AFC Chadderton 1 - 3 Shawdale

Normal Service Resumed…As Shawdale Progress.

Challenge Cup

On the first weekend back in action Shawdale took the spoils in this weekend's opening fixture. It was a bit of a dull affair, the game played on a hard bumpy pitch which hindered Shawdale's passing movement and creativity.

All though they had the lion's share of possession and peppered Chaddertons post and crossbar on numerous occasions.

With Chadderton only having one shot on goal, which they scored with, deep into the second half. From the start Shawdale passed the ball around at will, totally dominant in all parts of the pitch. Then on the 15 minute mark, Holmes found the ball at his feet five yards out and blasted it home. It was relentless pressure from Shawdale, only the pitch and swirling wind coming to Chaddertons rescue.

Saying that, Chaddertons defence was organised and plugged the holes when needed too and in general, they never gave up.

On 25 minutes, Durrants shot was saved, Dawson following up, saw his shot ricochet off the crossbar.

Much of the same for the remainder of the first half with Morrow causing problems on one flank and Dawson on the other.

With Holmes having his footprint on much of the intervention throughout the match. In the second period, playing down a slight incline and the wind at their backs, took further control. Shawdale with a few changes at half time upped their game and we're rewarded with a penalty on 57 minutes, which Morrow slotted away with ease.

Man of the Match Alistair Ryan was busy all game, clearing up in defense and driving into the heart of the opponents defence at will.

On sixty four minutes substitute Barnes, hit a low drive that clattered the woodwork, another chance gone begging.

Then a wake up call for Shawdale as a high ball was floated into their area, wasn't dealt with and Chaddy's stocky number nine, sent the ball into the roof of the net, with their first shot of the match.

Chadderton then upped their game for the next ten minute but found no way through Shawdale's glue tight defence.

Shawdale put the game to bed on eighty one minutes after a great ball from Eastmond,saw Durrant go for the header and at first, looked like he had scored, but VAR showed it actually came off the defender last.

Coach Wylie was pleased with the result but more satisfied that football was back on a Sunday morning..