Chertsey overcome by fast Gosport away comeback
By Connor Steel
GOSPORT BOROUGH secured their second successive success in the Southern League as they travelled to visit mid-table team Chertsey Town on Saturday afternoon (September 20); eventually earning a brilliant three-one win following a comeback performance in the second half that was enjoyed by a loud away crowd despite grey skies at Alwyns Lane.
The hosts started proceedings with patient possession but it was a cagey start for both teams who seemingly settled in a midfield battle that neither side was prepared to lose or make any mistakes in the first fifteen minutes. It took until the twentieth minute before the opening chance arrived for Chertsey through Oliver McCoy; the midfielder curling one over.
Daniel Berry further had an attempt deflect inside the gloves of keeper Ryan Hall as Chertsey looked more threatening; Eoin Casey nodding a corner wide under pressure at the near post. But the home supporters were celebrating on thirty minutes when McCoy played a lovely ball across this box finding Jack Mazzone, who made no mistake in slicing home.
Borough initially looked stunned to slipping behind and did take a while to respond as they could have levelled after 39 minutes; Dan Wooden floating through this cross towards Trevor Caborn who blasted wide. And they later came closer seconds before the interval as quick attacking runs reached the rapid feet of Ethan Taylor, with a shot drifting off target.
The sides saw chances upon the restart alongside a series of corners that were also cleared; the defences dominating despite a drive from Wooden shooting just over. Bradley Tarbuck and Adam Tomasso further went close for the visitors either side of the hour before they chose to make two substitutions off the bench as a bid to cement a period of control.
These changes reaped their rewards after seventy-one minutes when Gosport made it one-apiece through Taylor, who stormed forward and cut inside before curling a shot into the far corner from twenty yards out. The visitors were shortly ahead moments later when a cross was stolen and played into Ethan Jones who rifled into the goal from a slight angle.
Three points were sealed as Borough added a third through Joe Morrison with ten minutes left; the defender pouncing upon a loose pass and nodding home to spark big celebrations behind the goal. And this was how it stayed at the end as Borough comfortably nullified any threat that could have caused a nervous ending, despite Tobias Little going close.
Victory means that Gosport sit above their opponents and have risen several places in the table following other results, whilst they are only two points below the play-off slots in a competitive league. Their next match will see them travel to Weymouth on Tuesday evening before a weekend off next week, which is due to a huge defeat in the FA Cup to Poole.
PICTURED BY GOSPORT BOROUGH MEDIA: Training is set up at Alwyns Lane before Borough earn ‘away’ success.
