STURMINSTER NEWTON UTD 2 CHICKERELL UTD 4

CHICKERELL United banished bad memories of back-to-back league defeats with a battling display to seal victory at Sturminster Newton United.

A Nick Etherington brace along with goals from Steve Welch and Warren White gave the Chickens their 10th win from 14 league games, keeping them hot on the heels of leaders Balti House with a game in hand.

After the Stalls outfit took an early lead and doubled their advantage during the first half, hosts Sturminster Newton failed to reduce the deficit after they were awarded a penalty which did not trouble Steve Boore in the visitors’ goal.

Although the home side’s goals came from Grzegorz Bieniek and Liam Samways to ensure they chased the Chickens throughout, visiting boss Steve Coward was relieved to see a breakaway goal from his side late on to seal the points.

And the Chickerell chief was pleased with the way his team dug out the result.

“We were good in the opening 20 minutes, then we struggled for a while, but overall it was a good performance,” he told Echosport.

“They were a good side and will definitely upset other teams.

“This time of year, with the level we play at, the pitches aren’t great anyway due the weather. It’s never really a football match, it’s more of a 90-minute battle.

“There are still a few individual mistakes that we need to iron out but it was better, sometimes you have to battle it out and you have got to scrap.

“All in all, to come away with the three points we are happy.”

Chickens: Boore, Miles, Ykhlef, Taylor, Newnham (Brown), D Welch, Churchill, S Welch, Coles (Why), White, Etherington