Chasetown Reserves entered today’s cup semi final under the secure knowledge that it was the end of an 8 day congested fixture period. One would assume 4 games in 8 days would take its toll, even on the most professional club with their big squads.
However, the Scholars started against Barwell Reserves with more than a spring in their step…. as if it was a pre-season friendly in August.
In the first minute Andy Westwood almost beat Barwell keeper, Leon Oswald, when he latched onto to a fine through ball from Max Black.
The Scholars were enjoying most of the possession, producing lots of flowing movements in search of the opener. In addition to fluent passing its reassuring that they still possess a wealth of heading ability as a suitable alternative.
On 11 minutes Lee Stretton’s header was 6inches over the bar. It was Gavin Saunders who came close with the next header, curtsey of a pin point cross from Rock.
Chasetown were awarded another corner which was crossed in by Andre Gonzales. Tall Jack Stone was lurking at the far post to head past the wall of Barwell players scoring his 3rd header in 5 games. A defender claimed he’d cleared the ball but the linesman confirmed it crossed the line.
Gonzales switched from provider to goal scorer on 31 minutes. A cheeky free kick from Saunders bamboozled the Canaries defence. As they were preparing a wall Saunders slipped the opposite direction to ‘Gonzo’ who calmly place it beyond Oswald’s reach. Unfortunately it reminded the author of Zenetti’s goal against England in France 98. http://youtu.be/LFaIJU-ddtk
Barwell did muster up two chances in the first half. Shaun Robinson and Pele Orton attempted to claw Barwell back into the game with hopeful efforts that both flew wide.
Half Time: Chasetown Reserves 2 Barwell Reserves 0
The second half started quietly with the Scholars working in neat little triangles. The Canaries won possession and put a high ball into the danger area but Jack Stone headed clear to tame their attack.
On 68 minutes Black added his name to the score sheet, at approximately the same time that his gamble on Spirit Son was coming in at Aintree. Rock’s free kick found Stone whose superb headed lay-off was met by an equally well-struck shot by Black.
Swann’s brigade were launching offences and keeping Oswald busy and Barwell’s troops were defending bravely. Rock next produced another impressive cross, this time to Nathaniel Jones who stung Osborn’s palms.
On 90 minutes Gonzales connected on to a precisely flighted ball from Jamie Hawkins and found himself one-on-one with Oswald. He remained calm and picked his spot perfectly to seal the leg, and hopefully the tie for Chasetown. The 2nd leg at Barwell takes place next Saturday (16-April).
Well done Scholars.
Full Time: Chasetown Reserves 4 Barwell Reserves 0
Scholars Line Up: Wiggins, Deakin, Stone, Stretton, Rock, Gonzales, Saunders (Hawkins), Westwood, Black, Haughton (Aiton), Robinson (Jones).
