Saturday’s game between Cheam 2s and Reigate Priory 3s was the first visit for Cheam to Nonsuch for far too long, writes Charlie Ede.
Cheam had the bulk of possession but there were still forays into the Cheam 23 by Reigate. Some attacking pressure led to captain Andy Cooper forgetting what sport he was playing and executing a sliding tackle John Terry would have been proud of. The ensuing short corner’s drag flick didn’t really test the Cheam keeper and was 50% of the saves made in the first half.
Jamie Weston led the charge up front with many attacking short corners won, and many chances on goal. The Reigate keeper kept his team in it. But it is reassuring to see some opportunities actually being transferred to shots on goal.
There were more Reigate attacks and short corners, but testament to Cheam’s defenders and midfield working back– the keeper was not troubled for the remainder of the half. Apart from one particular incident. Captain Andy Cooper, being the generous soul he is, still likes to give the attackers the ball.
The half time talk was a relaxed and confident affair. We finally were addressing some issues we’ve had in the earlier stages of the season, but resolved to move the ball more positively. And captain Andy Cooper promised he would try and keep hold of the ball.
The second half ran in a similar fashion to the first with a great deal of Cheam pressure, interspersed with the odd run at the D by Reigate.
A couple of incidents of note around the Cheam D.
Firstly following a deflection save by the Cheam keeper, the ball became stuck underneath his body. A very (Very) affectionate attacker decided the best course of action was to lie on top of the keeper. Somewhere in this amorous exchange the ball pinged out and rolled over the line.
So, 1-1 and all to play for. Cheam stepped up the forward pressure and thankfully, a Cheam short corner followed shortly afterwards. The ball was deflected in by Dan Threfall for his second of the day.
The final play of the game saw Cheam with another attacking short corner. Another slick routine saw the ball in the back of the net by Dan. 3-1 to Cheam. BUT no. Halfway Line Umps wanted to be involved again. Again queried whether the ball had left the D. This time the query stuck.
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