1st win of the season with a good performance against Sandhurst

Following the disappointment of our opening day result against AFC Croydon Athletic the lads bounced back with an impressive display away at Sandhurst Town. A hard week or fitness training was needed after the Croydon game, the lads all put the effort in and it paid off yesterday!

A few changes from last week’s game, Michael Williams was a late replacement for Ian Hewitt in goal, Ian is struggling after straining his knee ligaments but is hoping to be fit for next week. Darren Woods started at right back with Jake Hill in his more natural left back position, Christian Money and James Duke in the heart of the defence. Kevin Bourne was brought in alongside Lee Davison who was back from suspension and Jimmy Hearne to help tighten up the midfield. Craig Reading who signed from Raynes Park Vale was awarded a debut start after an impressive week at training, he started on the left and Bas Morrally back from suspension was on the right. Dan McLaughlin led the line again.
J Flack, Yousif Mahdi, Andy Heath and Ade Oketoki all started on the bench.

Chessy started the brighter of the two sides and dominated from the first whistle. Lee Davison, Jimmy Hearne and Kevin Bourne finding lots of space in the middle of the park and were passing the ball around with ease. The back four always comfortable receiving and giving the ball to feet.

But, it was the home side who took the lead with their first shot on goal after 25 minutes, their no.10 who was lively all game received the ball just outside the box unmarked, turn and danced through the defence before firing home.

Sandhurst 1-0 Chessy

Straight from the restart chessy took the game to the home team. The goal didn’t really faze the lads.
Craig Reading and Bas Morrally always an out ball down the wings with pace and skill, and it was a Bas Morrally run on 30 minutes that lead to a free kick about 35 yards out. A sublime delivery from Jimmy Hearne was met by the head of Christian Money GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!

Sandhurst 1-1 Chessy

More and more pressure from chessy and it was only a matter of time before we scored again, just before half time another free kick in the Sandhurst box was cleared but only as far as Lee Davison who delivered again….who was on the end of it….of course it was Christian Money GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!

Sandhurst 1-2 Chessy

Half Time.

The second half kicked off and Sandhurst started to take the game to chess who were still in the changing room for the first 20 minutes of the half. Lots of pressure from the home team but not creating too much and Michael Williams was always comfortable in the chessy goal.

J Flack replaces Darren Woods at right back (maybe Andy Ellis wanted to give the Sandhurst left winger a chance as he didn’t get anything out of Woods all game)

On the hour mark the Ref and Lino had a big call the make, the sandhurst striker went through on goal chased by James Duke but he appeared to handle the ball into his path, he smashed the ball past Williams in goal and into the net. After the Ref consulted the Lino the goal was not given. Handball.

Ade Oketoki replaces Craig Reading

Sandhurst changed formation and went 3 up top which left spaces for chessy to exploit on the counter attack.

Yousif Mahdi replaces Lee Davison

A quick break from chessy nearly won it with 5 minutes to go….Dan McLaughlin found some space in the box but instead of shooting he decided to square it to Ade Oketoki, surely…..no! The post denies Ade his first goal of the season.

But he didn’t have to wait long! With only 2 minutes remaining, with Sandhurst pushed right up the pitch Ade latched on to a through ball to find himself 1 on 1 with the keeper, Ade composed himself and slotted neatly passed the Sandhurst keeper GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!! Sparking massive celebrations infront of the away dugout, a 20 man chessy bundle!!

Sandhurst 1-3 Chessy

The Ref decided to play 9 minutes of added on time, and there was still time for the Sandhurst left back to kick out at Dan McLaughlin to earn himself an early shower.

Full Time

MOM - James Duke

Goals - Christian Money (2), Ade Oketoki