Chap Lose Out To Promotion Rivals

Worksop 2 arrived at Ecclesfield 2nd in the League (separated from top only by goal difference) and with the best defensive record in the division. Oh and 20 minutes late as they went via Hinde House.
Chapeltown fielded the same squad (minus Bambi) as the last outing against Sheffield 7s. The 20 minute delay in cold conditions was not ideal and both teams started the game slowly. Both sides were keeping good possession with the ball but finding it difficult to break through the opposition’s defences. Moonpig was martialling the midfield house superbly for Chap. On the few occasions that Worksop came into the final third Boss Hogg, Shep and the vastly improving Typhoo made strong challenges to eliminate the danger. Upfront Gigolo, Tomahawk and Iceburg were working hard but couldn’t quite find the final ball to create a clear chance. As the game progressed it became clear that set pieces in the final quarter were likely to create the best opportunities. It was from one of these that Chuckle#2 was caught 4.9m instead of the designated 5m away from a free hit, conceding a precious penalty corner. Gandalf stretched well to save the resultant first strike with his right kicker. The Worksop forward following up struck the second shot high, this time Gandalf getting a strong left hand on the effort. As the ball deflected high to the left of the goal it appeared to be going out but Gandalf’s hand had been too strong and it dropped cm’s inside the baseline. The Worksop player was quickest to the ball and pulled back to his forward who fired a third shot. Gandalf did well to once again get his kicker to the ball, but it had been struck too well and rocketed into the right corner of the net for 1-0.
The second half continued in much the same vain as the first with both defensive lines on top. Mad Max replaced Typhoo at right back and had a fine half. (Typhoo indicating he was tired fetching balls from off the pitch all the time!!). Showing good defensive composure Mad Max was also able to create a couple of attacks down the wings. As always Chap continued right to the end and in the latter stages of the game gained a few short corners. Unfortunately execution was not at its best and Chap found themselves unable to create what would have been a deserved equalizer.
At the end, and though the team had tasted defeat for the first time since October, there were plenty of positives take away from this game not least how well players had competed in what was a physically demanding game.
The after match teas saw Typhoo voted the MOM Starblazer, whilst Boss Hogg picked up DOD Hotdog.