Straight out of the gate we looked a strong attacking threat, creating plenty of chances and controlling the game. Chessington were spending most of their time in their own half but an early counter lead to them striking the post with their first chance. However it was the home side that eventually opened the scoring when Simon Wallace tapped in a Harry Sintim rebound from close range. Sintim continued causing chaos down the right hand side and it wasn’t long until we had our second of the evening, as a Dan Frith cross/shot trickled in at the near post.
Half time came and went and we maintained our dominance of the game, although another Chessington counter struck the post, reminding us our opponents were still a threat. A rough challenge meant Abraham Udofia had to come off with a nasty looking injury, replaced by Tony Langridge.
Chessington confirmed themselves as a threat when they countered once more and scored, clawing their way back into contention. They grew more confident, forcing a headed clearance off the line, but we soon got back into our stride when Harry Sintim cut in and won us a penalty. Alfie Dean stepped up but his shot was saved, fortunately Simon Wallace was on hand to poke home his second and Lingfield’s third.
The goal lifted the team and it took mere minutes for the ball to arrive at the feet of substitute Tony Langridge, who hit the ball from the right hand side across the goal into the top left corner. Whether or not he intended it to be a shot is a mystery, but the reaction from around the ground was emphatic. Again it didn’t take long for the next goal, with Sintim once more running riot down the right in the build-up.
The ball fell to Matthew Warren, who scored from range to provide our fifth of the game.
The rest of the game was goalless, but we created plenty of chances and the boys looked like they were having fun out there. The ball was almost permanently in Chessington’s half and Harry Sintim was having a field day entertaining the fans with his skills. When the final whistle blew everyone had a big grin on their face and stuck around to give the team the praise they deserved for another great performance on the road to Wembley.
Sam Freebody