Chaps hit the jackpot with win

Report

Playing Woodgate Valley for the first time this season, the unpredictable side seemed to have their slowpoke heads on today as they turned up to their home fixture with only 10 players and no match balls. Despite being an East Lamb Albion fan, manager Fronk showed his worth and sought to take full advantage by setting out a team to put maximum pressure on the under-strength opponents with his now favoured 3–5–2 formation. A settled side is forming, with only the debutants of Clark and Henderson replaced for Hawkswood and N. Hobbis respectively.

Early on it was clear that Dowsett would cause problems for their defence, and his pace carried him onto a through ball into the box where he was clumsily brought down by the WV keeper. The following ensued:

Unfortunately WV went right back up the opposite end and levelled the scoreline. Truth be told, Chaps didn't really get up to speed until 20 minutes into the game when the WV 11th man finally got dressed and joined in the action. Aside from Dowsett of course, who was trying his utmost to recreate Trevor Sinclair's overhead kick at every opportunity.

That is, of course, until captain fantastic stepped up with this absolute brahma!

Shortly afterwards Mosedale was unlucky with a difficult controlled header that clipped the post, and Dowsett set himself up for another OHK that sadly went wide. Half time came and went and Chaps were looking the better team, buoyed on by the wonder goal from captain Whalley, they were playing for each other and winning their battles.

An inspired second half performance from Feasey showed flashes of the brilliance we all know and love—control, attacking passes and organising his midfield vocally. A pair of substitutions in the form of Tansley and Dutton proved highly effective as Chaps applied pressure higher up the pitch to keep WV on the backfoot.

Late on Hobbis showed his worth in goal with a string of fantastic saves from point blank range as WV looked to bombard the Chaps defence in search of the equaliser. Dowsett himself had a goal ruled out for offside at the other end, and WV finally cracked when the ever professional Mosedale—now running the line—raised his flag for a clear decision and took all the abuse thrown at him with a wink and a smile. Ah, we love you for that, 'dward!

Chap of the Match today cycled between different players at various points in the game; Dowsett worked his nuts off early on to try and get the team motivated and playing at full speed. Our founder Farr made numerous attacking moves and was unlucky to fire over the bar from a back post volley. Feasey showed his ability during the second half with a controlled display that he knows I am a huge fan of, and a superb effort from wingbacks Hawkswood and Watkins on a very heavy pitch, their legs will hurt in the morning! But I have to give it to captain fantastic, Stu Whalley and his wand. A superb goal, his 12th of the season, along with some important defensive contributions that made me glow inside. Well done leader, and well done Chaps!

Please see the media section below for a case study on the various ways Chaps heroes like to celebrate a victory, post-match.