CHICKERELL UNITED 1 CRANBORNE 0

ANDY Hall netted the only goal of the game to help a below-par Chickerell extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches.

Hall struck in the 34th minute at Weymouth College to secure all three Dorset Premier League points.

However, the Chickens were forced to survive one or two hairy moments as visiting Cranborne, already beaten three times by United this season, went close to snatching an equaliser.

Chickerell boss Maurice Welch, whose side also drew 0-0 after extra-time at Hamworthy Recreation on Saturday, said: “It was a tough game. We’ve played Cranborne four times this season and won each time but this was the best effort they put in and they had a good go at us.

“We weren’t brilliant, the lads were feeling a bit tired and we were made to work for it. We played 120 minutes against Hamworthy on the Saturday and it takes time to recover but the effort was there and that’s all I can ask for.

“We did have chances to score a second but having said that Cranborne hit the bar late on. It wasn’t a pretty game to watch but it keeps our run going.”

Chickerell’s impressive run of form will be put to the test over the next week as they visit Rec this Saturday for their League Cup semi-final replay before hosting Portland United in the league on Tuesday night.

Welch added: “It’s not going to get an easier for us but as long as we give 100 per cent then that’s all I can ask for. We’ll have a rest now and hopefully finish the job on Saturday.”

Chickens: A Weeks, Biles, D Welch, Graham (Henley 46), Smith, Sibley, Evans, Miles, Hall, White (Coltart 60), Beads (L Weeks 80).