Match Details: 02/08/1999
Chippenham Town 0 Yeovil Town 0
Pre-season Friendly
Starting line-up:
1. Tim Malessa
2. Dave Piper
3. Tony Pounder
4. Matt Hayfield
5. Paul Steele
6. Rob Cousins
7. Jamie Pitman
8. Mike Adams
9. Warren Patmore
10.Arthur Appleton
11.Phil Simpson
Substitutes (used): Steve Stott, Ben Smith, Jason Eaton, Kevan Brown, Terry Skiverton, Murray Fishlock, Darren Keeling
Match Report:
A good workout for a very experimental Yeovil side tonight as they were matched by a good Chippenham side at Hardenhuish. Yeovil lined up with mainly a first team squad, but with Colin Lippiatt getting a chance to look at three reserve team players who could feature this season; goalkeeper Tim Malessa, midfielder Mike Adams and much talked about forward Arthur Appleton.
Yeovil also rang the changes by playing Matt Hayfield in the central defensive role he managed so successfully last season whilst the highly unlikely combination of Pitman, Adams and Simpson filled the midfield as they lined up in their red and blue away kit. There was still no sign of Steve Thompson or David Norton, both still rested from their long running calf injuries.
Chippenham started brightly, looking very strong, but on 25 minutes, Warren Patmore nodded down a header and Mike Adams should have scored from around eight yards out but put his shot wide of the post. A minute later, Arthur Appleton caused havoc as his shot went across the goal, but with Patmore looking to tap the ball home, with Chippenham goalkeeper Ian Jones stranded, a defender took the ball off Patmore’s boot and cleared the ball to safety.
Just before half time a well flighted Phil Simpson corner was headed over by Matt Hayfield but the two sides ended up going in level.
Chippenham started the second half as a far better side and Lee Burns forced Tim Malessa into a great save just after the restart.
In the 61st minute all seven substitutes were used with Pounder, Hayfield, Steele, Pitman, Adams, Patmore and Simpson all making way for the on-coming players.
Keeling wasted no time after he came on in creating his first chance, but he headed narrowly over the bar, when he could have easily put Yeovil ahead.
Chippenham had their best chance of the game on 68 minutes when a Steve Campbell shot seemed to be looping over the top of Tim Malessa, but despite being off his line, he clawed at the ball running backwards and somehow managed to put the ball over the bar.
Yeovil finished the stronger side with the seven sets of fresh legs, but couldn’t find the net. No goals, then but fortunately, no injuries, with a bloody nose from Jamie Pitman being Yeovil’s worst knock of the night.
Best players of the night were Arthur Appleton and Phil Simpson for their attacking play. Yeovil had around 80% of the chances on the night, even though it was felt that Yeovil were playing well within their means. Had better finishing been in place, Yeovil would have won the game but a goal or two despite Chippenham being very worthy opponents.
Final Score: Chippenham Town 0 Yeovil Town 0