HAART OF
DIVISION 1
New Romney 2 – 3 Chipstead
A depleted Chipstead were still too good for a New Romney side languishing near the foot of the table as the came away with all 3 points from their visit down the coast. Indeed, the 3-2 score line flattered the hosts as Chipstead failed to make the most of the chances they created.
Chipstead started brightly, with the pace of their front players causing Romney problems early on. However, the hosts took the lead on the half hour against the run of play, a ball drilled in from the left being superbly controlled and put away with aplomb.
Chipstead quickly rallied and Harry Greville, back after injury, leveled soon after with a net bound header which was helped in by a Romney defender on the line. Tom Wilken almost put the visitors ahead before the break when his clever chip clipped the top of the crossbar with Romney’s keeper stranded.
Chipstead deservedly went ahead on 70 minutes when good play down the right ended with Jason Hull netting from close range after his first attempt had clipped the bar. The hosts came back strongly and leveled soon after when an excellent ball in from the right was headed strongly past keeper Dave Baker. The final 15 minutes saw Chipstead press for a winner, which they achieved from the penalty spot after Adam Steward had been brought down inside the area. Wilken netted to wrap up the points for the village side. Chipstead should have added to their lead in the closing 10 minutes, Marcus Heddon striking the post from close range and Steward heading wide when well placed.
Overall, this was a well deserved victory for Chipstead, which keeps them in contention with the 3 teams just above them in the division.
This week, Chipstead face a tough task when they face the in-form Hildenborough Athletic at Tonbridge, KO 2pm