Chamberlain strikes to maintain unbeaten start to the season

Ollie Chamberlain’s close range finish on 33 minutes was enough to see City overcome Hanworth Villa this afternoon at Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park. The visitors can consider themselves unfortunate not to have taken something from the game though after dominating possession for long periods.

The pattern of the game was set during the opening exchanges as Villa enjoyed plenty of the ball but rarely looked like turning this into goalscoring opportunities. In fact, it was City who had the first effort on goal as Scott Wilson’s 27th minute shot was well saved by Dickinson. He was beaten six minutes later though when Harry Parsons found space down the left and his low cross was converted at the back post by Chamberlain. Villa responded well to this set-back with Nutbeam’s ball across the six-yard box on 37 minutes somehow failing to pick out a teammate. Then on the stroke of half-time Williams’ 20-yard shot looked destined for the top corner before Harvey Wiles-Richards produced a stunning fingertip save.

City started the second half on the front foot but where soon getting pressed back again. On 56 minutes Vaughan’s 25-yard shot took a slight deflection which saw it hit the inside of the post. Casey drilled a low shot narrowly wide in the 67th minute but City were standing up well to the pressure. A rare break forward on 74 minutes ended with Sev Streczen’s low shot gathered well by Dickinson. Enzio Boldewijn headed over then Kieran Parselle blazed a good chance high over the bar as City looked to give themselves breathing space. The pressure continued into the game’s closing stages, with Jack Batten blocking Harding’s shot on the line, the referee waving away hopeful handball appeals, and several dangerous crosses into the box well dealt with positively. The final one of these deep into stoppage time was gathered by Wiles-Richards and moments later the whistle signalled a hard-fought three points for the Romans.