Chessington & Hook vs Bedfont

Another midweek game following a free Saturday and another well earned three points. The squad depth is certainly playing its part as again there were changes to the line up with only the staff knowing whether they were for tactical reasons or otherwise. Whatever the reason it’s working.

The favoured 3-5-2 formation again deployed to good effect against a very physical side that looked to spoil the game whenever possible albeit occasionally carving out chances of their own.

The game as so many are, was dominated in its early exchanges by a lot of huff and puff and workrate but little quality to go with it. The first chance falling to Bedfont early on which thankfully just missed the target following an impressive volley.

Gradually Bedfonts industrious approach was matched and what little quality was on offer was from the home side.

This was rewarded on the half hour when slick passing between Dean Pitcher and Reece Jackson saw Darren Smith break free of his marker to smash home from just inside the penalty area. The inevitable nervousness that follows, on this occasion was well handled and half time was reached with no scares. In fact it could have been an even better lead to take into the break when Reece Jackson fired straight at the goal keeper when through with a well worked one on one chance.

The second half saw an immediate change with the injured Andrew Heath replaced by John Quigley, who despite playing in an unaccustomed midfield position was again impressive.

Chances were again hard to come by although a mis-directed Leon Canning cross had the Bedfont keeper scrambling. Despite being quite comfortable a second goal was needed and it duly arrived from Darren Smith for his second of the night when he fired home from a Reece Jackson cross with fifteen to go.

Dean Pitcher was replaced by Shane Graham shortly after, giving the front line some fresh legs and his pace caused Bedfont trouble each time he got the ball.

As the game was drawing to a close an instinctive first time effort from Scott Todd from forty yards out following a misplaced clearance by the goalkeeper looked to be heading in but bounced just wide.

As the game moved into stoppage time that elusive first clean sheet seemed to have been achieved, but the self destruct button was pushed again as we allowed a free header from six yards out from a corner to reduce the deficit. With just seconds remaining and from another corner that was not dealt with Michael Sharpe made a brilliant one handed save to deny a certain equaliser earning his side an important three points.