Dorset County Youth League, Sunday, 14th October 2007

In adversity you sometimes get a surprisingly greater commitment and this was certainly the case in this match, where the players overcame poor availability to record probably one of their best results of the season so far, against potentially one of their biggest rivals for the league title.

The team put the missing players, injuries, the effects of a flu virus, and fatigue from Saturday’s match to the back of their minds to take a share of the points and remain in a strong position near the top of the table. Taking a well deserved lead midway through the first half after Charlie Gajic coolly side footed home, after latching onto a precise through ball from Luke Stone. 

However, the Hammers were pegged back to 1-1 on the stroke of halftime when slack marking led to their defence being pulled apart for a Chickerell forward to slot home from close range.

The second half saw more dominance from the Hammers as they again upped the tempo to regain the lead shortly after the break, when Craig Barnett side footed the ball into the net from just inside the six yard box.

Unfortunately, with the Hammers looking in complete control and likely to score again, another mistake led to a second goal for Chickerell. Matt MacDonald’s misplaced pass put the home side in on the break and despite a lunging challenge from Jack Smith the equaliser was slid passed the advancing Gillingham in the Hamworthy goal.

Chickerell then had the better of the late exchanges as the tired legs of the Hamworthy players began to show.

Team: Gillingham, Seal, Basing, Dyer (MacDonald), Smith, Pimm (Capt.), Stone (Tunnicliffe), Holden, Gajic, Norris, Barnett Sub Un-used: O’Reilly

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