Match Report By J Shea

Match report vs Mary Rose (12/9/2010)

On Sunday morning, Cheslyn Hay continued their winning run with a victory in a tense derby game at Chelslyn Hay High School. The day started as usual with many gas omissions coming from a number of squad members and tales of the weekends drunken antics being told. The only changes to the team from last week were Adam Edwards moving back into the middle with Ed dropping into the back four after each of them enjoyed commanding displays in those roles last week. Another change was forced when nineteen year old J-Lo bum double Scott Simpson was out doing what all nineteen year olds do on a Sunday morning. No, not recovering from a night on the tiles, he was crown green bowling! Fortunately, CHAFC could call up on the impressive Briers who was coming off the back of a cracking two goal performance in training.

The squad made their way confidently to the pitch blissfully unaware that all pre match preparations were about to be thrown into complete disarray: yes, we had ran out of tape. Fortunately, this is where the two manager system came into its own and while Giles addressed the perilous goal net situation, it was left to Greg to rally the troops for the match. The jist of the pre match team talk was close down space and don’t shirk a challenge. We’ll get our rewards in the second half when the old men from the Rose begin to tire. The game started off as an altogether scrappy affair with many throw ins and poor long balls as both teams felt each other out. The game sparked into life when skipper Mike Davis placed a target on former CHAFC player Neil Sinclair and flew into a shocking challenge. In spite of Kevs protests that Davis should walk, the ref was lenient and brandished a yellow card. In previous years, the commotion and threats that followed the foul would have seen CHAFC retreat into themselves and be intimidated. Not this CHAFC though. The side were galvanised and stepped up. If anything, the incident caused Mary Rose to lose their focus and worry more about Captain marvel than the game. In a first half that lacked any real quality, CHAFC were always on the back foot playing up the slope and having to play the percentages and concede throw ins and possession whilst clearing their lines. One such long throw lead to the ball going across the box where Tim swivelled and struck the ball through a crowd and into the CHAFC net. For the third match in a row, CHAFC would have to show spirit and come from behind if they were to get anything out of the game. Half time soon came and it was time for CHAFC to re focus and plan for the second half.

Shelton and Thatcher told CHAFC they were more than good enough to beat this side and reiterated that they would tire and our chances would come. They encouraged Briers and Barnett to play wider and higher up the pitch so that they could be released by the passing range of Edwards and Pearce. Mary Rose’ team talk seemed to focus on winding up Davis but after a talking to from his father, Mika wasn’t going to naively fall into any traps. The second half began with CHAFC playing down the slope and as Shaun and Ad began to pick up every second ball, the team pushed up the pitch. After 50 minutes, CHAFC won a free kick 3 or 4 yards outside the centre circle. Pearce stood over the ball as CHAFCs big men made their way up the pitch. Rather than drop a ball to be won into the box, Pearce audaciously elected to shoot. Surely he was being ridiculous, or was he? He connected with the ball with a sweet, Arteta-esque strike which arrowed towards the top corner. The Mary Rose keeper got a hand to it but could only push the ball up into the roof of the net. After previous performances, CHAFC could again smell a comeback and appeared galvanised. Shortly after Pearce’s strike, the Mary Rose were enjoying a rare attack. The ball was retrieved and played up to Cartwright on the halfway line. He got the ball under control and played a perfectly weighted diagonal through ball to last weeks match winner Barnett. The impressive left winger ran through on goal but was forced slightly wide by a defender who thought he was doing the right thing showing Josh onto his left. He was clearly unaware of Josh’s ambidextrousness and the impressive winger drove the ball into the far corner of the net cueing scenes of delirium amongst the plentiful CHAFC support. The game was poised but other than long balls which were easily dealt with by the commanding CHAFC  back four and the authoritative Rob in goal, CHAFC looked safe. At this stage CHAFCs managers could be seen furiously working away on tactics board and considering various phases of play that could benefit the team. The eleven had responded to their team talk but it was now time for them to show their nouse and make a decisive substitution. In the end it seems they just said, “Screw it, shall me and you just go and play up front?!”  On came Shelton first for the tireless Dewhurst to continue occupying defenders. With just over ten minutes left on the clock, the ball came to the acid tongued Edge who played the ball forward for a Shelton flick on to Cartwright. As Cartwright gained possession, everyone associated with CHAFC screamed, “One more!” in unison as Kev layed the ball off to the on rushing Barnett. This time however Barnett looked off balance as he struck the ball first time with his right foot. Although the winger fell to the floor, the contact with the ball was sweet and it nestled in the near corner, sealing the victory for CHAFC. As Cheslyn Hay played out the remaining minutes, Giles came on for Kev and Nige made way for James. The rest of the game was played out without incident and Cheslyn Hay took the three points and the village bragging rights! After a post match briefing where we established that we were Cheslyn Hay’s hard cases and Josh celebrated his brace with a delightful jig, the squad made their way to the centre where Josh cemented his status as a CHAFC icon with a debut shower!

