By Jools Thomas

It seems an age since we last played a game of football at the Affinity Investments Stadium and in truth it showed in this mid table battle played out in challenging conditions. At the final whistle, FC will be extremely grateful for an unexpected draw and Chalfont will be kicking themselves that they didn’t take all three points.
Both teams had chances within the first couple of minutes. James Faulkner was tackled just as he was about to shoot and at the other end, the impressive Daryl Atkins whipped in a teasing cross which caused panic in the FC box. As the game settled, it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous team. Again Atkins conjured up a telling ball which was cut out by Max Farrelly, one of the few shining lights for FC on the night. It was little surprise when Chalfont took the lead after 11 minutes. The right hand wing was a happy hunting ground for the Chalfont wingers with Michael Lewis curling an inviting ball into the danger area and Atkins bundling the ball home ahead of FC keeper Simeon Charles. FC, through Brian Haule, tried to hit back, with the big Number 9 seeing his shot parried by Michael Power Simpson. More chances fell to Chalfont before they doubled their lead. Luke Abraham was caught dawdling on the half way line, lost the ball and as if in slow motion, Daniel Hughes then took aim and fired in a low shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net. You would normally expect FC to hit back by this stage but they were in danger of falling even further behind. A slide rule pass saw Hughes just beaten to the ball by Charles with FC grateful to hear the half time whistle.
It was agreed by the FC faithful that at least things could only get better in the second half but as Atkins’ shot just cleared the bar after he had robbed Ben Stevens, some wondered if it could get much worse. The normally combative Sonny French was having none of his usual influence on the game although there was a flash reminder of what he was capable of, for example in the 55th minute, as his shot just cleared the Chalfont post. Finally FC were starting to create chances thanks in no small part to the thoughtful work of Max Farrelly at right back who was always looking to start attacking moves. On 64 minutes a cross from the left saw Brian Haule rise above everyone else but his shot also cleared the post. Chalfont’s star man Daryl Atkins showed more of his skill a few minutes later and had his shot hit the net rather than going the wrong side of the post then that surely would have been game over.
What we have learned of manager Craig Faulconbridge over the past few months is that he will not accept defeat lying down and it was with just 9 minutes left that his side began its fight back into the game. Luke Abraham delivered a wicked cross into the danger area and that man Atkins sliced the ball into his own net. FC’s spirits rose and those in red and black jerseys piled forward in the hope of an equaliser. That equaliser arrived with six minutes to spare. A mix up in the away box saw the ball loop over Power Simpson and as it came back down to earth; Sonny French was waiting to tap home what certainly must be the easiest goal of his so far impressive season.

Star man Max Farrelly

Line Up
1 Simeon Charles.
2 Max Farrelly. Man of the Match
3 Luke Abraham.
4 Kwasi Frempong.
5 Ben Stevens.
6 Liam Fowler.
7 Davis Haule.
8 Lamar Simpson. Sub Off (69')
9 Brian Haule.
10 Sonny French. Goal (80')
11 James Faulkner.
14 Lynton Goss Sub On (69')

Unused Subs
12 Ollie Lynch
13 Craig Faulconbridge