Hemel Hempstead 1–1 Chesham Utd

Oct 10 2011 By Greg Burns

CHESHAM United had goalkeeper Shane Gore to thank for leaving struggling derby rivals Hemel with a hard-fought point.

The Generals were looking to take their 100 per cent home form on the road at basement boys Hemel but came up against a side under new leadership.

Ex-Southampton and Port Vale midfielder Tommy Widdrington took over the club and got an immediate response from his players against Chesham.

But they came up against an inspired Gore who denied Scott Fitzgerald who saw two early efforts well saved before Generals wing-back John Kyriacou sent a shot high over the bar.

An entertaining clash saw Steve Wales and Anthony Watson see shots blocked as both sides pressed for the opening goal.

Set-piece frailties continued to hurt Chesham after the break when Fitzgerald flicked a corner onto the bar but they made the breakthrough on 53 minutes.

The visitors failed to clear a deep free-kick with Marquin Smith bundling the ball over the line to give Hemel the lead.

But Chesham responded well and struck a deserved leveller with 15 minutes to play when Simon Thomas converted a Leon Archer cross to ensure the spoils were shared.

GENERALS: Gore, Kyriacou, Lambert, Bartley, Watson, Talbot, Fotheringham (Potton 68), Wilson (Watters 68), Wales, Archer, Thomas (Robinson 83).

Subs (not used): Wadkins, Gudgeon.

Booked: Fotheringham (31 mins).

Att: 406.