CHICKERELL UNITED 1

SHAFTESBURY TOWN RES 4

CHICKERELL United’s shaky start to the campaign in the Dorset Senior League continued on Saturday, as they were hit for four at home by leaders Shaftesbury Town Reserves.

The Chickens went in at the break a goal down but managed to get back on level terms after the interval – Nick Etherington made it 1-1.

But, despite the hosts pressing for a second to claim the advantage, the Rockies hit them on the counter and Steve Coward’s men were back behind at 2-1.

And, in chasing the game, the Stalls outfit were left to succumb to a 4-1 reverse.

The defeat means that Chickerell, the defending champions of the Senior League this season, have just one victory and four points to their name after four games.

Speaking about Saturday’s loss, Coward said: “We didn’t really create a lot in the first half but there were two or three chances we probably should have scored from.

“Goals like that just aren’t going in for us at the moment.

“Last year we were playing bad and getting results, this year we seem to be playing well but not finding a finish in front of goal and it’s not happening for us.

“Take nothing away from Shaftesbury, they are a decent outfit and they will be up there at the end of the season without a doubt.”

Chickerell will now turn their attentions to a Dorset Senior Trophy first round clash at Poole Borough on Saturday.

Coward added: “Hopefully a little break from the league might be what we need.

“We can regroup and go again.”

Chickens: Bickerstaff, Welch, Harvey, Sandeman, Rogers, Protheroe, White, Hansford, Etherington, Ryan, Hillyar. Subs: Bill, James, Campbell-Bell