Sturminster Marshall Stars 0 Chickerell United 5 

A vocal home crowd in excess of thirty, watched the Stars dominate a hard fought first half, yet still go into the interval 1 - 0 down. Had the Stars reached this point of the game 3 or 4 nil up, which would not have been an injustice, without doubt, they would have finished the job.  

Jak Kellock, George Downer and Jonny Hale all missed out by little more than the thickness of a piece of tracing paper. These were not, though, isolated opportunities as the Stars spent most of the first half camped in and around the Chickerell box. They were, however, undone by the only significant attack by Chickerell, which was finished off with an unstoppable low shot to David Waterman’s right. 

Chickerell started the second half in buoyant style, and it was not long before they had doubled their lead. The Stars did not capitulate, as may be expected when a team goes 2 – 0 down. It was, though, always going to be difficult to retrieve this score line, and get something from the game. Eager to please the Churchill Close faithful, they re-arranged their formation, which looked like it may pay off, but whilst committing forward they sacrificed their defensive integrity, which lead to a flurry of goals towards the end.  

Sam Wickham was awarded man of the match for a courageous and determined display in defence, which would of held for longer, if he did not have to make way, when the Stars had to rethink their tactics whilst chasing the game. Stars manager, Matt Downer, was upbeat afterwards, as he explained, “Although this was a game of two halves, I was really impressed with way the lads never gave up. They could easily have gone into the interval with an unassailable lead. However, we should forget the score, because if they battle and show the character they showed today, then it will not be long before those chances start to get converted”. 

In the end, the football was not quite as glorious as the late September sunshine that warmed all of those that took the time to be there today. But given this is only the Stars second ever league game, there were more plus’s than minus’s. A little more work on the training field, to encourage a cohesive blend of teamwork and discipline and the rest of the Dorset League had better be ready.