Chessington & Hook vs Raynes Park Vale

Changes to the starting line up have become an accepted part of what the management team are having to deal with, but in this game even their enterprise and creativity was stretched to the limit.

A well structured squad of 24 having had 10 players all of whom have figured prominently this year unavailable for one reason or another.

However such is the depth that the deployed 3-5-2 formation looked at its most dangerous for weeks and created a number of chances early on although the defensive work particularly from the midfield left a lot to be desired as they allowed plenty of encouragement for an enthusiastic Raynes Park Vale team.

The hard work and creativity rewarded after twenty five minutes, when after a series of incisive one twos between Scott Todd and Reece Jackson, a Todd shot was deflected into the path of Jackson whose volley spectacularly found the top corner.

Further chances came and went, the most notable being a shot from Todd that hit the base of the post.

With the half time lead intact Chessington started the second half well and it was no surprise when Reece Jackson scored his second of the night as he converted an exquisite through ball from Martin Jackson.

Chessington don’t win easily though and on a night where it looked like the game would be comfortable a lifeline was handed to Raynes Park Vale when Andy Davidson needlessly handled.

The setback created a fresh urgency about Chessington and it seemed that the lead could be increased at any time. With time running out we failed to defend a cross into the area which was headed home unchallenged. The initiative was truly with Raynes Park Vale and it seemed as if three points could now be nil especially after Adam Cheadle was sent off for two yellow card offences in the last minute of normal time.

As stoppage time kept going so did Chessington & Hook United, and with an extra 5 minutes already played at least, Reece Jackson found Scott Todd on the edge of the box. His first touch took him past the defender who brought him down.

Despite the considerable protests of Raynes Park Vale Scott Todd remained calm and coolly slotted home a late late winner.