CHASETOWN Reserves progressed to the Final of the Staffs Challenge Cup with a 3-0 win over local rivals Burntwood Town on Tuesday. Click below to read the report.
CHASETOWN RESERVES 3 BURNTWOOD TOWN 0, STAFFS CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL, TUESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY
THREE FIRST half goals fired Chasetown Reserves into the final of the Staffordshire Challenge Cup against local rivals Burntwood Town on Tuesday night, writes Dave Goddard.
After suffering postponements due to the weather and ground unavailability the Scholars were eager to impress and delivered a positive and fast-paced performance to continue their mightily impressive season.
Chasetown took the game to their local opponents right from the kick-off, Jonathan Gould and Tom Lowe going close with headers in the opening minutes from Craig Deakin crosses while Dean Brookes found Burntwood’s first chance but his shot was tipped over the bar by keeper Mark Wiggins.
After constant pressure Chasetown took the lead on 19 minutes when Matt Wood’s free kick provoked a period of pinball in the penalty area before Jamie Aiton forced the ball over the line to put the Scholars ahead.
Further chances ensued for Tom Brown and Lowe before on 32 minutes Jordan Archer burst through from the centre and while visiting keeper Nathan Brown got a hand to his right-footed shot he could only help the ball into the net for 2-0.
Seven minutes later and some good work by the impressive Lowe saw him fire across the face of goal from a tight angle and winger Courtney Sowe was in position to tap the ball into the net to make it three for the Scholars.
Half time: Chasetown 3 Burntwood Town 0.
The Scholars could afford to relax a little during the second half, but manager Andy Penny’s stentorian cries from the dugout kept them on their toes as Burntwood tried their hardest to strike back.
Skipper Andy Batha departed injured on 69 minutes before Stuart Birt replaced Lowe for the hosts and came close to scoring with his first touch but Burntwood keeper Brown was on hand at the near post. Tom Brown then unleashed a screamer of a shot from 35 yards which flew just wide of his namesake’s far post, Nathan Brown putting in a decent second half performance with a couple of fine saves.
Samson Alalade came close to making it four with six minutes but his low shot went wide, while a Deakin cross in the closing minutes almost saw an own goal for the visitors but the alert Brown was able to gather as Chasetown progressed to a meeting with Cheadle Town in the Final on a date yet to be announced.
Chasetown: Wiggins (c), Deakin, Sowe, Wood, Hulin, J Aiton, Degville-Cross, T Brown, Lowe, Archer, Gould. Subs: Darby (T Brown 78), Birt (Lowe 76), James, Alalade (Archer 45).
Burntwood: N Brown, Wright, Fardo, Batha (c), Hyden, Punnet, Barry, Moorhouse, Green, Brookes, London. Subs: S Street (Batha 69), L Street (London 66), Gentles, Turner, Kulik.
Goals: J Aiton 19, Archer 32, Sowe 39.
Referee: Mr S Hazelden.
