CHICKERELL UNITED 4

WINCANTON TOWN RES 0

CHICKERELL United produced a dominant display to sweep aside Wincanton Town Reserves, but it came at a cost.

Prolific striker Matt Stickland was one of three United players to sustain injuries in this Dorset Senior League clash.

The Chickens started quickly and, after four minutes, a ball to Stickland was sent into the area where he was fouled to earn a penalty but as a result had to be substituted.

James Hansford struck the spot-kick away confidently into the left-hand corner to give the Chickens the lead.

After 20 minutes, Chickerell extended their lead, when Shane James ran the ball close to the byline and swung in a beautiful cross from a tough angle which Nick Voss headed in at the back post.

Hansford got his second of the match when a good move down the right-hand side produced a goalmouth scramble.

Nick Etherington had a shot which forced the goalkeeper into a great save but Hansford was well-placed to fire in from the rebound.

The first half ended 3-0 and Chickerell manager Shaun Murphy told his team just to keep doing the same things as the first half was a joy to watch.

In the second half, Wincanton defended well but the Chickens still had chances – Etherington had a shot that hit a post and Dan Welch struck the crossbar.

In the 75th minute, Welch fired in, which was saved but Voss hit in the rebound.

Hansford came off with a hamstring injury shortly after, while Voss sustained a knee injury late on but carried on playing until the end of the match.

The Chickens held firm however, and secured the resounding win.

Murphy said: “It was a very good performance. I was a little bit nervous at the start but it was a well deserved result.

“I don’t think the boys had any nerves at all. They were absolutely outstanding right from the word go.

“It was good to win, especially a home game as well you have got to win your home games.

“It was a good victory but one that came at a bit of a cost.”

In their next match, Chickerell travel to Witchampton United on Saturday (3pm), with whom they beat 7-5 last season in a match that saw Chickerell go 2-0 up, before ending the first half 5-2 down before they pulled it back to win.

Chickerell: Bickerstaffe, Cracknell, Rodgers, James, Heath, Hansford (McCarthy 60), D Welch, Harvey, Voss, Stickland (Dewey 5), Etherington

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