A superb double from the lively Steve Knight,
taking his tally to six for the season from midfield, gave Chipping
Norton a 3-2 victory against Milton United. After a scrappy opening
period where Chippy struggled to find their rhythm, possibly feeling
the effects of the efforts put in to defeat Slimbridge in midweek,
Milton took the lead in the 24th minute when a long ball from the back
eluded the Town defence and Vinnie Rusher coolly fired home past the
despairing dive of Chippy keeper Mark Harris.
On the stroke of half-time the visitors had a
glorious opportunity to double their advantage, Paddy Malone, who was
a constant menace in the opening period, sent Darren Howell clear and
as he attempted to round keeper Harris, was clumsily brought down and
the referee pointed to the spot. Harris redeemed himself with a
Brilliant one-handed save from Rusher's spot-kick to keep his side in
the game.
On five occasions already this season Chippy have
gone into the half time break losing, and finished the game with at
least a point, so the players came out with that instilled belief that
they could turn it around despite a low key showing in the opening
period. From the first whistle after the break, it was a completely
different game. After Dave Skipp's shot was saved well by stand in
keeper Paul Belcher, they eventually drew level just after the hour, a
deep cross from Craig Holman found Knight and he slammed the ball home
from 12 yards.
Chippy continued to press forward, sensing
another come from behind victory, Andy Varnam headed just wide before
with fifteen minutes to go Knight struck again. Varnam was wrestled to
the ground 25-yards out and Knight struck a beautiful curling
free-kick into the top corner. Town extended the lead further eight
minutes later, new signing Adam Griffin, looking very lively when
introduced into the game on the hour, beating three defenders before
setting up Dave Skipp to slot home coolly, Skippy's fifth goal in
seven games, a real hot streak from the Welsh wizard.
The game was not over though, and
virtually straight from the kick-off, Rusher smashed home a volley
from 25 yards to ensure an interesting last five minutes, but Chippy
had done enough to take victory.
TEAM: Mark Harris 8, Gary Morrison 6, Wes
Proverbs 7, Stuart Lamont 7, Steve Olczak 7, Nathan Haisley 7, Craig
Holman 9*, Cameron Busby 7 (Adam Griifin 59/8) Steve Knight 8, Dave
Skipp 7, Andy Varnam 6