Ben Chapman’s superb hat-trick provided the perfect 70th
birthday present for Hoops manager Derek Hares as his side powered through to
the third round of the Buildbase FA Vase.
To do so they had to overcome some awful playing conditions as well as a
stubborn Oxhey Jets side who showed why they are currently on the tails of the
pacemakers in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.
A delighted Hares said afterwards: “I thought the boys played really well in what were really horrendous
conditions. Ben Chapman was outstanding in midfield but nobody had a bad game
against a team who were no mugs.”
The players had to contend with gale force
winds and driving rain which left deep puddles all over the pitch and made accurate
passing extremely difficult, and it was the Hertfordshire side who coped the
better early on as they took a 15th-minute lead. Carlos Simao’s shot was
half-saved by James Tonkin and Reece Cameron reacted the quickest to fire home
the loose ball.
But the Hoops slowly began to come to terms
with the conditions and they got back on level terms with 35 minutes gone when
Billy Munday’s cross was finished off from just inside the six-yard box by
Chapman.
And the midfielder struck again seven minutes
later when, following another precise right-wing move, Chapman headed home from
Sam Wilson’s cross to edge the Hoops in front at the break.
They then came racing out of the blocks at
the start of the second half and Wilson and Connor Coyne both went close in the
opening minutes before new signing Matty Robinson fired inches over following
another good move.
And a third Hoops goal duly arrived just past
the hour mark when, from Joe Reeves’ low cross, Munday scored with a stooping
header.
Oxhey Jets could only manage the occasional
threat in response and, as their frustration grew, they lost Nick Kerley to the
“sin bin” for a 10-minute period during which Chapman completed his hat-trick
from close range.
Hares added: “I thought we looked the fitter
side if I’m honest and that we were deserved winners in the end. The changing
room was buzzing room afterwards and now we are just looking forward to the
draw for the next round.”
Deal: Tonkin, Scott, Penny, Foster, Reeves
(Hark 72), Munday, Chapman (Maughan 87), Murray, Coyne, Wilson, Robinson
(Cardwell 65).
Attendance: 148
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ITS AN AWAY DAY FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF THE FA VASE
BREAKING NEWS We have been drawn AWAY to Bridgwater United FC in the 5th Round of The FA Vase. The tie will be played at 3pm on
2 Responses
A well deserved MOM for Ben Chapman who has put in some very good performances in recent weeks. A mention must also go to the officials and to all the players of both sides in giving the spectators a good game to watch despite the very bad conditions.
Well done to all concerned,not only for the result but playing in such conditions!
Looking forward to the draw on Monday.