Chatham Town 2-1 Whyteleafe - Jack's double snaps six game losing streak

Saturday 06th March 2010

CHATHAM TOWN 2-1 WHYTELEAFE
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 6th March 2010
Mike Green reports from Maidstone Road

AFTER six successive League defeats and in a week where their top scorer left for a Kent rival, there was finally some reason to cheer at the Maidstone Road Sports Ground as Chatham Town snapped their losing streak courtesy of two first half goals from a young striker who well follow in illustrious foot steps.

With Brendon Cass departed for Folkestone Invicta, Jack Pallen, on loan from Dartford scored twice in six first half minutes to give the Chats their first win in over a month.

After a pointless February, the home side gave absent manager Alex O’Brien finally something to smile about despite falling behind early on when Danny Oakins gloriously volleyed home at the far post giving poor Richard Stroud no chance in the home goal.

Stroud preferred to first choice Dean Ruddy could only watch on in horror as Oakins’ brilliant volley flew into the roof of his net.

And for a while the home team wobbled, and Whyteleafe indeed did find the net for a second time only to have the “goal” ruled out for pushing.

The second chance seemed to galvanise the Chats and midway through the half they were level.

The outstanding Matt Solly (who along with Brad potter in the middle of the home midfield ran the game for long periods) threaded a ball down the inside right channel for Rob Denness, who unselfishly squared the ball, taking giant keeper Robert O’Hara out of the game completely and allowing Pallen to walk the ball into the empty net for his first goal for the club.

And then just like buses, you wait for one and two come along almost at once and so it proved, as five minutes later on the half hour the Chats had the lead.

Denness’ spectacular volley was equally spectacularly tipped over the bar by the flying O’Hara, but from Ashley Probets vicious inswinging corner, the keeper could only palm the ball onto the bar and the ball almost apologetically dropped onto Pallen’s head and from a yard out the young forward couldn’t – and didn’t – miss!

Ironically Pallen had taken advantage of two wonderful crosses – crosses that were sadly lacking in Cass’ last days at the club.

Anyhow, the second half was a trudged affair with both sides struggling with the ever-increasing wind, with Chats debutant Jordan Kiffin showing some fine touches on the right side.

However, it was the visitors who missed the best chance when Oakins and Fred Fleming collided with each other when going for a header from a free kick.

If either had made contact it would have spelt trouble for Chatham – as it was they both missed the ball and the chance was gone!

After the game, Chats assistant boss Lew Watts, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “Did we need that or what?” he said. “We battled today, and it wasn’t pretty but the result and the points are what’s important after the run that we’ve been on.

Daft isn’t it?” Watts continued. “Cassy would have loved service like that today – but it just hasn’t happened over the past couple of months, but I’m delighted for Jack – took both his goals well and he’s got a good future ahead of him.”

And Watts, after technically winning his first game as a manager finished by adding, “and before you ask, NO I don’t want the job – Alex will be back for training and our game at Ramsgate next week.”

Chatham Town: Richard Stroud, Ray Powell, Ashley Probets, Matt Solly (Rico Biggs 85), Chris Henry, Ben Payne, Michael Scott (Jim Lyons 57), Brad Potter, Jack Pallen (Justin Ascheri 76), Rob Denness, Jordan Kiffin.

Sub: Dean Ruddy

Goals: Jack Pallen 24, 30

Whyteleafe: Robert O’Hara, Jason Goodchild, Daryl Coleman (Leon Warley 67), Fred Fleming, Rhys Coleman, Rob Kember, Lewes Sayce Holmes (Kieron McCann 46), Joshua Smith, Darren Watson, Danny Oakins (Danny Platel 67), Chris O’Flaherty.

Sub: Danny Aldous

Goal: Danny Oakin 5

Booked: Fred Fleming 50, Jason Goodchild 68

Attendance – 103

Referee: Mr Gary Croft (Battle, East Sussex)

Assistants: Mr Robert Ailing (Dover) & Mr M Marsh