THERE'S NO POINT AGAINST THOSE LUCKY DEVELS

Despite creating twice as many chances than the home side Cookham came away with nothing from the trip to Sandhurst.
Two mistakes at the back in the opening 20 minutes led to two goals for the Devels and despite the visitors battering their opponents during the second half they only managed one goal in return.
Cookham Dean made all the early running and a subtle pass from Jake Chance put Jon Schaaf in, but his effort skimmed the outside of the far post on 10 minutes.
The Dean continued to pile forward and Ryan Jones skipped down the Devels weaker left flank and his near post cross was met first time by Schaaf, but again the ball flashed just the wrong side of the post.
Devels carved out their first chance but Ben Pyle blazed over when well placed. Louis Shepherd then fired over for Cookham from 30 yards before Devels next attack saw them go ahead, but it was a poor defensive error that led to the goal.
A hopeful punt forward drew three defenders to the same ball, and despite winning the header, the ball dropped kindly to Ron Candlish who found himself in space before tapping into the net on 15 minutes.

In response Cookham passed their way forward once more and created another chance for Shepherd but his shot produced a fine save from Richard Ball in the home goal.
The game now opened up a little and Sandhurst had a decent shot on target that the Dean's James Clarke saved well.

On 25 minutes the visitors found themselves two down when another long ball pumped into their final third was not dealt with. The long balls bounce should have been denied but hesitation proved fatal and Pyle made up for his earlier miss by lashing the ball in from 20 yards.
Despite the set backs Cookham continued to play the better football and Jake Chance again set Schaaf up for another strike but again Richard Ball produced a fine stop to protect his sides advantage.
Devels had another opening themselves on 40 minutes but this time it was squandered.
Following a Chris Ellis long throw which was headed out from under the bar, Ollie Webb smashed a screamer from 25 yards but agonizingly it shaved the crossbar and the score line was 2-0 at the break.

Cookham were determined to get something in the second half and they kept pinned Devels back for most of it.
Ollie Webb shot wide on 55 mins as the pressure grew but within five minutes the Dean reduced the arrears when a deft touch from Schaaf was rammed home by Nick Seymour on the hour.
Half chances and some well worked set pieces came and went before one good Ollie Webb free kick picked out Scott Allen for a diving header, but once again the Dean had no luck and the ball went inches wide of the upright.
Sandhurst managed just one effort in the second half which was on the break, but although well worked the ball was lifted over the bar with 10 minutes remaining.

In the closing stages Cookham poured forward in search of the equaliser they deserved
and again Ryan Jones skills created an opening, his pass to Schaaf was crossed perfectly to the far post but Jake Chances header went just outside the post.
Schaaf smashed a last gasp shot goal wards on 90 minutes but the home side must have breathed a sigh of relief as the ball cleared the crossbar and the final whistle blew.

Cookham had once again played well, you cannot fault the effort and determination and they were always the better side, but defensive errors against a couple of long balls had cost them dear. The Dean should have also taken more of the chances they created, because, at the end of the day, it's all about goals.
If they can start taking those chances, they will soon start climbing back up the table.

Match Photos:
1&2 Everone thought Scottie Allen had scored following Ollie Webbs free kick
3 Outstanding Jake Chance
4.Devels free lick hits the wall
5.Cookham battered the home goal but could not get the equaliser