MATCH REPORT: Chertsey Town 3-0 Wimborne Town

Wimborne Town fell to a three-goal defeat away at Chertsey Town on Saturday. Two first-half goals gave the hosts an advantage going into the break, before a late third sealed the win for the Curfews.

Manager Tim Sills made a single change to the team that were defeated 4-1 by Walton & Hersham on Tuesday, with Sam Roberts making way for Billy Walker at the back, and new signing Rafa Ramos being named on the bench.

In the opening moments, Oscar Abbotson was called into action to halt a one-on-one attempt with a good save, low with his left boot.

In the 11^th minute, Lewis Williams made a good run through the hosts’ defence before firing over the bar. Ethan Sills then forced Luke Wynne-Roberts into a good save with a powerful strike to keep the scores level.

The young midfielder again directed another shot at goal three minutes later, but it was comfortably stopped.

Despite the Magpies early pressure, Chertsey won the ball high up the pitch and worked the ball into the box towards Bradley Wilson, whose shot at goal took a big deflection into the back of the net for the lead.

Almost immediately after the opener, the Curfews striker was played through on goal and looked certain to double the lead, however he dragged his shot narrowly wide of the far post.

In the 28^th minute, Abbotson made a superb save, tipping a powerful strike from range onto the post and denying the hosts a second.

Will Fletcher was then involved in several threats to the Chertsey goal up the other end of the pitch. The first, a swerving shot from range that was saved, then he just failed to get on the end of Joe Ryan’s sizzling cross.

The home side responded with a second goal on 40 minutes. Jackson looked to be fouled near the corner flag, but play continued with the ball being fizzed into the box which forced Abbotson into a great double save, but the ball was eventually turned in by Luke Robertson from close-range.

The Magpies responded with two changes made at the break, with Tyler Edmondson replacing Drew Eccott-Young and debutant Ramos coming on for Ryan.

The second 45 saw a positive start from Wimborne, with Cam Munn making a good run down the left and pulling the ball back into the danger area before the Chertsey stopper claimed it well.

Among the Magpies opportunities to start the half, Sills saw a shot from outside the box saved and Fletcher headed well wide. Sam Jackson then floated a great ball towards Fletcher who flicked the ball into the path Ramos for a shot that flew inches wide from close-range.

Ramos was kept out again only three minute later after another shot inside the box, after an excellent flick from Sills, before setting up a header for Fletcher that was saved once more.

Ajani Burchall and Max Bustamante were introduced late on, looking to add some more attacking threat and salvage something from the game.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, Sills was played in on goal but pulled his shot just wide of the far post.

As the referee indicated seven minutes of additional time, Wimborne’s efforts to grab a consolation goal were put to bed as Chertsey grabbed a third through a fantastic volley from Olly McCoy that dipped and looped over Abbotson. It was a brilliant strike.

The chance-ridden half for the Magpies came to nothing as the hosts claimed all three points at Alwyns Lane. Next up is another away trip, this time to Uxbridge, on Saturday where Wimborne will hope to end their away winless run.

Magpies XI: Oscar Abbotson; Drew Eccott-Young (Tyler Edmondson, 45’), Harry Thomas, Billy Walker, Sam Jackson (C); Josh Carmichael (Sam Roberts, 65’), Cam Munn (Ajani Burchall, 71’), Ethan Sills; Joe Ryan (Rafa Ramos, 45’), Lewis Williams (Max Bustamante, 78’), Will Fletcher

Match Report: Euan Thomas

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