CHICKERELL UNITED 2 CORFE MULLEN UNITED 0

A SOLID showing from Chickerell United saw them complete a hat-trick of league victories as they triumphed over Corfe Mullen United at the Stalls.

After creating a number of good opportunities during the first half, it was Josh Burton who broke the deadlock for the Chickens with virtually the last kick of the opening period.

Buoyed by the goal, striker Josh Why doubled the home side’s advantage to cap off what manager Steve Coward thought was a strong display by his men.

“It wasn’t the best game we have ever played but we were professional and solid,” he told Echosport.

“We looked good at the back and going forward, and it was a good all-round team effort.

“We did a big training session last week on our shape because we had been leaking a few goals. We worked on it for a good hour or more and it came off on Saturday.

“We seem to have sorted that out now.

“It had to be done. We’ve all noticed that it had been going on but we dealt with it professionally. We spoke about it and the lads went out and did it in a good manner.

“Our final ball wasn’t that great at times but we were still creating.

“As long as we stay organised and don’t concede I always feel we will win games because in front of the back four everyone can score goals for us.”

Coward also hailed the competitiveness of Corfe Mullen, adding: “They are a side that don’t give you any time on the ball. They were a very fit side and their work-rate was unbelievable.

“We kept the ball really well and they had to do a lot of running to get it back but kept going until the 90th minute.

“They were a tough side to play against but they didn’t really create anything. Our back four and two in front of the back four were very organised and pressed the second ball well.”

The result means Coward’s men remain hot on the heels of frontrunners Balti House.

They are three points adrift with a game in hand on the Dorset Senior League leaders.

On the race for the title, the Chickens’ chief added: “We have six league games left and the biggest two are probably coming up now with Holt and South Cheriton, we have to win every game really to be in with a chance.”

Chickens: Boore, S Welch, Miles, Ykhlef, Burton, D Welch, Churchill (Jarvis), Etherington, Newnham (Taylor), Why (Walbridge), White. Sub not used: Charles