Report

Again, I’ve left writing this report until way after the game, but here are my foggy recollections.

The I’s went into this game hoping to clinch 3rd place for their best finish since their reformation several years ago. With a couple of players missing Steve opted for an unfamiliar back line of Relf, Palmer and James Hitchcock (!), which allowed him to field an attacking line up in midfield.

Those of you not present at the game and whistling in surprise at my inclusion in the back line based upon my “fouls conceded” record (currently somewhere in the low millions) are right to question the decision (see later…) but in fairness to Steve the tactic worked well for the first 45 minutes. Although Chipstead typically threatened at set pieces and on a couple of counter attacks the defence stood firm, and it was Ightham who opened the scoring through Christian Hitchcock’s lob. Alongside him Matt Hitchcock was proving himself a handful, winning several headers against much bigger opposition, and he was unlucky not to increase the lead with a couple of efforts which cracked the crossbar or sailed narrowly over. Before the break Zak doubled the lead with a long range effort which caught the defence in two minds and drifted in at the far post.

Chipstead changed formation in the second half and threw an extra man up top to occupy the I’s three man defence, and slowly the pressure began to tell.  First James Hitchcock conceded a (dubious!) penalty – no surprises there – but Will Moore saved the spot kick., The respite was short lived however, as Chipstead got back in the game with two goals in quick succession – one a header from a corner and the other a neat finish from the forward. At the other end the I’s were still threatening, but as the half wore on and the midfield tired the I’s defence was increasingly outnumbered and Chipstead grabbed the deciding 3rd despite a great save from Will, who tipped the initial shot onto the post, but the resulting clearance was swept into the net from the edge of the box.

No shame in this one lads, but as with our season we ran out of gas after a strong start. Fourth place is our final reward, and that’s a lot better than bottom of the league like last year. Well done, and thanks to each of you for your commitment this season – I’ll see you next year when we WILL finally get out of this bloody league. Oh, and thanks to Steve for showing me and Ian how you’re supposed to manage a team…!




WHAT THEY SAID

Chipstead were perhaps fortunate to win this one, but showed great character to come from 2-0 down at half time to win and keep the pressure up on Ide hill at the top of the table. Both teams have two games left with 6 points separating them.

A poor first half saw them give I's a two goal lead, the first a quick counter that Chips Ross Thomson delayed his decision to go to the ball, and let the I's player run on the defence, and despite the home keeper's half save the ball ended up in the net. The 2nd goal was again a result of Thomson's indecision, leaving a ball, then calling the keeper and the result, a long range cross drifting into the net.

Chips had it all to do, but were hopeful shooting uphill as ever.

Paul Scott won a penalty which Thomson missed, the i's keeper not having to move much to stop the spot kick. Then Richie Free came on and got in amongst things, his first a neat finish to give the home side hope.  Jake Lewis was good down the left and chips created chances. Chips got their equaliser as Colin Costello headed in from aMoorecorner, and freeman scored a third with minutes remaining to win the game for Chips and keep them in with a chance of the league title.