Chasetown finally got the better of Barwell Reserves at the second attempt thanks to a Chad Degville-Cross goal.I
This week’s fixture at Barwell continued where last week’s duel left off with both teams playing attractive football and creating numerous opportunities. The main difference was Andy Penny’s tactical swap from a sweeping formation to the more compact 4-4-2.
As per last Saturday it was even early on. At one end, Samson Alalade headed over and when play switched to the opposite end Benjamin Betteridge volleyed over after controlling a cross with his chest.
Barwell attacked again five minutes later as Matthew Shorrack narrowly missed the target when he tried his luck from 25 yards.
Samson was involved in the action once more on 27 minutes, winning the ball from Barwell’s defence and putting Jordan Archer in the clear whose belter was just inches off target.
Degville-Cross’s opener came on 33 minutes. Jonathan Gould foiled the Barwell defence when he dribbled to the by-line and centred into the six yard box for the unmarked Degville-Cross to side foot into the roof of the net.
Barwell first teamer Adam Wykes almost levelled things up with a 25-yard drive. Shortly after this and a certain equaliser looked on the cards when Danny Martin accelerated into the box but instead of testing Mark Wiggins he surprisingly squared into empty space for Courtney Sowe clearance.
In reply the Scholars tried to double their lead. Alalade just missed after inspiring work from Tom Brown and then Archer headed agonisingly over from a Craig Deakin cross.
Just before the interval Barwell thought it was all square only for Betteridge’s far post header to be ruled out for an infringement on Deakin.
The second half was a disappointingly one-sided affair as the fire went out of Barwell and they permitted the Scholars to camp in their half. The hosts abandoned their creativity in favour of mis-timed tackles and desperate lunges which was a shame, especially when they were penalised with three bookings and a sending off for Jordan Pickering.
In response, Chasetown, fully aware that they were now in control, were content to keep possession in the opposition’s territory just like it was a training session. Apart from a few desperate late rallies which were mopped up by Jamie Aiton, Barwell failed to produce a decent effort all half.
Penny introduced Stu Birt along with Oliver James and Jed Davies from the academy late on and they all contributed as Chasetown continued to dominate.
The Scholars Reserves can now enjoy their well-earned festive break in the knowledge that they enter 2012 top of the league and unbeaten in all competitions.
Chasetown: Wiggins (c), Deakin, Sowe (James), Wood, Hulin, J Aiton, Degville-Cross, Brown, Archer (Birt), Alalade, Gould (Davies). Subs not used: Darby, Faultless.
