I the third time of this match being scheduled due to bad weather Chadwick End 2nd XI took on Cubbington Albion who had finished 3 in Division 2 3 divisions above Chadwick.
Chadwick started off understandably nervily and let a few passes go stray in the first 10 minutes, but it didn't take them long to find their feet and play the football they know they can.
Cubbington put a lot of pressure on the back four of Ian Berry, Martin Skulte, Fraser McPherson and Ben Saunders, but the four of them were up to the task and troubled keeper Tom Gold rarely.
In a new formation Dan Morris found himself sitting just in front of the back four keeping the defensive line solid.
Chadwick made some good moves and Anthony Willis found himself with a chance which unfortunately went straight at the Cubbington keeper.
The best chance of the half fell to Cubbington who found space on their right wing and cross the ball in, the Cubbington keeper out jumped Martin Skulte and got a great header which was destined for goal. Hardly troubled in the first half keeper Tom Gold flew to his right and spectacularly with great reaction flicked the ball over the crossbar making what had to be Chadwick’s save of the season.
The half ended 0-0 and people would say the match could go either way.
The half began and it was really much a likeness of the first half. Top defending from both team and not very many chances on goal.
The first chance came to Chadwick where Danny Chinn had a good shot which seemed to have the Cubbington kepper heading the wrong way, but he pulled off a top save with his feet.
Chadwick then had another chance where Anthony Willis beat the keeper with a class volley, only for the Cubbington defender to header the ball of the line.
After 82 minutes it was looking like it would go straight to penalties, but Chadwick made a formation change and there was confusion between the bench and manager Tom Gold. This left Chadwick with no right winger and allowed the Cubbington left back space to take the ball down the left wing and put a unchallenged cross in. The Cubbington striker got infront of Dan Morris and slid the ball towards goal and hitting the inside of the post and ending up in the back of the net. 1-0 Cubbington.
Completely gutted, Chadwick pushed for the equaliser and switch off for a short corner from Cubbington, giving the Cubbington sub plenty of time to strike the ball into the top corner beating player on the line Ryan Helliker. 2-0 Cubbington.
After this it seemed too much for Chadwick to mount a comeback and the final whistle blew leaving Cubbington champions.
A very disappointing match for Chadwick, but they played what would be called the best game of their season and cannot be disheartened as Cubbington where 3 leagues above them.
All in all the most successful season for many years for both Chadwick teams with the 2nd XI winning their league and getting runners up in the Andy Campbell Cup.
Chadwick 1st XI winning their league and winning their Divisional cup.
Fingers crossed Chadwick End can build from this season and take it in the 2012/2013 season.
