Ryman League Division One South

Chipstead 1

Met Police 4

CHIPSTEAD recorded a disappointing defeat to the Met Police on Tuesday night that leaves them 18th in the league with six games to secure safety, writes Kaylee Seckington.

With just four minutes on the clock Met Police went ahead after Phil Ruggles ran through on goal and despite being marshalled by two defenders, scored easily.

Met Police exploited their superior pace, running Chips ragged. After a flick by Ron Edwards, Craig Wilkins shot wide.

The Chips were having trouble stringing a succession of passes together, but after another chance for Wilkins, keeper Bromby saved bravely at the feet of attacking reinforcements. On the half-hour Chips started to find their feet, but were still lacking chances.

In first-half added time Police hit a second when Paul Honey's free-kick went in without a significant second touch, with keeper Bromby watching runners.

Two substitutions made the Chips look brighter in the second half. Shots from distance came from Anthony Morrison and Russell Bedford.

On 60 minutes, Craig Brown's shot was well saved by Bromby and cleared by debutant Craig Pitterson. Bromby tipped another shot over t he bar when Ruggles released a thunderbolt.

With 11 minutes left to play substitute Sean Rivers made it 2-1 when his strike from inside the box left the keeper little chance.

Just when it look as if the Chips might rescue a point, a Ron Edwards cross was deflected into the net off a defender. In added time, a Nathan Simpson cross was put away by Rob Smith.

Chipstead: Bromby, Bedford, Thompson, Russell (Rivers), Coburn, Matthews, Pitterson, McClean, Wright, Simpson (Moody), Freeman (Morrison). Unused subs: Peck, Watts.