Match Report
Match Report - 19 Sep 2009, Swale United Football Club First Team beat Chartham Sports FC
Following last weeks disappointment Swale bounce back and record a fine away victory against a very physical Chartham team.
Prior to the start of the game Carl White was given a late fitness test however the illness that had bugged him all week was still present and he was left out of the starting eleven. Despite this upset the away team started well and found themselves one nil up on 12mins following some fine work by Paul Holt,Dave Stacey cooly finished. The sittingbourne side continued to take the game to their hosts and found themselves two up on 27mins, again following some superb work from the strike force, this time leading to Paul Holts first for the season.
Swale started to control the game more and more and should have been three up from a perfectly flighted corner by Scott Forster but Andy Mannering header over from 6yards out. From another corner Rob Crutchley will have thought he should have done better wil a free header 8yards out. As Swale continued to press for a third the home team showed the spirit which had been sadly lacking in the opening 38mins. A Chartham corner was swung in and both Luke Titshall and Sam Mannering let the ball go which allowed the Chartham striker a free header from 5yards out on 39 mins. At 2-1 Swale never really looked flustered and following a long clearence from Luke Titshall Paul Holt ran on unchallenged and converted the chance superbly on 42mins. Swale went in 3-1 up.
As both teams re-emerged it was again the visitors who started brightest and again should have increased their lead. Unfortunately for the sittingbourne team they failed to convert their chances and when the Chartham midfielder picked the ball up just outside the 18yard box he was not closed down quick enough and he unleashed an unstoppable shot past Luke Titshall, 3-2 and game on. As with the first half the visitors did not have to wait long to restore there 2 goal advantage, a great ball into Paul Holt who laid off a sublime ball for Dave Stacey to rifle home from 14yards on 74mins, a superb finish to cap off a great move.
To the home teams credit they continued to press the game with their unique solid physical play which the officials appeared to let go. The away team were by now beginning to tire and on 82mins the home team got another goal to set up an exciting 8mins. Luke Titshall in the Swale goal confirmed his selection in the First XI with a point blank save on 88mins when the Chartham striker was better placed to score. Swale held on to record a fine victory against a team whom had not been beaten at home for over 24months!
After this great result we spoke with a jubilant First Team manager Kevin Hake:
"I think the reaction the lads gave showed today was second to none after a dissapointing performance last week.I am over the moon we have come down here and got the three points which is not any easy feat"
"Despite receiving no protection from the ref,I am pleased we did not get involved and concentrated on winning the game.I could not single one player out as the team ethic was superb today.We need to build on this performance and look forward to our our home game against Ham Street next Saturday.It can't come quick enough !!!!!"
Thanks Kevin and well done.
COME ON UNITED..........................
Chartham Sports FC 3 - 4 Swale United Football Club First Team