Chessington & Hook United 2 vs 1 Badshot Lea

In what is always a keenly contested match, both sides pressed early on to exert their authority and the opening moments were equally encouraging for the two teams as they battled for supremacy.

The opening goal came after eight minutes, when both Matt Holley and Matt Ellis attempted to head away the same ball, neither succeeding and allowing a free run on goal for the pacy forward who converted in some style past Michael Sharpe in the Chessington goal.

Our response was instant, as straight from the kick off a fine passing move saw Zak Graham felled in the box and a penalty was correctly awarded. Malik Buari finished coolly to bring us level. Just minutes later and we had turned the game on its head, the same two combining well after good work from the new look midfield four to see Malik score his second of the game.

Buoyed by our quick reply we played with a confident swagger when in possession and a determination when we weren’t, and looked competitive in every department.

On the half hour mark our lead should have increased, when an unfortunate bounce for the visiting keeper provided a golden opportunity for Malik to secure a first half hat trick, but his hesitant shot was cleared by a grateful Badshot defender.

Right on half time we nearly squandered the advantage, when some sloppy defending resulted in a needless free kick being conceded from which Pomroy`s clever back heel rebounded off the bar and away to safety.

Our start to the second period was first class, as again we had glorious opportunities to increase our lead. Unfortunately a near miss, followed by a refereeing decision that bemused most in failing to award a penalty, not once, for the first push on Zak Graham, but twice when a blatant handball to deny Malik Buari was overlooked didn’t help our cause.

The expected onslaught from our visitors didn’t emerge, and for twenty minutes or so at the beginning of the half we looked solid in what we were doing and dangerous almost all of the time. Zak Graham was replaced by new signing Shane Sinclair at the midway point and his fresh legs and pace were a threat, however the chances in the main were falling to Malik Buari who’s tireless work deserved to be rewarded with a third goal.

As we tired and Badshot grew more anxious as they searched for an equaliser the game became stretched, and again we failed to take the half chances that were coming our way, the result of which was the outcome of the match was still in the balance.

Defensively though we remained resolute, and late changes to freshen the side up eventually saw us home, but not before a scare in the second minute of added on time when a looping header beat Sharpe but thankfully hit the base of the post before bouncing kindly into the keepers hands.

Without doubt a deserved win and a good performance to go with it.