Reds’ FA Cup dreams dashed by Bluebirds
Tony Choules’ hardworkers slump to 3-0 home defeat FOOTBALL
Reds manager Tony Choules spoke passionately in the lead-up to the tie of his ambition of steering the club into the first round proper but that will have to wait another year after this 3-0 defeat.
Choules had overseen a remarkable victory over National League South outfit Dartford in the second qualifying round but couldn’t repeat the magic against the Southern Premier high flyers.
Chippenham started the game on the front foot and forced three early corners as Paul McCarthy settled himself in for a difficult afternoon between the sticks.
Bluebirds star Andy Sandell’s freekick then scraped McCarthy’s crossbar before big Reds defender Dan Bailey called Kent Kauppinen into an early stop.
Despite that first sight of goal for the hosts, it was the away side who took the lead inside the opening 15 minutes when James Guthrie’s centre was nodded home by Ashan Holgate.
Former Dagenham & Redbridge prospect Jon-Jo Bates looked lively for Uxbridge but lacked composure in front of goal, smashing over with a speculative blast after spurning a good headed chance.
The striker was screaming for a penalty as the half drew to a close when he was sent tumbling by Chippenham’s Jon Beeden, but the referee shook his head and pointed for a corner.
Alex Ferguson, showing the same fire and determination as the legendary Manchester United manager, got on the end of a Gutherie free-kick to give Town breathing space shortly after the restart. Andy Sandell made sure of the points seven minutes from time when a McCarthy goalkeeping error and gifted the visitors a third.
Elsewhere, Northwood notched up their first Division One Central win for eight weeks with a 3-1 victory over a Fleet Town side who had been unbeaten at home.
AFC Hayes impressed in a 4-1 victory over Guildford City on Saturday. HAREFIELD’s Aaron Nolan has won promotion to Canoe Slalom’s National Division 2 with Hillingdon Sharks Canoe Club.
Aaron claimed fourth place at Shepperton on Sunday in the Men’s Division 3 Kayak singles event, which combined with his previous results earned him promotion.
It was a successful weekend for the Nolan clan as Lianna Nolan claimed third place on Saturday and second on Sunday in the women’s K1 event.
The medals didn’t stop there for the Sharks as James Reed took third place in the Men’s Division 3 K1, while 13-year-old Amelia Combes won the Division 3 Ladies’ Canoe single events on both days days and came fifth and seventh respectively in her Division 2 K1 event. IT WAS a disappointing opening weekend for Jack-Hi bowlers against Middlesex Patrons.
The Patrons ran out 84-54 winners despite a strong first-rink showing from Jack-Hi’s J Smith, J Greenaway, S Pocknell and K Smith.
Anyone wishing to join Jack-Hi should contact Brian Wilson on 01895 251128.
Meanwhile, Uxbridge Bowls club star Attilio Ciampini’s magnificent recent six-trophy success will be honoured at a presentation lunch at Ladygate BC on Sunday, November 1.
Ladygate pair Tony Waller and Chris Harris won both the County Pairs and Home Counties Pairs championships this season and will also be recognised for their achievements.