After a disappointing end to a great run last week at home against Cobham, Stur were looking to put things right when they invited Chickerell to Churchill Close, a much improved team from the one that we beat 4-0 at the start of the season.

The home side started brightly and it appeared as if they were ready to put last week’s result behind them. Stur got forward with purpose and pace but lacked the perfect final ball, although it appeared as if it would only be a matter of time during the first 20 minutes.

However, Chickerell got more into the game and the home side began to look more tired and lacklustre after such an encouraging start. An error in defensive organisation allowed a winger too much time to pick out his cross. This was flicked on unfortunately by Brett Walker, allowing an attacker the lucky break he needed to find the time and space and slot the ball home past the dive of Shear. 0-1.

Despite this lapse, it was not long before Marshall equalised. A deep cross drifted towards the back post where Jones was on hand to nod it down, allowing an onrushing Manuel to dink the ball under the away keeper. 1-1.

It seemed that from this goal Stur would be able to take the initiative after half time, well aware of their first half failings. Possession in the second half was largely one-sided, with Chickerell no more than a threat on the break. Yet, the home side found it difficult to create anything in the way of clear-cut chances, reacting slowly to the second balls and generally not making the most of the ball.

Nevertheless, with 20 minutes to go, Manuel put the ball over the top for Thomas to run on to, and the pacy winger found himself 20 yards out and clear of the back four, before being unceremoniously hauled down by a desperate defensive lunge. To the bemusement of the home team, however, the referee failed to produce the deserved red card. To add insult to injury, Gage struck the ensuing free-kick, and it was saved onto the inside of the post and scrambled away.

From this point the game petered out in all honesty, again with decision-making and desire to get on the end of crosses lacking. Stur did not deserve to win this game and will have to go to Weymouth on Thursday night and pick up their performance if they are to get anything from the game against an in-form team still in with a shout of winning the league.