Powered By Blogger

Tuesday 28 August 2018

Lethal Stabmonks Punish Hosts - Burnham vs. Chalvey Sports

Covered standing in the trees at The Gore
As I was back at work on the Tuesday I needed a game relativity close to London and with Burnham kicking off at 13:00 against Chalvey Sports the choice was a no brainer. This was both sides first season in The Hellenic League East with Burnham being relegated last season while Chalvey won promotion from local football. Today's visitors certainly have one of the most interesting nick names -  The Stabmonks. According to the programme, this comes from an incident where an organ grinder's monkey was killed, the locals rose funds to buy a new one and have a funeral for the old one. Chalvey had won one and lost one of their league games this season while Burnham won away at Ardley United in The FA Cup.

Kick off at The Gore with the club buildings in the background
Burnham are first to have a clear sight of goal but a heavy touch means the Chalvey keeper is able to come out and block the chance. Chalvey score with their first clear cut chance which comes from a flick on after a long throw and the attacker is able to slide the ball in at the far post. The tricky Burnham winger is then able to trick his way into space but he drags his shot wide. He repeats the trick but this time he slides his team mate in before the Chalvey keeper is again quick off his line to make the save.

Build up to the Chalvey opener
Both sides have good chances at the start of the second period. Firstly, Chalvey have an effort cleared off the line before the Chalvey keeper makes another great save to keep out a powerful Burnham shot from the edge of the area. Chalvey then double the lead as they put together a brilliant passing move which ends with the forward finishing at the near post to double the lead. Burnham still push to try and get back into the game and are unlucky not to get on the scoreboard when a close range header thunders against the post. They get through on goal again but the Chalvey keeper makes another save, this time with his feet. They are made to rue those missed chances as the Burnham keeper gets caught out by a speculative cross and the forward at the back post has time for two touches before tapping into the net. They get a fourth when the player turns on the edge of the box and his shot hits the defender and loops over the goalie into the net. Burnham get a late consolation goal but Chalvey have already done more than enough to claim the points.

Burnham look for the equaliser at the end of the first half
Trains to Burnham depart from Paddington and take forty minutes. The Gore is then about a twenty five minute walk through the village centre. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks and unusually you can get in game drinks from the tea window. Due to having to get back into town I only had time to check out The Bee which had three ales on as well as the sports channels. You pass at least four other pubs on the walk to the ground. A great early afternoon in Buckinghamshire.






Side on view of the stand

No comments: