STURMINSTER MARSHALL 1

CHICKERELL UNITED 3

CHICKERELL United chalked up their seventh win on the spin in all competitions at Sturminster Marshall in the first round of the Dorset Senior Cup.

But Maurice Welch’s men certainly had to work for it with the hosts matching them throughout until Jon Welch scored a marvellous free-kick on 82 minutes to finally put the result beyond doubt.

Prior to that, the visitors got off to a fine start by taking the lead on 10 minutes when Warren White pulled down a long ball from the back and beat a defender before firing an accurate shot into the corner of the net.

The in-form striker then went on to win a penalty just moments later but this time he was denied by a brilliant save as United continued to look the more threatening side.

Jon Welch hit the bar and Dan Welch had an effort ruled out for offside before Ashley Weeks was forced into two fine saves at the other end as Stur began to mount a charge of their own.

The pressure eventually told when Will Gage tucked home a rebound to restore parity but just a few minutes later the hosts then lost their manager to a red card for foul and abusive language from the dugout as the drama continued.

Jon Welch then missed a one-on-one opportunity before White was pulled down in the box again midway through the second half enabling Dan Welch to restore the visitors’ lead.

To their credit Stur refused to wilt but when Jon Welch’s set-piece deceived the home keeper there was clearly no way back as the Chickens went on to set up a second round home tie against Hamworthy Recreation.

United boss Maurice Welch said: “We had to work very hard and really grind it out against a Stur side that are clearly one of the fittest teams in the league.

“They refused to give up and the fact we matched them and came through it despite missing four first-teamers was a fantastic effort.

“The lads that came in, Josh Houghton, Joel Protheroe and Tom Peck, all did well and I also thought Scott Henley marshalled the back three superbly.

“Ashley made some good saves, Dan Welch worked hard and Jon Welch and Warren White linked up well up front too so it was just a good all-round performance really and it keeps the momentum going.”

Commenting on the draw for the next round, the excited manager added: “It is very pleasing. I would like to have another go at Hamworthy Rec, particularly after they beat us earlier in the season.”

Chickens: Weeks, S Welch, Barrow, Henley, Peck, Miles, Protheroe, Houghton, D Welch, White, Jo Welch. Sub not used: Ja Welch.