CHICKERELL UNITED 4

BOSCOMBE POLONIA 0

STEVE Coward signed off his tenure as Chickerell United manager with a crushing 4-0 victory over Boscombe Polonia.

The Chickens got off to a cagey start, allowing the visitors to dominate play, allowing the game to turn into something of a scrappy affair early on.

At the halfway point in the first period, Chickerell began to make a mark on the game, putting together several fine passing manoeuvres which led to the opener from Warren White on 30 minutes.

Despite dominating, the Chickens went in at the break with just a one-goal lead, but blew their opponents away in the second period as goals from Josh Why, White and a James Hansford free-kick gave the home side a comfortable victory to sign off the season, something which delighted departing manager Coward.

He said: “It was a good solid performance and a decent way to finish the season.

“It was nice to sign off with a win and we had a decent crowd, so it’s good that they got to see a few goals.”

Coward then praised his squad for their efforts during a difficult season, and urged his young squad to keep improving.

He said: “At the start of the season we had so many injuries, and after that you’ve really got to pick up the pieces for the rest of the season to keep going.

“We had to play a lot of youngsters this season who had to adapt quickly, and I think that’s benefitted them.

“I’d like the squad to stick together next season and to see the youngsters try and better themselves. These lads who’ve come through have been given an opportunity and have proven that they’re Senior League players.

“If a few more lads truly commit themselves and step up to the mark, they’ll be given opportunities.

“I think a lot of kids come up through youth team football and they just want to play together as mates, but if they work hard and better themselves then they can play at the highest standard they can and everyone in the county will benefit from it.

“I want to thank everyone at the club, and all the players for everything they’ve done for me because they’ve been good as gold through my entire time at the club, I’ve had a fantastic time here.

“It was nice to finish on a high and gives them something to build on going into next season.”

Chickens: Bickerstaff, Rogers, James, Welch, Harvey, Doyle, Etherington, Ryan, Hansford, White, Why. Subs: Sandeman, Miller, Ryan