There was another cracking turn out at Cheslyn Hays finest pub, the White Horse where Shea won the card, Mike and Ed shared third place in the M.O.M vote with Ad Edwards coming second and Josh Barnett coming first. I grabbed a quick word with the man of the match who told me, “After a slow start, the team came together and ground out a good, solid and well-earned win. It was good to get on the score sheet but what mattered most was that the team played well and picked up all three points. I believe that in the second half, we grew into the game putting more pressure on their back four, who were receding quicker than Dave’s hair line! Overall, I’m pleased with the win and my performance although some practice in the department may be required.” A profound statement I think you’ll all agree. The management team were both immensely proud and Giles told me, “I thought everyone was a credit to the squad today from the subs right through to the supporters and I’m thoroughly pleased with the another great result.With the squad now heading in the right direction, there are interesting times ahead.” Co-manager Shelton was also happy stating, “As you expect from a local derby, it was blood and thunder first half and despite going a goal down, we didn’t panic and kept patient. This reaped its rewards in a strong second half performance in which we were able to stamp our authority and show our attacking flair. All in all it was another good three points although there is still plenty of room for improvement. I would like to say a special thankyou to the vocal support from our ever growing fan base!”  With the crowd coming in for such praise, I think it’s only fair to allow one of them the last word. James Woolley ecstatically told me, “It was a joy to watch. So much so, I’m glad I didn’t play! I went home and celebrated in my own special way!”

Player Ratings

• Rob 7: commanding presence, good kicking and plenty of talk but little to do in this game.
• Richard Edge 7: locked down the right hand side and let nothing pass. No over lapping runs this week though?
• James Shea 6: Dopey in the first half but settled into the game with a solid second half display.
• Mike Davis 8: Lead by example and didn’t shirk a thing. Attacked every ball and lead the back four well.
• Ed Griggs 8: Looking the perfect foil to pair with Davis since dropping in from midfield. Made some vital interceptions and tackles as well as carrying the ball out of defence. Terrible step-over.
• Neil Briers 7: Came into the game in the second half with a nice megs and some good footwork. Helped solidify the right hand side.
• Joshua Barnett 9: An impressive hat-trick – left footer right footer and a shower! This boy seems a bit more CHAFC every week!
• Shaun Pearce 8: looks far more comfortable in central midfield and continued his fine goal scoring form (three in a row now).
• Ad Edwards 9: Goals gave Josh the edge for man of the match but another buccaneering display showing his class against difficult opponents.
• Matty D 7: Occupied the defence well and put in a hard working shift up front.
• Kev Cartwright 7: Quiet game in front of goal but played a big part in CHAFCs better moments. Surely a glut of goals are around the corner

• Subs

Greg Shelton 6: Continued Matt’s good work but couldn’t escape the wrath of Redgie for not doing the BAASICS!

Giles Thatcher 6: Held the ball up well and helped defend from the front as the game finished.

James 6: Came on late and looked energetic.

Subs not used: Luke Westwood and Andy.