barton261105

Thursday 01st September 2005

Cass nets brace on his return as Chatham move to fifth place

Saturday 26th November 2005	Southern League Division One East	Neil Sanders reports from Maidstone Road
Chatham Town	3	Cass 9 (pen), 88 Amadi 12
Barton Rovers	2	Barnes 34, Guile 90

Chatham moved up to 5th place in the Southern League Eastern Division, thanks to a well fought 3-2 win over Barton Rovers. Defeats for the two sides directly above them also means they are now within a point of third place, writes Neil Sanders.

Top scorer Brendan Cass returned to the side after missing two games through injury, and wasted no time finding the back of the net via a 9th minute penalty. Issy Amadi had shown two defenders a clean pair of heels, cutting in from the right, before the third man brought him down just inside the box. Cass converted, although Rovers keeper Steve Graham did get a hand to the spot kick.

Amadi then made it 2-0 just three minutes later, with Cass the provider this time. A well weighted ball over the top caused hesitation in the defence, enabling Amadi to nip in and slot the ball into an open net.

Chatham continued to have the lions share of possession and created a number of further opportunities, with Matt Solly and Rob Denness both going close.

However, ten minutes before the break, Barton pulled a goal back through Paul Barnes. He showed why he is one of the most dangerous forwards in the league, by supplying a classy finish to their only meaningful attack of the half.

Although the second half was quieter, Chats still created chances with man of the match Andy Boyle and Glenn Billenness both forcing good saves from Graham. Denness was also unlucky to see his lob over the keeper bounce inches wide.

Further goals did come for both sides in the closing minutes. Chatham made the game safe with two minutes of normal time left. Another strong challenge by Denness enabled him to gain possession on the edge of the 18 yard area, and his cross was volleyed home by Cass at the far post. Rovers made it 3-2 in stoppage time when Gordon Guile found the top corner from 12 yards.

A decent performance to welcome manager Steve Binks back. As well as the move up the league table, Brendan Cass is now equal top of the individual scorers. However, Chats will be concerned as to how serious an injury picked up Issy Amadi may be.

Chatham travel to Wivenhoe Town in the third round of the Southern League Errea Cup on Tuesday night before Arlesey Town visit Maidstone Road next Saturday, 3rd December.

Chatham Town: Green, Binks, D.Larkin, Boyle, Bourne, Best, Solly, Billenness (Lyons 71), Denness (T.Walker 90), Cass, Amadi (B.Walker 74). Subs unused: Fewell, Miles.