Summary

Report

As the teams took to the pitch the watching Chaps Utd squad member and supporters had to do a double take as Kevin Jones seemingly lined up against himself on the right wing. This was put down to a glitch in the matrix and play was allowed to continue. Right out of the blocks Rubery Juniors imposed themselves right from kick off with committed challenges, a few niggling fouls and a clear tactic to shoot on sight. Chaps were looking a little slow and not playing their improving passing game, so it was no surprise that Rubery took the lead on 16 minutes with a long range effort that took a slight deflection to loop over the helpless onlooker Thornton in goal.

Despite excellent work at the back - especially from the ever improving Farr - and dogged front play from Gould and Dowsett, Chaps failed to steady the ship and were again beaten by another long ranger to go 2-0 down inside 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, out on the right flank Jones - having been the subject to a couple of niggly fouls by...himself - went into demon mode which helpfully puts another 20mph onto his top speed and responded just a couple of minutes later with an excellent lofted left foot finish on the half volley from 20 yards out.

Chaps now seemed more self assured and the midfield trio started to take a foothold in the game stopping Rubery from creating space in front of the box and keeping possession of the ball.

The second half was a much more accomplished performance from the Chaps. Cromwell developed some lovely wing play down the right hand side, on one occasion opening up the pitch for Jones who delivered a dangerous curling cross to the far post that was begging to be taken advantage of. Tindall needed no further instruction, his intelligent late run into the box - coupled with a leap John West fisheries would pay good money for - allowed him to absolutely dominate a crowd of players and expertly guide the ball into the back of the net to score the all important leveller, 2 - 2.

From here Chaps went from strength to strength, one onlooker earlier noted “Dowsett isn't having much luck at the moment but his work rate will create opportunity as the game develops” (Penny - 35th minute). Dowsett, as expertly predicted, showed his devastating ability with a second half hat-trick in just 21 minutes to win the game for Chaps. The first came in remarkably similar fashion to the equaliser, Jones (now running at a recorded 47mph) got on the end of a quick throw in from captain Jeremy Moore, beat his man in the corner and crossed for Dowsett to sneak into the 6 yard box and smash the ball home. The second came after a sublime cross from Tindall, with the final goal an excellent finish into the far corner from the left hand side of the box.

The final 10 minutes were a case of parking the bus and holding on to the second half clean sheet, a professional end to the game with even a late cameo from Rubery substitute Carlton Palmer unable to make an impact.

Man of the match for me was Paul Farr. (I only ever give it to defenders because other positions are farcical) His inspirational efforts in the first half kept the deficit down and allowed us to play our way back into the game. Has improved with every game I've seen him so far.

MATCH MEDIA