CHICKERELL UNITED 3 CORFE MULLEN UNITED 0

CHICKERELL manager Steve Coward praised the spirit of his title-chasing charges as they bounced back from the previous weekend’s 6-2 defeat against South Cheriton to overcome Corfe Mullen United.

Goals from Warren White, Josh Why and Steve Welch sealed victory for the Chickens in a contest they dominated from start to finish to keep within touching distance of league leaders Westland Sports.

Coward told Echosport: “This was obviously much better than our last game. We had a bad week last week and to bounce back and dominate in the way we did against Corfe Mullen was vital for us.

“I was pleased to see our front two score. When that happens you know you are halfway to a win.”

The Chickens’ chief also hailed the performance of returning skipper Liam Miles, who slotted back into the heart of the Chickerell defence after serving a suspension and helped his side keep a clean sheet.

“It was massive for us to have Liam back,” Coward added.

“He has that experience that you need and he can guide and organise those around him in his position. His influence showed at the weekend.”

Coward, who admitted he would have taken a place in the top three of the Dorset Senior League at the start of the season, added: “There are still 10 games left but we know we can’t afford to drop many points.

“There are about four or five teams still in with a shout of winning the league and they are all playing really well.

“At the start of the season I targeted a place in the top three. I would like to think that was secured and the title is there now.

“We aren’t saying we are going to win it but we just have to keep taking things game by game.”

Chickens: Boore, Miles, Green, Ferguson, Willett, Protheroe (Rawlings 75), Campbell-Bell, Falcus (Stone 46), S Welch (Brown 80), White, Why