AFTER six weeks of postponements, Chipping were finally back in action on Saturday as they welcomed Charnock Richard, a team they had lost heavily to last time out. A good all round team performance saw the villagers come out 3-1 winners against useful opposition.
A tentative first half saw little in way of goalscoring chances at either end. The defensive quartet of Ol Johnson, Ian Hornby, Danny Walmsley and Mick Garth were rocks at the back for Chipping and limited the visitors to one opening, but Ireland was quickly out to block.
At the other end Dave Barton went close with a header from a corner which flew just wide. Chipping went even closer just before half time as a header rebounded off the crossbar to safety, leaving the teams deadlocked at the break.
Chipping began the second half well as the midfield of Dave Banks, Chris Leighton, Dave Barton and Danny Austin began to knock the ball about, but Charnock were always a threat on the break.
The first goal finally came on the hour through leading marksman Mark Fordham. He danced through a number of challenges before lifting his effort past the keeper for his 17th goal of the season.
The goal lifted the villagers and their attacks were proving more and more difficult to repel and they doubled their lead shortly after. Some good interplay on the edge of the Charnock box saw Fordham release Danny Austin with a wonderfully disguised pass and Austin made no mistake with a well place effort to make it 2-0.
Chipping were on fire and netted a third soon after. More good work in midfield sent Ol Hayhurst clear on goal and he produced a delightful curling effort off the inside of the far post to seal the game for Chipping.
Charnock Richard to their credit battled right to the end and scored an excellent consolation towards the end with a flashing volley, but the excellent Chipping back four maintained their composure to hold onto a good 3-1 win.
This was a very welcome return to form for Chipping and the return of some key players made a difference. The villagers will be looking to build on this in their remaining fixtures, starting with a trip to Walmer Bridge on Saturday (2.30pm kick off).
Man of the Match: Danny Walmsley
Match Sponsor: The Gibbon Bridge, Chipping