Chalgrove: Simon Godfrey (2), Nick Skiller (2), Matthew Howitt

 

 

Howitt ensures it's plane sailing for Chalgrove

 

Newly qualified pilot Matthew Howitt returned from year of playing flight simulator in Xerex to come off the bench and score a fine goal as Chalgrove picked up their first points of the season with this 5-1 win over Garsington.

The home side were without Cox (ankle), Clewer (knee), McGraw (holiday) and Armstrong (head) but were still confident that this could be the fixture which saw them get their first victory. That said, it was the away side who started the better of the two teams and with Garsington looking bright on the ball it was no surprise when they went 1-0 up, albeit with a degree of fortune in the goal. A defensive clearance from Bertie Proctor hit another Chalgrove player in the face and the ball sat nicely for Garsington's Ben Cutis to lob over Eeles from 20 yards out. This was now a test for Chalgrove and there was no option but to battle their way back in to the game and the home side managed to grab an equaliser when Simon Godfrey pounced on a mistake from the Garsington 'keeper and was able to slot the loose ball home and draw the sides level. Chalgrove then settled and scored a second when the ball broke to Nick Skiller some 20 yards out and his curled effort left the visitor's keeper with no chance as the ball sailed over his head and in to the back of the net.

 

The second half started evenly with both teams recognising that the next goal was going to be important. Garsington pushed and probed for an equaliser whilst Simon Godfrey missed a great chance at the other end to put the game beyond doubt. Fortunately for him though another chance was to present itself when Coles played a ball through from right-back and Godfrey was able to run through on goal and finish calmly past the Garsington goalkeeper. Chalgrove then received a boost to their efforts when Garsington's full-back received his second booking for kicking the ball away and was duly given his marching orders. This gave the home side all the encouragement they needed and it wasn't long before Nick Skiller scored his second of the game with a well placed shot and then substitute Matt Howitt (who'd replaced Tim Cox) flew through the Garsington defence and lashed the ball home.