Summer signing Liam Jones saves makeshift Chequers side. Chequers drew 1-1 with in form Leighton Town (Sunday) today in what ended with a thrilling finale. Chequers had no less than 5 first team players missing through injury, suspension and having better things to do. Robin Towler bought in Jack Calow, semi-retired Karl Davies, and the returning fans favourite Tom Tracy back into the team. Midfielder Gareth Almey was forced into goal to replace the injured John Roullier. Jon Onyon was suffering from fatigue and only at 40% fitness following his return from his UNICEF work in Africa only hours before kick-off. Chequers started poorly and despite good results lately it was clear the makeshift team was struggling and Leighton looked slightly the better team for the first half. Leighton really should have taken the lead when the right winger found himself free down the line to cross it in for a striker to fire it top corner. But the out stretched hand of Almey expertly tipped the ball wide. It went through to half time at 0-0 and many fans wondered why they had bothered turning up to such a boring game.
Suspended Smith and injured Roullier made guest appearances on the pitch at half time making one lucky supporter very happy by awarding them with a signed shirt. The supporter named Mrs Miggins from Hull said “This is the greatest moment in the history of my life,……. But I was disappointed as I thought Tom Smith would have been better looking”
The second half was much the same but Chequers kept the game close and battled on. The game finally opened up in the 70th minute when Leighton were awarded a dubious penalty. The Leighton right winger had found himself free running through and centre back Onyon came across to cover. The Leighton player grabbed a hold of the Chequers player and then tripped over his own feet. The referee had a poor view and awarded the penalty. The Chequers fans went berserk with chairs being ripped up in the stadium and thrown at the travelling supporters. Leighton converted their penalty and it was 1-0. This event put energy into Caddington and Hinton really should have scored when he had a great shot from distance that hit the bar and bounced out to safety. Things looked to have evened themselves up when Captain Wayne Mardel was pushed over in the Leighton boxed and a penalty awarded. Mardel stepped up to take the penalty and scuffed it straight at the goalkeeper to keep the score as it was. Chequers pushed on through and finally equalised when Liam Jones found the ball on the edge of the area after a corner was not cleared by Leighton and drilled it home for 1-1. Onyon was seen gesturing to the management several times informing them of his fitness and this was ignored and Leighton started putting long balls over the top. Keeper Almey bossed a number of one on ones to keep Chequers in the game. Leighton were awarded another penalty when Onyon clipped a Leighton midfielders leg when attempting to close down an imminent shot. This time there were no complaints. The Leighton player stepped up and placed the ball beautifully in the corner. Heroic keeper Almey rose like a salmon and saved the penalty. This put the home support into ecstasy and the noise was immense. FT 1-1.
