Cheriton kicked off against league leaders Alphington knowing that a win was needed to keep pace with the pack of 4 teams who have started the season at the top of the league. We started with high intensity and didn't let Alphington have a moment on the ball, but their quality told as they gradually worked their way into the game. Two quick wingers and some strong and skillful forwards were proving a handful, but the Cheriton defence held strong apart from some close calls from dangerous whipped crosses from the left. Cheriton did threaten when we attacked, and our two best chances fell to Lee Elson, who first had a cross fall to him at the last minute, resulting in an easy save for the goalie. His next chance was more clearcut, as Sam Clarke's scuffed shot/stunning through ball put him in on goal. The keeper got down well to save Lee's low strike, but the Cherries could not be denied for long!
Jordan Woolacott charged down a clearance, then bore down upon goal before calmly placing the ball across the keeper for 1-0 at half time. The 2nd half started with a quick equaliser for Alphington as a cross deflected off Jamie Clarke and under Brett Carrick before the Alphington striker powered in to slide the ball home off the toes of Michael Lis. Cheriton continued to defend well, and caught Alphington on the break twice for 3-1. First, Brett launched a goal kick up to Lee Elson on the right of the pitch, who controlled neatly before firing a stunning volley into the near top corner. The keeper was rooted to the spot! Cheriton celebrated deliriously...what a moment of redemption for Lee following his open goal miss in the last game. The 3rd goal was a break following an Alphington corner - Andy Hearn drove forward Wilshere style, before playing in Mark Colville who had charged up from centre-back. Mark challenged the keeper, and the ball broke to Daniel King who took his time before slotting home into the open net.
Cheriton seemed to be seeing the game out comfortably, until the ref gave a penalty when the ball hit Dave Atkinson's hip. The Alphington stiker tucked the pen home calmly, and the ref indicated there were 3 minutes left - surely we were home and dry! Things weren't so simple though...Alphington hit one last long ball up to their centre back/makeshift CF, who won the flick. Lis then had a moment of madness in chopping down Alphington's striker, and the same man stepped up left footed to tie the game. Amazingly, he went the same way but hit the inside of the post! Cheriton scrambled the ball away, and the game was won. 3-2, and Lis' arse has still not unclenched.
