MATCH REPORT: Chippenham Town 1-0 Havant & Waterlooville | National League South | Saturday 27th January 2024
A significant result for the Bluebirds in more ways than one: it was their first three points at home since November 7th 2023, it was the first win of 2024 and it was their first league double of the season.
The win was achieved with an understrength side with eighteen year old centre back Jem Hewlett, on a month’s loan from Southampton, making his debut partnering Nat Williams at the back as Luke Haines, Dan Ellison and Aaron Amadi-Holloway were all out injured.
The Hawks slid to the bottom of the table with the defeat although they could easily have gained something from the match but for a couple of smart saves from Will Henry and some very poor finishing.
Ryan Seager should have opened the scoring on eight minutes but from close in side-footed against a post.
Sion Spokes then shot wide before Craig Fasanmade’s effort on fifteen minutes appeared to be harshly ruled out for off side.
Seager then beat Hewlett, for the only time in the game but Henry rushed out to block the one on one chance.
Fasanmade then hit the side netting whilst recent Hawks signing Callum Kealy’s shot was deflected over.
Skipper Roarie Deacon then saw his shot from distance blocked by Henry whilst the Chippenham stopper also claimed a headed effort from James Roberts.
Just after the half hour mark the Bluebirds had two chances as Tyreke Johnson’s low shot was blocked by keeper Ross Worner and Will King shot wide.
Havant’s Harry Jewitt-White then shot over before the match-winning goal came on forty one minutes.
Caine Bradbury’s strong run initially saw him lose the ball but he re-gained possession and his low shot found the corner of the net.
Before the break Roberts’ looping header was easily held above his head by Henry whilst Deacon’s shot deflected to the Bluebirds stopper.
In stoppage time Havant unsuccessfully claimed for a handball from a cross by Roberts.
HALF TIME: Chippenham Town 1-0 Havant & Waterlooville
The first action of the second half came on fifty three minutes as Bradbury’s free kick was saved by Worner.
Havant were then awarded a free kick of their own from a promising central position but Ben Morgan’s weekly hit effort was easily saved by Henry.
A Havant shot then flew across the face of goal with no one able to turn it in whilst a similar situation at the other end saw Johnson’s low cross just evade Fasanmade.
Seager’s free kick was deflected over for a fruitless corner whilst deep into stoppage time a Havant cross only required a touch but Seager side-footed wide.
FULL TIME: Chippenham Town 1-0 Havant & Waterlooville
Chippenham: Will Henry, Eddie Jones, Freddie Grant, Jem Hewlett, Nat Williams, Tyreke Johnson, Tom Owen-Evans (Matt McClure 66), Luke Spokes, Will King, Caine Bradbury (Jake Evans 89) Craig Fasanmade (Ed Williams 87) subs not used: Tom Mehew, Dan Ellison
Havant: Ross Worner, Devante Stanley, Kai Innocent, Joe Mcnerney, Ben Morgan, Ryan Seager, Harry Jewitt-White, Callum Kealy, Roarie Deacon (Jack Jebb 70), James Roberts, Sion Spence (Kwaku Donker 66) subs not used: Yoan Zouma, Hamilton Bunga, Leon Baker
Ref: Lisa Benn
Ass Refs: Colin Hubbard, James Colley
Att: 585
