball. They were however the hungrier of the two sides
and deserved their victory on the day.
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Squad:
(3-5-2)
Matt Bailey
Richard Wilkie
Gareth Dutton
Christian Young
Lewis Partridge
Tom Pickford
George Trafford
Sean Hourigan
Aaron Comber
(Si Gilchrist 82)
Jonathan Wood
(Trevor Yearwood 70)
Warren Partridge
Subs:
Trevor Yearwood (70)
Si Gilchrist (82)
Goalscorers:
Tom Pickford
M.O.M.:
Christian Young |
