Recap
Chesham lost their 100% record and top spot in the division after Winchester came back to snatch victory after going behind. This was far from Chesham’s best performance of the season, but they looked to have done enough until the visitors turned the game on its head near the end. There were two changes to the starting eleven, both in defence where Steve Brown returned from injury in place of Kieran Murphy, while Jack Connors replaced the injured Lesley Duru. Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick and Zak Joseph were both injured and their places on the bench were taken by Lucas Sinclair who was returning from suspension, and new signing Bruno Andrade who signed the day before after a career including more than 100 Football League appearances.
Chesham made the stronger start, and in the fourth minute a Jordan Gibbons long throw came to Ricardo German at the far post but his shot was blocked at the expense of a corner. Six minutes later a hurried clearance by keeper Luke Cairney came to Avan Jones, who lobbed towards the unguarded net but his effort was off target. Chesham continued to push forward but the visitors’ defence looked to be well organised and allowed the home forwards little space. On 36 minutes a good move down the left led to Jack Connors crossing to Jordan Edwards who headed over. At the other end Winchester pushed down the flanks but most of their attacks broke down once they got near to the Chesham penalty area. Shortly before half-time a corner was cleared to the edge of the area and IK Hill shot but Zaki Oualah was able to save comfortably.
Early in the second half Chesham began to show greater urgency, and Jack Connors found Ricardo German who shot on the turn but Cairney got down to save. Chesham then brought on Bruno Andrade and almost immediately Ricardo German broke clear but side-footed wide with only the keeper to beat. However shortly before the hour mark Andrade’s through ball saw Ricardo German break clear and score with a low drive past the advancing keeper. Midway through the half Jordan Edwards set up German whose shot was part-blocked and Cairney was able to save. Winchester had plenty of possession but Chesham were still looking the more likely to score. On 73 minutes Ricardo German had another shot blocked for a corner, from which Steve Brown headed over the bar. However shortly afterwards a neat move at the other end saw Trevor Caborn break into the Chesham box only to be brought down by Steve Brown’s despairing challenge. It was a clear penalty which Pip Nolan converted giving Zaki Oualah no chance. Four minutes later sub Olly Balmer ran to the by-line and crossed for Conor Lynch to net from close range to give the visitors the lead. Chesham pushed forward late on but there was an element of desperation and the visitors were able to hold on to secure the win without any real alarms.
Match Report
