Wars exit FA Cup after battling display

Budweiser FA Cup Replay – Wednesday 15th August 2012
Warlingham F.C. 2 Chessington & Hook United F.C. 3

Having survived at Chessington on Saturday despite twice going behind and being reduced to 10 men Wars were confident of an “upset” in the replay at Church Road, Whyteleafe.

The teams took to the field on a clear sunny evening in front of a good crowd and we were quickly into the action with Chessington again making the early running. Just 3 minutes in and the Chessington centre forward burst through the porous Wars defence and managed to hit the post when he really should have scored. The Chessington crowd must have had a real feeling of “de ja vu”.

Like Saturday it was all Chessington at the out set and Dilley made a crucial save after just 9 minutes when Chessington were through again. He initially hesitated fearing the ball would not carry to the box but then managed to get something on the shot to keep it out
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Greenhouse in midfield was keen to take the fight to Chessington and his cross just failed to avoid the keeper as Wars started to find their feet after 12 minutes. The game was now looking much more even and wars were performing much better than their 1st half performance on Saturday.
Despite this Chessington notched first as Wars, again hesitant in defence allowed a left wing cross into the box which was converted from 2 yards out with Dilley bravely throwing himself at the forwards feet to no avail.

Greenhouse was looking the prime source of a quick response and his cross after 24 minutes avoided the keeper and Joseph met with a good header which needed a finger tip save to keep it out. A corner shortly afterwards was met firmly by Blake but again the Chessington keeper was there to collect.

Things weren’t really going Wars way and perhaps we had used up our fair share of luck on Saturday. Gladwin was penalised as he quickly shut down another Chessington attack and in his frustration suggested the referee should book him, which he duly did!! We then lost Greenhouse through injury and he was replaced by Marks.

Then Chessington went further ahead when Wars failed to clear and conceded a corner which was met at the edge of the 6 yard box and a scuffed shot bounced into the top corner to put Chessington 2-0 up. Just before the half closed Chessington should have been further ahead when a penetrating cross was met at the far post and despatched over the bar when it looked easier to score. Half time wars 2-0 down with an uphill struggle ahead.

Things continued much as before as we started the 2nd half and Chessington had another good chance as again the Wars defence was torn apart but the run and chip saw the ball sail over Dilley’s cross bar. Wars residence did not last long and with 52 minutes on the clock it was 3-0 as again Wars failed to clear the danger and Chessington muscled the ball in.

Cue the Wars fight back as a little bit of complacency started to creep into Chessington’s ranks much as it had on Saturday. 57 minutes gone and Wars grab one back as Joseph refuses to be beaten and manages to get the ball back across the box which is then deflected into the net for an own goal.

Dias was now having more of a positive influence but not finding his range with free kicks as he had done so well on Saturday. However, on 64 minutes his cross was met by Joseph with a powerful header and Wars were back in it at 3-2 down.

We now had a real cup tie on our hands as both teams went for broke. Wars were still struggling defensively and Dilley was regularly in the action as Chessington built and missed more chances to put it beyond doubt. At the other end Wars were more threatening and were beginning to connect play and develop chances. Dias shot over after 85 minutes and his free kick was met by White on 89 minutes and forced back across goal but Joseph could not get any power behind his headed effort.
As we neared the end of normal time things got a little heated with first Giles going into the book for a tackle and then Wallace following him for saying something to the referee.

It finally ended 3-2 and Chessington deservedly take their place in the next round away at Eastbourne Town.

Team: Dilley, Gladwin, Blake, Nicoli, Martin, White, Giles, Arney, Greenhouse, Dias, Joseph

Subs used: Marks, Curtis, Wallace not used: Coates, Howard

MOM: Having played much better than we did on Saturday it was disappointing to go out but there were some good performances to mention. Dilley was again excellent in goal. Greenhouse looked a class apart whilst on the field. Both full backs were much improved and Giles fought hard to win the ball in midfield.

Stand out in this game was Joseph. Put everything into it and scored a fine goal and created the other. Never gave the Chessington defence a moment’s peace. He even managed to avoid a booking. Great all round performance.