CHICKERELL UNITED 2 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

PLAYERS’ player of the season Warren White struck twice for the Chickens as Dorset Senior League champions Westland Sports were held to a draw at the Stalls.

And, had Steve Welch not missed a penalty with the visitors down to 10 men, Westland could well have suffered only their second league defeat of the season.

Chickerell boss Steve Coward was happy with the way his men ended their campaign and afterwards confirmed to Echosport that he will remain in charge next term.

Reflecting on the game and the season, and looking ahead, he said: “The fact we could have beaten the champions means it was a good finish to the season, but again we didn’t take our chances when we should have.

“Our target this season was to finish in the top three and we achieved that by coming third.

“It was my first year as manager and I brought in a few players to try and rebuild the club after dropping down from the Dorset Premier League.

“I’ve enjoyed coming back to the club where I used to play and I’ve had great support from everyone.

“I’d like to thank all the lads for what they did for me this year, and the committee, my assistant Adge Elliott, and our physio Chris Beales for their backing.

“We came back to the Stalls last summer and, although the pitch might not be the best in the world, the committee have gone out of their way to make it as good as it can be.

“I’ve enjoyed the experience and I’ll be staying on next season as we try to improve and maybe go on and win the league.”

For the record, Chickerell led 2-1 at half-time on Saturday with White scoring both their goals.

But when the visitors conceded a penalty and had a man sent off after the break, Welch was unable to take advantage from the spot and Westland equalised 10 minutes later.

Chickens: Boore, Green, Miles, S Welch, Willett, D Welch (Campbell-Bell 46), Ferguson, Rawlings, Coles, White, Why