Match 15. Chatham Town v Whyteleafe

Saturday 5^th December 2015 @3pm

Isthmian League Division One South

CHATHAM TOWN 1-2 WHYTELEAFE

Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Chatham ME4 6LR

Admission: £9

Programme: £2 (40pp)

Attendance: 127

Refreshments: Bacon in French Stick, £2.70. Crisps, 90p. Bovril, £1.30

With my family opting to visit Dickensian Rochester Christmas Festival, I went for a revisit to my first ever ground in Maidstone Road, some 38 years ago although I’ve gone dozens of times since. The club was called Medway when I first visited, and I used to get in through a gap in the mesh fence behind the trees, emerging just before kick-off. I could then spend my pocket money on a programme which was 10-20p I think, with a 50p hot dog.   

Now the fence is in front of all but one of the trees and much more substantial.  The Sports Ground has seated cover on both sides including a great bench seated stand and standing cover is behind the entrance goal, where all the facilities are located. Additions since my last visit a few seasons ago is a clubhouse extension near the turnstile with a 1^st floor committee room incorporating a viewing balcony. The club shop looks fairly new and is plentifully stocked and there are 2 building shells which are either in process of demolition or construction.

The pitch was in good condition following the wet weather but the blustery wind played its part in the match, with the side from right to left having a distinct advantage.  Whyteleafe took the lead on 5 minutes when a free kick on the right was headed onto the far post then hit the opposite upright before Francis was first to head in the rebound. Whyteleafe were in total control for the first half hour, with the Chats only just getting into the match towards the end of the half.  Chatham, playing in a blue kit, put more pressure on the visitors in the second half, with the wind on their backs and drew level when on 65 minutes Ofunsi-Hene ran at the defence and despite 2 attempted tackles managed to slide the ball beyond the onrushing keeper into the net.  Whyteleafe went ahead again only 5 minutes later against the run of play when a pass into the left of the area was hit well by Dsane into the corner of the goal.  Whyteleafe hung on to steal the 3 points.  Chatham should get out of trouble on that performance.