After last week’s big game against the premier league champions in the cup, it was back to the depths of Division 7 playing the current leaders. After originally have a full squad for this week, a few late pull outs and a few first team players going to help out the reserves saw the first team end up with only 12 fully fit players in the squad. However all the players on the pitch had played together before and after a shaky first 5 minutes, Chaseside settled down and started to create a few chances. Probably the best chance fell to Dave Roger who after a great free kick whipped in by Karl Gostling mis-kicked from 8 yards and the chance had gone. This lifted the spirits of the opposition and after a few dubious decisions dished out by the home ref they were awarded a free kick out on the right touch line. This was placed perfectly into the box and some slack marking saw 4 LV players gang up on Karl and one got the smallest of touches to the ball and diverted it into the empty net past the advancing Steve Dunford. 1-0 was soon 2-0 and again it was some poor marking from a corner which was only half cleared which fell to a LV player on the edge of the box who hit a shot low, through bodies into the net. Something was lacking in the middle of the park for Chaseside in the first half and striker Matt Hicks was swapped with center midfielder Chris Bryant and this seemed to help link the play between the defence and the attack. It stayed 2-0 until halftime without anymore good opportunities being created.
Halftime came and went and after a much needed team talk, the confidence seemed to have returned to some of the Chaseside players. It instantly looked like a different team had taken to the field and for 20 minutes the ball did not even cross the halfway line into Chaseside’ territory who were asking all the questions. Within this period Chaseside’ only goal was scored. Chris Bryant was unlucky to see his shot well saved by the keeper and it rebounded back to Steve Crozier who made no mistake with his first chance of the game. This spurred on Chaseside who carried on with all the pressure and after a few arguments between LV’s keeper and defence the cracks started to appear. After a goal kick was given (which was a corner!) the keeper dispatched the ball down the left wing. The winger ran at the defence and slotted the ball over for the awaiting striker (who despite protests from the Chaseside defence was onside) he took one touch and smashed the ball low to the right, this was well saved by Steve but the ball fell to the second striker who took another shot into the opposite corner. Somehow Steve managed to get up from the first shot and make a fine double save, unfortunately this was to no avail as the ball once again dropped to the original striker who mis-kicked his follow up shot and even though Steve dived the right way was unable to get his hand to it. With Karl angry that this was not given as offside he started to argue with the referee which he was warned about. This ruined the Chaseside come back as heads went down and no one could control the ball and were giving it away far too easily. Another break down the Left this time from the left back was to bring the 4th goal and pile more misery on The Wanderers. After a nice run and bit of skill the left back found himself in the box and a pinpoint shot into the far corner was good enough to beat Steve. Chaseside now could not get out of their own half and after Karl was fouled and once again ignored he lost his cool and had another go at the ref only to see not only a yellow card but 2 yellows and a red (not really sure how that worked but still!). The final whistle went after a further 5 minutes play and the game was over.
Overall considering LV only had 2 real meaningful attacks in the whole game it was disappointing to not come away with anything. The main difference between the two teams was the ability to take chances when they were created. Next week Chaseside are back at home against Shamrock and are desperately in need of a result.
Up The Squirrels!!!
