Tintinhull 1 Chickerell United 1

IT was a tale of two penalties as the Chickens were made to settle for a point at Tintinhull.

Chickerell always knew they were in for a tough encounter against the Yeovil side but it was a controversial spot-kick decision that ultimately cost them victory.

Boss Maurice Welch said: “Tintinhull are a difficult side to play against particularly on their own patch.

“They are a big side that like to get the ball into the box early and turn you around so it was a tough first game back after the Christmas break and I thought the lads coped well.

“There were not many chances either way in the first half until the referee decided to intervene by giving them a penalty.

“Josh Burton went up to head the ball away and as he went to do so one of their players ran into Liam Miles who was making his way across the box.

“Neither lad was looking at each other when the collision happened and it was a complete accident, so when the ref pointed to the spot I couldn’t believe it.

“Their manager Gerry Pearson couldn’t believe it either but sometimes these things go against you and we just had to get on with it.

“They tucked away the penalty (Adam Clements) and the fact we went in at the break 1-0 down was extremely unfortunate.

“We had performed okay but we just needed to stop overplaying at times on what was a sticky surface.

“In the second half, that is exactly what we did and by getting Nick Etherington into the game more we managed to cause them a lot more problems.”

A clear foul on Josh Why eventually saw Ether-ington restore parity with a penalty and the visitors had other chances too.

Jamie Sibley and Sean Stewart were both denied by good saves, Liam Beads fired just over and Why was unable to convert a one-on-one as Tintinhull were left hanging on.

Welch added: “I don’t think Steve Boore had a save to make except dealing with high balls into the box, which at times caused us problems.

“Tom Peck, Josh Burton and Liam Miles all played well and Nick had a great second half. And although we were a little disappointed not to win, a draw was not a bad outcome particularly looking at the other results. Hopefully we can now build on this performance and look to go on a bit of a run.”

Chickerell, who host Merley Cobham Sports on Saturday (2pm), remain fifth, level on points with Bridport Reserves and Hamworthy Recreation, who lie directly above them.

Chickens: Boore, Burton, Peck, S Welch, Sibley, Stewart (Falcus 75), Miles, Etherington, Walbridge, Why, Beades (Lambert 70). Sub not used: D Welch.