By Tom Potter
WITTON Albion put four past Chasetown to end the Scholars’ recent unbeaten streak.
The visitors looked to become record holders as skipper Joe Duckworth netted in just
17 seconds.
But Chasetown boss Jamie Hawkins expressed disappointment in his team for conceding
a goal so early on.
He said: “From my perspective, it was really disappointing because we spoke before
about exactly that phase of play. We knew that Witton are direct and they work off of
their big man.
“Seventeen seconds into the game, first ball flick on, second ball contact not good enough,
third ball is the finish for the goal. So, it’s criminal and it just doesn’t set a good tone
for the rest of the half.”
Max Chimenes responded for the hosts when he struck the net in the 13th minute.
Things did not get more fortunate in the first half however.
Albion target man Freddy Garbutt produced a brace before the break, one goal coming courtesy of a spot kick.
The Chase gaffer was emotive in the dressing room following a poor opening half.
Hawkins said: “I can’t repeat what was said at half-time. It’s the first time since I’ve
been in the role that it had to be stern, but they were well aware that that first
half performance was way below the standard expected.
“You can’t forget the basics of the game which is working hard, competing, going toe-
to-toe with your opposite man; matching the effort, desire, and heart which was
hugely lacking in the first half.”
The Scholars came out again positively. Youngster Zack Findlay displayed some
brilliant skill before delivering an urgent ball which was finished off by Tom Thorley.
Countless chances to level the scores followed as the hosts enjoyed a majority of the
possession.
Chasetown keeper Curtis Pond went up for a corner in the final minutes of the game.
When the ball got cleared, Witton’s Christy Edwards just had to hit the target at an
empty net to make the scoreline 4-2.
Hawkins experienced deja-vu from Trafford on the weekend prior with feelings of
frustration after the final whistle.
He said: “The second half, I thought we were really good. But, ultimately it’s a lack of
quality.
“We’re missing the target, we’re making the wrong decisions, the final pass is
bad so it’s frustrating. We have to find a way to be more ruthless.”
