Chaps need nursing after cup defeat

Report

Right off the bat, a poor start for the Chaps as Farr forgets the team shorts, leaving the Chaps to kindly ask to borrow the oppositions dirty sweaty kit, along with a few pairs of socks from another team playing on the other pitch! Dowsett took full advantage to intimidate the opposition by warming up with his massive tackle on full display. Mosedale comes in for his first start for the Chaps, along with Mills on the left wing. Orry Dutton found himself a place on the bench along with elder brother Nigel, and Govier was a welcome return from injury, with Cromwell arriving late after a night in Twickenham showing his support for the English in the ruggers. Losing our big fish head Jezzabell last week has slightly affecting the Chaps, the dressing room misses him dearly and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Chaps started in fine fashion, with Horrocks' precise lob putting Chaps into lead within 2 minutes, a contender for October goal of the month already! Dowsett added a second just 3 minutes later continuing a great run of form in front of goal, bullying a fouling defender to slot into the bottom corner. 2-0 to the good but Chaps were quiet on the pitch and were soon to pay as Saints found their feet, drawing level 15 minutes later.

Dowsett was forced off to much concern amongst the Chaps squad with what looks like a hamstring or possible knee injury... medical update to follow. This allowed Dutton to enter the field of play, sitting on the right wing with Horrocks pushing up top. Dutton looked lively and committed, with his dedication delivering his first goal for the club as Slater delivered a dangerous right sided corner for Dutton to launch himself at, heading in from just inside the box through a crowd of players. A bullet header.

Sadly the Saints drew level just before half time. Mosedale made way for Cromwell at the break after working his socks off in front of the back four, but the change was reversed after just 25 minutes as Cromwell picked up a knock and had to go off. Dutton suffered a reccurrence of his highly rare injury and had to be replaced after 72 minutes, with Govier handling himself particularly well after coming into a chaotic second half that saw Saints dominate and bag 3 disappointing goals.

A late injury to club captain Garvey added to Chaps injury woes, but did give Orry Dutton a chance to show what he can do in a Chaps Utd shirt. Right at the death Thornton pulled off a fine penalty save to keep the score down, diving low to his left to punch the ball to safety. Penny then made a last ditch block moments later as the Saints striker, stood just 2 yards from goal took too long to make his move.

There were spells throughout the game during which the Chaps were looking dangerous compacting the opposition and forcing errors, but it didnt happen enough leaving the opposition to put pressure on the chaps 18yrd box most of the game... resulting in 6 goals going past JT! The Chaps beautiful passing game didnt gel as well today and balls were going astray and perhaps we didnt hold up play and maintain possession as much as usual. But we have to take the positives. There were some goal saving challenges and positive committed performances from all the back four of Jake, Penny, Tomo, and Farr, Mills gets 90mins under his belt and showed he still has it in him. Stu Whalley and Garvey were turning the cogs in the midfield, but sadly it wasn't enough to overcome the pressure from the opposition.

Johnny Hotcakes worked hard all game running down every loose ball and showing the energy of a true Chap, earning a well deserved MOTM from the referee. Chap of the match today goes to Slater, his performance was athletic, precise and vocal, trying his all to affect the outcome of the game. Slater should be praised for taking his training form onto the football pitch, keeping passing short and sharp and dictating the pace of the game at times. Moving into a more advanced role late on and playing some nice through balls is very promising for the forthcoming games.

Thanks to Kevin Jones for the majority of the content of today's match report. Media to follow...