CHICKERELL UNITED 2

HOLT UNITED 3

CHICKERELL United might have failed to finish in the top three in the Dorset Premier League but outgoing boss Maurice Welch was full of admiration for his players despite a final-day defeat against Holt United at Weymouth College. Both sides went into the clash knowing victory would claim them third spot but after Ben Coltart handed the hosts an early lead the Bulls hit back with two spectacular free-kicks to lead at the break.

The Chickens lost defensive linchpin Scott Henley to injury at the interval but they came out in the second half and put Holt under intense pressure only to concede an unfortunate third via a deflection off Andy Graham.

Chickerell heads could have dropped but instead they galvanised and after Ashley Smith and Nick Etherington both wasted good opportunities, 16-year-old substitute Stuart Walbridge made it 3-2 with 10 minutes to go.

The home side threw everything forward and should have had a penalty when a Holt defender pushed an effort around the post with his hand.

Welch was understandably frustrated by that decision but at the final whistle he was magnanimous in defeat.

He said: “To go into the last two games of the season with a chance of coming runners-up only to finish fourth is always going to be a bit disappointing but it takes nothing away from a fantastic season.

“To reach a cup final and to finish in amongst the top sides in the league is a fantastic achievement in our first season at this level.

“They are an honest bunch and they now know what it takes at this standard and I am sure they will come back even stronger next season.”

Commenting on the game, Welch added: “We took the lead in the first two minutes and we were all over them.

“However, I think we then got a bit over-confident and suddenly we started to lose our shape a bit.

“We then gave a needless free kick away, which they levelled from, before they then scored from another one from about 30 yards out to take a 2-1 lead.

“I gave the lads a bit of a rollicking at half-time and to be fair they went out in the second half and began very well.

“However, Holt then got a fortunate third that deflected in off Andy Graham and at that stage we had a bit of a mountain to claim.

“Stuart Walbridge got us back into it before we had a penalty appeal turned down.

“It was a good save to be fair but how the officials did not see it I do not know.

“We deserved something from the game and even though that is the first time we have conceded three this season, there were positives.

“The lads have done me proud this season and I would like to thank them for their commitment and determination in what has been a very successful campaign.”

Chickerell: A Weeks, Henley (L Weeks 46), Graham, D Welch, Miles, Roper, Evans, Smith, Sibley (Walbridge 70), Etherington, Coltart. Sub not used: S Welch.