Report

Chaps lined up against Stoke Sporting with high hopes after a superb performance last week. Penny came in as a straight swap for the absent Tomolinson, captain Garvey returning to line up ahead of him on the left wing. Slater keeps his midfield spot after an impressive debut there last week and Bradshaw returns to goal. Feasey moved into the supporting striker role as Whalley danced his way back into the team after a disco abroad.

The first half carried on exactly as Chaps had left off performance wise, handling everything Sporting could throw at them and passing well. Just one notable effort from Sporting, which could only come from distance as Chaps defence kept their strikers quiet, though Bradshaw was equal to it and palmed it wide. Jones again looked menacing and somehow managed to ride the inevitable fouls that come his way, unfortunately it looks like he will have to put up with this for the remainder of the season.

Jones' determination kept him going, and it was from yet another foul on him that led to the first goal. Cromwell stepped up to take the free kick from just inside the Sporting half, his fellow defenders gasped as he sent yet another quality delivery sailing high into the box, half expecting the wily rascal to hit another 50 yard goal. His decision making this time was spot on however, as he picked out Whalley who again, having pulled his miniature trampoline out of his pocket leapt high above all around him and headed in from close range at the far post, 1-0 and fully deserved.

Half time came and we were a very satisfied bunch, but it would turn out that the difference between the two halves would be as great as that between Julius and Vincent Benedict. Right out of the blocks Sporting were more alert, more aggressive and in control. The sluggish start developed into Chaps playing the long ball game, bickering amongst ourselves and conceding three goals. A nearpost header, can't even remember their second it has been described as sh*t, and the third and final nail in the coffin, their right winger bursting into the box to connect with a low left sided cross just ahead of the flailing Penny to give Bradshaw no chance. A half to forget.

Chap of the match today is a tricky one, Bradshaw had a superb game despite conceding 3, Slater was superb in the first half and Feasey worked himself into a number of great positions during the first 45. However Farr was clearing up all over the pitch right to the final whistle and trying to influence the attacks as much as a center back can, so I have to give it to him because GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE. Up and onwards Chaps, we know we can do better than this and we all feel let down today by ourselves, let's get back to what we know and love and play matches in our own style. Over and gout.