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Combined Counties League - Premier Division Match

MATCH REPORT

Chertsey Town are learning fast that positive results will not automatically come their way even if the side displays more technical skill than their game opponents. Despite the tight score line, Cove twice looked a beaten side during the second half of this lively league encounter, but a succession of disputed and crucial incidents, all of which went against against the visitors, helped turn the game.
 
With good reason, the Chertsey side is one to be respected in the league but it is increasingly clear that opponents are treating their matches with the Curfews as their cup finals and are raising their game to beat, what is erroneously perceived an over cosseted squad. The Chertsey players responded well to this jibe on the night but even so, were unable to overcome all the events that turned against them.
 
Both sides responded well to the excellent playing conditions but the ball rarely threatened either goal before the interval. Cove had a good chance with a rare adjudication of an indirect free kick for a back pass after the ball had skewed out of tackling players. Although the kick was awarded well inside the Chertsey penalty area, the ball was blocked away comfortably.
 
The main talking point of the half took place at the other end of the park when Paul Brooker broke through with only the goalkeeper to beat, but tumbled to the floor as he passed the last Cove defender. Was he pushed or did he fall? Two opinions were instantly formed but only one counted with the referee calling for play to continue.
 
Chertsey took the lead on 57 minutes when a short corner was played back to Brooker who then fired the ball in low for Luke Muldowney to connect only five yards out for a not unsurprising lead. Play might have been balanced in the first half but Town certainly took the ascendancy for much of the second.
 
Another opening was made on 72 minutes with John Pomroy bursting through but with his shirt being surreptitious tugged out of sight of the referee, he was unable to gain an extra yard to deliver his shot and the ball was unceremoniously cleared. Moments later, and with Chertsey's defence out of formation, Cove's Ashley Childs exploited the gap at close range for a 72nd minute equaliser.
 
It took only four minutes for Chertsey to regain the lead. Again Brooker was the provider, this time by crossing into the path of Anthony Vine. He shot from the edge of the penalty area. The Cove goalkeeper parried but the ball shot out a good 15 yards to Pomroy who fired a low strike home with style.
 
It looked plain sailing again for Chertsey who did not look in danger of relinquishing their hard fought advantage but contact between a Cove forward and Wayne Noad, standing behind, was seen to be a foul on the attacker. The Cove forwards set up for a free kick on the edge of the area but were then directed to the penalty spot, much to everyone's surprise. where Martin Girling converted to bring the score back level.
 
Chertsey pressed again to try and retake the lead and were unlucky not to get the nod when Lee O'Leary's fierce shot hit a defender. Strong shouts for hand ball were turned down but play continued, eventually with the ball being directed to the Chertsey goal where a corner was conceded. The ball was centred to the near post. Cove's Ken During was on hand to control the ball under suspicious circumstances and then stab it home for a last gasp winner that put his side to the top of the league table.