Chaps battle to bring home a point

Report

Struggling for a team lately, Chaps managed to pull together a team with many thanks to brother Slater for his scouting efforts. In the absence of Whalley and Feasey, Farr was pushed into a midfield position alongside Henderson, Tansley, and Adams finally making his first appearance for the Chaps. Walley returned to action for his second appearance, playing alongside defensive stalwarts Slater—captain for the day—Tarplee and Tindall. The old guard of Mosedale and Dowsett ran the front line. A timely return to action for Leroux, who played 90 minutes in between the sticks in place of the absent Hobbis.

Chaps made a superb start, with the midfield working hard right from kick off. Our founder Farr, looking comfortable in his new role, picked up a loose ball in the middle of the park and played a superb first time pass for Dowsett to run onto and finish low to the keepers right on the half volley, ten minutes gone 1-0 to the Chaps!

The rest of the game was fairly even, a very tough battle between both sides to share the points. Unfortunately, captain Slater picked up an injury on the stroke of half time which he tried to run off but in the end had to be replaced just before the hour mark. Hopefully it won't keep him out of the action for too long.

I will just take a moment here to mention a welcome return to action for the machine—Penny brother—replacing the injured Walley on 70 minutes after 2 full months out. Borrowing captain Slater's kit, he took to the field gingerly lining up just in front of the back 4 and had an immediate impact on the game despite his clear lack of mobility and fitness. A couple of excellent opportunies were created by Penny's simple passing and willingness to get on the ball, both of which were squandered by the apparent man of the match Dowsett. One step closer to a full 90 minutes, speaking to him after the game he was clearly eager to get back on the field and play some part for the Chaps come Wednesday night and try to regain his match fitness.

Chap of the match this week was a difficult choice considering the effort of all involved. Tindall playing at left back, made a number of crucial interceptions and covered the team extremely well as the game stretched and players tired towards the end. A superb performance from one of our veterans that the youth in this Chaps side can aspire to replicate. But he was just pipped to the award by our founder Farr, clearly loving the beautiful game and excelling in his new midfield position. He created the opportunity for Dowsett and ran all game, but did so in an intelligent and effective manner. That's his fifth Chap of the Match award this season, a huge achievement recognised by his fellow peers. Well done Chap!

Lying 7th in the table we next play table toppers Rednal Social on Wednesday evening. The fixtures come thick and fast now, and results will be unpredictable as sides struggle to field full strength teams for midweek games so let's make sure we capitalise with our games in hand!