Goal kings Whitchurch on a roll (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Leaders crushed as Whitchurch make their intentions clear

12:37pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Andover By Sports editor Kerry Miller

Cowes Sports 0

Whitchurch United 4.

The result of the day came at Westwood Park where leaders Cowes Sports became the latest side to succumb to the Whitchurch United goal rush, going down 4-0 to a side which is averaging four goals a game recently. The Jamboys manager Jim Macey’s son Louis was among the scorers but Macey Senior singled out Ashley Childs who he said “came off the bench and tore their defence apart.” The striker was back to his best, replacing Sam Argent on the hour to score twice with clinical finishes and not far behind was Luke Walker, described by Macey as “unplayable.” And all this after the leaders had battered Whitchurch for the first half hour but the visiting defence, without the injured Ali Brown and with Chris Smalley stepping in successfully again, coped with everything. They could even afford the luxury of conceding an early penalty but Tom Hindmarsh was equal to the spot kick. “They were getting the ball wide and causing us problems and we were slow out of the blocks” said Macey “but in truth the injury to their left winger changed the game.” Within minutes Adam Everiss had slipped a ball through to Argent who beat the keeper and that in itself was a bonus after the young striker had limped off before half-time in the Open Cup win over Andover Lions on Tuesday night. His goal gave ‘Church a slim lead at the break but the second half was a different story. “We stepped up a gear and when Sam’s injury flared up Ashley Childs came off the bench and that was that” said Macey. Louis Macey and Paul Coventry found Isaac Sedu and his cross was tucked away by Nick Jupp for the fourth which puts Whitchurch fourth in the table and just a point behind Brockenhurst and Team Solent. Suddenly Whitchurch are right on the mix of the promotion positions and now only seven points behind Cowes with a game on hand as well as still in the Andover Open Cup and North Hants Senior Cup and a late charge for the title is not beyond the bounds of possibility. “My back line were awesome and we are keeping clean sheets which is always a good thing. We must have a chance now.” Macey concluded. Tonight sees the second part of the Fleet Town cup double as the Southern Leaguers visit Longmeadow having won in the Basingstoke Senior Cup tie 3-1 a couple of weeks ago. Macey is hoping for a strong squad, but without Brown, as he sees the North Hants Senior Cup as one his side can win. “I tinkered with the team for the first game but won’t make that mistake again.” Then on Saturday basement boys Hythe and Dibden are on a hiding to nothing as they travel to Longmeadow.