FOOTBALL- 1ST OCTOBER

An Inspired Comeback and an Amazing Masterclass

Today (Tuesday 1^st October) saw year 10 take on Shavington. Having drawn their opening match at Alsager CHS were looking to take all three points in this match. The first few minutes were encouraging for CHS with them launching several attacks but they couldn’t capitalise on any. Instead CHS found themselves behind after a shot from close range was not dealt with by Morgan Buckley, in the CHS net. 1-0 Shavington. CHS then created several chances including a Reece Carbutt header which didn’t require anything other than a routine save for the Shavington goalkeeper then Morgan Bratt put his half-volley just over when he got underneath the airborne ball. However, the equaliser was well worth the wait as Connor Docherty scored a beauty from 35 yards out. On the half-volley, Docherty twisted and struck it beautifully it soared through the air before dipping under the cross-bar and the back pedalling goalkeeper had no chance. 1-1. CHS weren’t level for long after another lack of concentration and communication from the CHS defence led to Shavington scoring again.

CHS’ defence was exposed throughout the first half and they were out played by Shavington so Mr Donnelly, CHS manager, had a right to be frustrated with the side so much so he gave the team a softer version of the famous ‘hair dryer treatment’ and made tactical changes. These worked superbly as 5 minutes into the second half CHS were back level when Jack O’Gara scored a screamer which nearly ripped the net. Two brilliant goals from CHS. 2-2. CHS then had the opportunity to take the lead for the first time when a through ball from midfield split the defence and Connor Docherty was one on one with the keeper but went for the cool, relaxed finish instead of the more clinical approach as a result the keeper kept it out with his stretched leg. It was soon 3-2 when Connor Dougherty squared the ball and Marcus and a Shavington defender both got a touch on the ball which will bring some debate about whose goal it was. CHS then doubled their lead when Morgan Bratt scored directly from his free-kick despite the acute angle. The ball finished in the far corner after his low free kick skimmed past the huddle of legs with only one needed to deflect it off-target. 4-2. CHS could have had seven and so could Connor Dougherty. The first of Dougherty’s chances came when he burst into the box but the Shavington’s goalkeeper’s legs at the near post prevented CHS extending their lead further. Then Dougherty put his shot straight into the keeper’s stomach before pulling another shot straight across the front of the goal. It just looked like it wasn’t his day but then something clicked when he clinically put his half volley past the keeper into the far bottom corner.  5-2 CHS. Marcus then made it 6-2 from close range from Reece Carbutt’s squared ball. The game finished 6-2 much to the delight of year 10 head of year, number one fan and team cheerleader, Miss Heys who was watching from the sidelines. CHS looked much improved following Mr Donnelly’s ‘hair dryer treatment’ and inspired tactical changes. What have CHS and Mr Donnelly got in store for us next time?

On the other side of the field, year 8 didn’t do it the hard way unlike year 10 when they showed Shavington a footballing masterclass during their 7-0 thrashing. Captain Matt Needham led from the front with 4 goals, which earned him the well deserved man of the match award. George Johnson scored a brace and Finlay Jackson used his height advantage to add a headed goal.

Written by Adam Bailey