HAART OF KENT COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

DIVISION 1

Hildenborough Athletic 3 – 2 Chipstead

An enthralling game at Tonbridge Racecourse ground saw Chipstead lose out to title challengers Hildenborough Athletic by the odd goal in five. Borough seemed to have the game wrapped up midway through the second half when they went 3 ahead, however a resilient Chipstead staged a late fightback to net twice and almost clinch a 3^rd late on.

The hosts had the better of exchanges early on and had Chipstead on the rack during the opening half hour, but only had the one goal to show for their efforts, the result of a misunderstanding in the Chipstead defence. As the half wore on, Chipstead started to get into their stride but were unable to breech an uncompromising Borough defence.

Borough added to their lead after the break when Chipstead gave the ball away inside their area and added a 3^rd midway through the half. Chipstead brought on Jason Hull and Marcus Heddon to give them more of an attacking threat and the changes soon paid dividends with Liam Smith and then Hull netting to bring them within touching distance of the hosts. Despite continued pressure Chipstead were unable to find an equalizer, Stuart Rawlins going closest with a terrific strike superbly tipped away by Borough’s keeper.

This week, Chipstead host Fleetdown United in what should be a keenly contested league encounter, KO 2-00pm.