Chaps bow out at semi final stage

Report

The most important match in Chaps Utd's short history—the semi final of the Bridgewater Cup against Hizza Utd—failed to deliver the cup final so many of the Chaps dreamed of. All is not lost, however, as the Chaps can go joint-top of the league by winning their games in hand, and with no cups to act as a distraction, positivity remains in the camp.

Despite the importance of the impending game, Chaps were again without a number of key players. Dowsett was once again missing, as was midfield maestro Feasey. The line-up was again shuffled to accommodate players that were available. The defence looked very strong—Slater, Farr, Tarplee and Tomolinson lined up at the back ahead of Hobbis in goal to present possibly the strongest back four this season. Penny was pushed out to the left wing with Jones on the right, captain Whalley playing centrally alongside the returning O'Brien, and upfront N. Hobbis returned to partner Watkins. Mosedale returning from injury was on the bench, alongside Tansley and stand-in manager for the day Leroux.

Chaps started fairly well, battling against the slope in the first half, but lady luck hit us hard within the first few minutes as O'Brien, on only his second appearance damaged his leg almost immediately. He switched positions with Penny and then Hobbis as he tried to run it off, but unfortunately would end up being substituted at half time after struggling all half with the pain.

Jones was looking electric, no doubt spurred on by immediate fouling from the Hizza players. This tends to bring out the best in Jones, who channels his anger into his pace and determination—today was no exception. His persistance on the ball got him to the goalline just on the edge of the box, where, after battling several players, he managed to clip in a bending shot that curled inside the post, giving the Chaps an early lead.

Unfortunately lady luck then reared her ugly head once more as Tarplee had to leave the field through injury, with Penny filling in at center back and Tansley slotting into left wing. The Chaps were starting to hang on a little bit, and Farr was unlucky to have given away a penalty in a 50/50 in the box. Hobbis, determined to make up for his error the previous week, stood tall and saved from the Hizza striker, retaining the Chaps lead. He also pulled off perhaps the save of the season so far, tipping an accurate effort high over the bar at full stretch.

Chaps held onto their lead and regrouped at half time, feeling the hard work against the slope was done. Mosedale was introduced up front and managed to hold the ball up for us better, gving the defence a bit of time to breathe. Hizza however had other ideas, and there was an onslaught on the Chaps goal. With attack after attack, and with Hizza able to bring on 3 fresh substitutes, tiredness eventually took it's toll and the Chaps conceded in the 73rd minute. From here it looked as though the game would only go one way, though not one single Chaps player gave up trying.

Hizza managed to take the lead a few minutes later with a very similar effort to their first, and with Chaps desperately trying to get back level and force penalties, they conceded a replica 3rd goal on the counter attack. Hizza have now knocked Chaps Utd out of two cups in consecutive weeks, leaving just the league for them to play for.

It was great to see Cromwell coming down to support the Chaps, along with Moore and Chico. The effort from all the lads was fantastic, but in the end the injuries and fitness got the better of us. Chaps are now missing 6 key players through injury—Moore, Cromwell, Garvey, Tindall, Penny and Dutton—but it seems that Mosedale has returned to fitness and Cull is finally back in training this week after a lengthy layoff. Chap of the match this week goes once again to the genius that is Kevin Jones. I counted a record number of fouls against him yet every time he was on the ball he ran like a train through crowds of players to try and make the difference. He did make the difference, he created and scored the goal that we fought so hard to defend, and his defensive work rate in the second half was phenomenal. Congratulations Kev, it's difficult to pick a winner in such a difficult game to swallow where we all put our heart and soul into it, but you did it just that little bit faster!

Chaps, we go again. The league is our focus now, let's relax, enjoy our football and see what the rest of the season brings us. #UTC