ESPA Juniors U13 Saints 4 vs 3 Chipstead Youth U13 Whites

A combination of lack lustre finishing and very poor refereeing deprived Chipstead of starting off the new league season with a win.

Despite two goals from Aydan, Chipstead wasted several other chances to put the game out of sight to their opponents in the first half.

The dominance of the first half was soon a distant memory as ESPA pushed forward in numbers early in the second period. However, they were very fortunate to get a goal back when the referee failed to penalise the ESPA striker who clearly handled the ball before scoring 12 minutes into the second half. Within minutes ESPA were on level terms when one of their forwards was awarded a penalty after tripping over the ball in the area.

Clearly affected by the poor decisions from the match official, Chipstead then conceded a further 2 goals in quick succession as ESPA launched a series of attacks down the right. At the other end, chances continued to be squandered whilst a clear shove on Arthur in the ESPA penalty area was ignored by the referee.

In the final minutes a fine lob over the ESPA keeper by Aydan encouraged the Chipstead spectators that the boys could possibly get a point from the encounter. Alas, it was not to be as ESPA saw out the final seconds of the match.

Although clearly disappointed, the boys will need to put this result swiftly behind them as a sterner test awaits next week against Albury Youth Eagles.