Chequers gained revenge for defeat last time out against AFC Chequers, albeit against an entirely different set of players for the new season.
Chequers lined up in their new Ribena shirts and Deep Ocean Navy shorts in a new formation (which Teamstats.net doesn't support, by the way, so I had to list us as 4-4-2) of 1-3-1-2-1-2. There was a debut for Alex Dell in a defensive midfield role, and a second debut for substitute striker Phil West who rejoins the club after spending the last few seasons out on loan.
Chequers looked strong at the back in the opening stages but struggled to carve out any clear goalscoring opportunities. In the end the deadlock was broken after some neat interplay on the edge of the box and a blocked effort from Michael Ryan that fell into the path of Dell, who confidently drilled the ball low past the AFC 'keeper to register his first goal for the club and give Chequers a deserved lead. AFC were almost level instantly as a long ball intersected Stu Rolls and Rob Mardell, only for Cremin to take the shot on early and fire straight at Roullier. Cremin then had another gilt-edged chance to equalise as he arrived on the end of a cross from the Chequers left, but he could only make contact with his shoulder and the danger was cleared. AFC also had a great chance as a defender had a free header from a corner that he could only send way over the crossbar. Chequers punished the misses when Enzo Sgambati's shot from the edge of the box deflected to Jon Onyon who rifled the ball high into the top left hand corner for a 2-0 lead at half time.
As usual with friendlies, half time saw a number of substitutes for Chequers. Luke Foster replaced the influential Michael Ryan, and the front two of Dean Hinton and Sgambati were replaced by West and Mickey Francois.
Cremin missed another fine chance for AFC early in the second half. A low cross arrived in his path 10 yards out, but he could only steer the ball straight into Roullier's arms for a routine save. AFC almost got on the scoresheet when a headed effort from a corner caused problems for Roullier who had to save at the second attempt following a fumble on the initial effort. Stu Rolls had a great chance from a corner at the other end but could only smash his header straight at the 'keeper from close range. Luke Foster also tried his luck, cutting in from the right wing and sending a looping left-footed effort towards the top corner which the AFC 'keeper did well to save. Further substitutions saw the game drift away as AFC never really looked like getting back into the game; indeed Hinton and Francois both almost added further gloss to the scoreline in a goalmouth scramble which AFC somehow cleared.
Alex Dell was awarded Man of the Match on his debut after a fine performance in central midfield was capped with a goal. Stu Rolls also gets a special mention, but voted for himself as Man of the Match so therefore can never win the award again as long as he plays for the club.
Chequers would like to wish AFC the very best of luck for the rest of the season.
