Chaps have a semi

Report

It's another Phil Collins moment for the Chaps, as they make it into the Bridgewater Cup semi finals against all odds!

Let's look back to the start of September, as Chaps narrowly lost their first Bridgewater Cup group game against Sporting Rednal. This result effectively made every game a traditional knockout match for the Chaps now, as they would have to win every single remaining group game to reach the semi finals. Not only that, but they would have to get busy scoring as the only chance of progressing through the group would be via goal difference.

Boy, did they do it in some style. Four cup matches later, four victories; 6-3 against Stoke Prior, 8-0 against Millfields, 9-3 against Stoke Sporting Reserves, and now 2-0 against much fancied Awkies Allstars. That gave Chaps a goal difference of +18, clear and away from both Rednal and Awkies who were tied with Chaps on 12 points at the top of the group. Chaps now face Hizza in their two remaining cups ( the other being the quarter final of the Centenary Cup ) .

Back to today's game, and a welcome return to the lineup for Tomolinson after a couple of games rest. He slotted in at left back, and the Chaps signed a new goalkeeper, the highly rated Jordan Hobbis who debuted in goal. A familiar look to the rest of the team, with Watkins filling in on the right wing as Jones rests his knees.

Being played on Awkies' 3G pitch, the Chaps weren't as disadvantaged as perhaps most teams are when they travel there, training on a similar surface themselves every week. That being said, it was the first time the Chaps were to play a match on the full pitch, and it was clear that Awkies were used to the size of the pitch. A vicious wind swirled across the playing surface ( a particularly tough game for Watkins on the affected wing for both halves ) , which suited Chaps' passing game and encouraged them to keep the ball on the ground.

It wasn't long before the first goal came, and that strike partnership of Mosedale and Dowsett again proved devastating as Mosedale, winning yet another ball, laid it nicely into the path of Dowsett with the deftest of touches who raced clear and made no mistake with his finish, 1-0 to the Chaps!

The second came almost immediately, with good work at right back from Slater who developed the play and provided a fantastic through ball for Dowsett to run onto and bag his second of the game. can I take a moment here for Dowsett, that's 27 goals in 11 games now, a personal record for Dowsett and one that surely only he can break for the Chaps in the future. Averaging 2.45454545455 goals per game, it is no surprise he has picked up 5 MOM awards already this season.

The remainder of the game saw Awkies dominate possession, though the Chaps had no problem with this, handling their attacks well and forcing them to shoot from distance. Every ball was battled for, and the communication across the pitch was constant. I could applaud every player on the pitch in this report but the result speaks for itself. I will say that it was great to see our founder Farr return after a lengthy absence, he slotted straight into the back four at half time after an unfortunate injury to captain Garvey and performed admirably, despite having to run off a painful knock he suffered while blocking a point blank shot. Great to have you back brother.

A big shout out to Gaz King on the bench, who gave up the chance to come on in order to keep the Chaps unit solid and undisturbed as they battled through the second half. It shows that no man is bigger than the team, a brilliant example. Many thanks too to the Jezzman and Jones for coming to support us a long way from home. It was great for this writer to see Moore walking unassisted now after his knee operation, superb progress.

I would like to thank a number of players today who have voted to give me Chap of the Match. I must say I am flattered, and I was certainly up for the game today from the minute I arose from my slumber. I proudly and wholeheartedly accept this award, I gave my all every second of the game because I love the Chaps I do and I want to play for this team for ever and ever.