BROADSTONE 2

CHICKERELL UNITED 6

NICK Etherington hit a hat-trick and Chickerell United netted six goals for a fourth time in six matches as they swept aside Broadstone in the Dorset Senior League.

Despite the scoreline, the match was far closer than the scoreline suggests, with Chickerell only running riot in the second half to earn the victory.

The match started with the Chickens on the front foot, but they fell behind after a great move on the counter after 25 minutes.

Broadstone kept up the pressure, hitting the post but were unable to find a way through.

A throw in on the left-hand side, saw the ball passed to Matt Stickland from Dylan Ellis, and Stickland lashed it into the top right-hand corner from the edge of the box to make it 1-1.

Broadstone had to make a substitution shortly after due to an injury, and the Chickens took the lead soon after, when Stickland crossed into Ellis after 40 minutes.

Broadstone then had a penalty, which was given away by Shane James, but it was saved by Chickens’ goalkeeper Ian Bickerstaff.

Yet Broadstone equalised from a corner after 50 minutes.

However, from the kick-off, Chickerell counter-attacked ruthlessly and re-took the lead through Etherington.

The visitors then dominated for the rest of the match.

A Matt Harvey free-kick was then put up towards the back post where Dan Welch happily headed in to make it 4-2 after 60 minutes.

Chickerell then saw Etherington score from the spot to put the game beyond any doubt at 5-2.

Finally, Etherington rounded off his hat-trick after a great cross from Ellis allowed the striker to backheel the ball into the net after 80 minutes.

After the final goal, the Chickens coasted to the now inevitable conclusion.

As a result of their victory, the Chickens stay fourth in the table, while opponents Broadstone remain rooted to the bottom of the league table.

Chickerell manager Shaun Murphy said: “I am very delighted, I am am very happy indeed.

“We didn’t have it all our own way, if I’m honest, 6-2 maybe flatters us a little bit. Broadstone gave us a really good game and were a bit unlucky at times.

“I can’t see how they (Broadstone) are bottom of the league, they are a much better side than their league position shows, they seem to be a bit unlucky.”

Chickerell host Corfe Mullen on Saturday (2pm).

Chickerell: Bickerstaff, McCarthy, Miller, James, Sandeman, Carter, Welch (Daniels 65), Harvey, Ellis, Etherington, Stickland. Subs not used: Murphy

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