Match Report
Clevedon Town 1 Chester City 4
Well the fans have gone away, the balloons have burst, the TV cameras have been switched off and the Seasiders wonderful FA Cup run has finally come to an end after they were beaten, but certainly not humiliated, by a professional Chester City side who did their job superbly well and deservedly won on the day. But this day was never going to be about the result, this was Clevedon’s Big Day, and nobody was going to spoil the fan’s day as 2261 hardy souls braved a cold, swirling wind to watch their local side take on Football League opposition for the first time in their 126 year history. Blue and white flags, scarves and hats were everywhere and the atmosphere in the ground made eyes swell up as Clevedon and Chester were given a marvelous welcome by the massed crowds on the terracing. It was the biggest crowd to have watched Clevedon at home for 55 years when 2300 watched them beat Bath City at the old Teignmouth Road, and the biggest crowd at the Hand Stadium. In the end they trooped away, having given their side a standing ovation as they left the pitch, and for those of us who have been watching them for some time, it was a proud moment that will be remembered for many long years.
As for the match itself, well if we were honest we were never really in it with a Chester side showing their professionalism and slick finishing, although Clevedon were never humiliated and never stopped trying, Kris Witcombe and Leon Hapgood showing the way in determination and Billy Clark’s wise old head ensuring they kept going. It was in the seventh minute when Clevedon’s own hopes of snatching a early goal were thwarted when Sean Hessey’s right wing cross was clinically side-footed home by Laurence Wilson to ease the visitors nerves and put them ahead. The rest of the first half was predominantly played out in Clevedon’s half and the swirling wind and physical presence of the Chester players made it difficult for Clevedon to break free as an attacking force. However despite their domination, Chester were just 1-0 up when the half time whistle blew and, with the wind behind them in the second half, could this be the Seasiders chance to get on level terms.
Sadly it wasn’t to be and it was Chester who got the all important second goal in controversial fashion. A free kick on the edge of the Clevedon box was charged down but a harsh handball decision was given by the referee, who seemed to do his best to annoy the supporters all afternoon, and from the second kick, Martinez slid the ball sideways for Jamie Hand to smash home an unstoppable effort on 49 minutes. It was 3-0 on the hour when sloppy defending allowed Jon Walters to head home Kevin Sandwith’s corner unmarked as Chester started to squeeze the home defence. A fourth always seemed likely as Chester’s fitness and pace began to count and it came on 74 minutes when Jamie Hand’s right wing cross was headed home by substitute Gregg Blundell. Chester had done the job they came to do and relaxed to allow Clevedon to try and mount a spirited comeback, with several long range efforts and a good shout for a penalty going unrewarded. However their efforts were finally rewarded in injury time when Jack Pitcher went unchallenged to slot home a consolation goal, to the delight of the home fans. It was merely a consolation though and the referee’s final whistle closed the day with Chester in the hat for the second round and Clevedon fans left with memories of a wonderful day.
Gallery
Team Sheet
| No: | Name: | Sub: | Goal: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greaves | ||
| 2 | Witcombe | ||
| 3 | Bater | ||
| 4 | Jacobs | ||
| 5 | Scott | ||
| 6 | Clark | ||
| 7 | Hapgood (Capt) | ||
| 8 | Mullins | ||
| 9 | Page | ||
| 10 | Pitcher | 1 | |
| 11 | Haines | ||
| 12 | Rawlins | 4 | |
| 14 | Sheppard | ||
| 15 | Asechemie | ||
| 16 | - | ||
| 17 | - | ||
| Own Goal | - |
Match Details
| Date: | 11/11/06 |
|---|---|
| Competition: | FA Cup First Round Proper |
| Opponents: | Chester City |
| Venue: | The Hand Stadium Davis Lane Clevedon North Somerset BS21 6TG |
| Half Time: | 0 - 1 |
| Full Time: | 1 - 4 |
| Attendance: | 2,216 |
| Match Report: | Steve Small |
| Photographs: | Tony Merrett |
| Notes: |
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Downloads
| Appearances & Goal Scorers | Word Document |
|---|---|
| Team Sheet Matrix | Excel Document |