Essex Alliance League Senior Division, Saturday February 12th
I was over at Chigwell Hall on Saturday and saw a late Harry Payne brace help Chadwell Heath Spartans come from behind to defeat Lymore Gardens in a big top of the table clash in the Essex Alliance Senior Division.
This was second against third in the division and the hosts knew three points would see them take a firm grip on second spot and possibly reduce the gap to league leaders DTFC, whilst a win for visiting Gardens would reduce the gap to second to just a point, so this was a big game in terms of the championship picture.
So how was the teams form coming into this? Well Spartans since the new year had won two and lost two in all competitions, bouncing back from a 5-1 loss to Jolof Sports to net five themselves last time out in a 5-2 slaying of Kit Out London, whereas Gardens had netted two wins this year against Leyton Royal and Blue Marlin so were after three straight wins in the division.
The two sides had met back on December 4th, and it saw a four match winning run from Spartans ended with a bump after Gardens netted a 4-0 success, this in the midst of a decent winning run themselves, so the visitors at least had previous this campaign, so they were looking to repeat that whilst the hosts wanted to gain some revenge for that painful loss.
It looked like the visitors might repeat the performance of a few weeks ago too early on, they began the better and only took themselves seven minutes to get in front when a ball found Ryo Brown, and he ran into the box before unleashing a superb curling effort into the top corner, and it was not the start the hosts were looking for, and a perfect one for Gardens.
However, once Spartans had settled, they began to create chances, even though they were playing into a rather strong wind, and saw two Aaron Hunwicks free kicks headed off target from good positions, and then a long range effort brilliantly saved by the visitors keeper, so although Spartans went into the break a goal behind, they had the wind second half and hopefully for their case continue that momentum they were starting to build.
The continued to pin the visitors back and put a lot of pressure on the Gardens back line, but try as Spartans might they could not find a way through a stubborn visiting defence who were digging in and holding onto what was a fragile lead, but with just under fifteen minutes to go they saw that lead evaporate as the hard working centre forward Payne got onto a through ball and slotted beyond the keeper and net a well deserved leveller, could they now go on and win it?
Momentum was all with the hosts now, as well as the wind, and sure enough they were to net what proved to be the winning goal seven minutes from time when after the referee had given a penalty for handball just inside the box, Payne stepped up to convert the spot kick, this after the wind had stopped blowing the ball off its spot, he did well to maintain is composure and concentration, and it was a big goal too and handed Spartans a vital win.
A bit of a melee broke out after full time over on the far side, but after all had calmed down it was nice to see both teams shake hands and congratulate each other on a fine game, there was no quarter given out there but once the game is done it's all left on the pitch, so that was good to see that outcome.
The result sees Spartans remain four points behind DTFC (who did manage to win 5-4 today!!!) and now six points ahead of third placed Woodford East, who they play at home next weekend (oooooh!!!) and now seven points ahead of Lymore Gardens, it was a big result and will give Spartans a big boost ahead of another huge game at Chigwell Hall next Saturday.
This result was a big blow to Gardens on the flip side and the league title has just got tougher after this result that is for sure, they are now a massive eleven points off the top having played a game more. They travel away next weekend once again, and take on second bottom Tower United looking to bounce back and hope that teams above them slip up.
Finally would just like to thank the hosts for their wonderful hospitality as always, was nice to have some beers with you all in the bar afterwards, so thank you, added to the enjoyment of the day.
Full time Chadwell Heath Spartans 2 Lymore Gardens 1
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