HAART OF
DIVISION 1
Saga Sports 2 – 3 Chipstead
Chipstead turned in a slick performance on Saturday when they travelled to Hythe to bring to an end Saga’s 5 match winning sequence. The result takes Chipstead up to 4th place in their best ever start to a league campaign since going up to Division 1.
The village side welcomed back skipper Bobby Knight after a 7 match absence with a broken toe, and also keeper Dave Baker and midfielder Peter Nolan, both of whom had also been sidelined in recent weeks.
The hosts started brightly and had Chipstead on the back foot during the opening 15 minutes, a brilliant fingertip save from Baker denying Saga an early goal. Having weathered the storm, Chipstead settled down to play some very attractive football, which the hosts struggled to contain. The visitors deservedly went ahead on 25 minutes when centre back Luke Dunne pounced on a loose ball 15 yards out to fire low past Saga’s keeper. With Chipstead looking comfortable, they were caught out from a corner on 37 minutes, a ball to the far post being headed back across the face of the goal where it was prodded home from close range.
Chipstead picked up the pace after the break, with Tom Wilken and James Porter pulling the strings in midfield. Chipstead again took the lead on the hour mark when a Saga defender could do little but help Porter’s dangerous free kick into the back of his own net. Against the run of play, Saga again leveled from another set piece, a corner being headed home by their centre back. Chipstead bounced back with Liam Smith and Adam Steward up front causing the hosts all sorts of problems, coupled with some enterprising wing play from youngster Joffie Shea, on for the injured Leighton Rees. Now playing some superb flowing football, Chipstead netted a decisive 3rd goal on 75 minutes, Dale Hart playing a lovely ball into Smith who nodded home from close range. With Knight a calming influence at the back, Chipstead held out against a late flurry from the hosts to secure all 3 points.
This week, Chipstead face another long trek when they travel once again down to the coast, this time to face New Romney in a league match, KO 2pm