1st Team
Matches
Sat 11 Aug 2012
Chessington & Hook United
2
2
Warlingham F.C.
1st Team
Wars escape with a draw

Wars escape with a draw

Steve Rolfe15 Aug 2012 - 22:15
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Wars survived a first half onslaught to recover in the second period and escape with a draw

Budwieser FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round – 11th August 2012

Chessington & Hook United 2 Warlingham F.C. 2

Warlingham came into only the second FA Cup game in their history looking for their first win following the disappointment at Tunbridge Wells at the start of last season. The weather was clear and hot and not ideal for football but the pitch looked in good condition. Wars started kicking down the slope and were very quickly under pressure with Chessington quickly “out of the blocks”.
During the first 15 minutes it was all one way traffic and Warlingham did well to keep out a rampant Chessington attack. After 8 minutes the ball was angled through the Wars defence and put wide. Then after some desperate defending Chessington blasted over from close range. Then goalkeeper Dilley made the first of a strong of saves that kept Warlingham in the game as he got down at the far post to thwart the Chessington forward when he really should have scored.
Greenhouse managed a firm shot on target after 16 minutes which represented Wars first foray into the Chessington final third. But still Wars were up against it and they again shot wide after a sharp one two when they should really have scored. Two minutes later and again Chessington go close but the ball finds its way wide and Wars breathe another sigh of relief as Manager, Giles and Coach, Benham continue to go apoplectic on the bench.
Finally Wars started to settle into the game as Joseph found Francis who in turn spread the ball wide to Curtis whose shot was well blocked. Belief started to return and on 25 minutes a sweeping ball from Dias found Curtis wide on the right and his cross was met by Joseph and the keeper in the first of a combative series and the keeper did well to hang on under pressure.
Just when it looked like Wars were improving Chessington scored. A deep free kick was delivered from just inside the Wars half and found the Chessington forward on the far post and he did well to divert the ball low to Dilly’s left and find the corner. Wars 1-0 down.
Chessington were again on the front foot and rattled the cross bar with a powerful free kick after 35 minutes. The as the half drew to a close Dilley made two excellent saves to keep wars in the game with the second at point blank range.
The half finished with matt Francis being replaced by Sam Marks after an injury recurrence.
Half time wars 1-0 down (it could and perhaps should have been 5!!)
The second half began with Wars showing renewed commitment and Joseph within seconds of the re start was through to set up Curtis who was tackled on the edge of the box. This was to be his last involvement as he was replaced by Arney with Wars in need of a goal.
Dias duly delivered after 54 minutes as he struck a powerful left foot free kick from 25 yards into the top right hand corner with the keeper routed to the spot. Now Wars were right back in it.
Joseph continued to look dangerous and wars now carried a bigger threat but unfortunately went behind again following a slip by Martin at right back which let in the Chessington forward who committed Dilley before scoring to put them 2-1 up.

Wallace replaced Giles in central midfield after 71 minutes and shortly afterwards Dias was sent off. The referee was clearly at fault in awarding a free kick against Dias as he challenged the Chessington keeper in the air and frustration got the better of Dias as he received one and then another yellow card despite Captain Nicoli’s efforts to calm the situation.
2-1 behind and down to 10 men with things not looking good. However, as is often the case Wars were spurred by adversity and started to force themselves back into the game. Greenhouse was now making a real impact in midfield and his challenge sent Arney through but he was just challenged whilst shooting and it came to nothing. Arney had now been pushed into the centre to support Joseph as Wars went for broke and it played off after Wallace again robbed the Chessington midfield and found Arney who despatched a sharp left foot drive low into the right hand corner that looked a goal as soon as he struck it.
The final whistle arrived shortly afterwards and Wars had salvaged a replay when they could so easily have been comprehensively beaten.
Team: Dilley, Martin, White, Nicola, Gladwin, Greenhouse, Dias, Giles, Joseph, Curtis, Francis Subs used: Marks, Wallace, Arney Not used: Coates, Howard
MOM: Whilst it took some time to get going there were some strong performances from Joseph up front, Greenhouse in midfield and Nicoli at the back. Cameos from Dias and Arney who both scored excellent goals to keep us in the tie.
The stand out performance was from Dilley without whom we would have been dead and buried by half time. He showed bravery, commitment and great agility to keep us in the game.

Match details

Match date

Sat 11 Aug 2012

Kickoff

15:00
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