SOUTH CHERITON 3 CHICKERELL UNITED 2

CHICKERELL United’s unbeaten run is finally over after they were outmuscled by a physical South Cheriton side.

The defeat not only brought an end to the Chickens’ nine-game sequence without defeat in the Dorset Senior League, it also cost them top spot.

Sturminster Marshall’s 3-1 win at home to Blandford United Res-erves saw them reclaim first place at Chickerell’s expense.

The prolific Dan Welch gave the visitors the lead in the first half but by the break they found themselves 2-1 down.

The hosts extended their advantage after the interval and although Steve Welch halved the deficit Steve Coward’s men couldn’t find an equaliser.

And the Chickens’ boss, who had to make a number of late changes due to withdrawals, had no complaints with the result.

“Their game plan was to be very physical and really get into us and it worked,” he said. “They are not a very nice side to play against and on the day we just didn’t really turn up.

“At 2-1 down we missed a couple of good chances to go back in front and possibly win the game.

“We had to press forward in the second half and they got a third.”

He went on to add: “I had to make five changes from the last game and although the lads that came in did well I think we would have beaten them with our strongest side.

“It was a chance for some of the guys from the reserves to step up but unfortunately you are going to have games where you don’t play as you know you can.

“But hopefully the lads will learn from losing and even though it would have been nice to keep the run going it’s not the be all and end all.

“I’m not disheartened because we know now what we have to work on in time for our next game.”

Coward lost the likes of Warren White and Liam Coles to injuries at the 11th hour while Joel Protheroe also missed the game.

Chickens: Boore, Miles, Guilbert, Curran, Ferguson, Campbell-Bell, D Welch, Martin Perez (Stalker 75), Stone, S Welch, Arliss