Saturday 30th August 2008 F.A. cup preliminary round

SOUTHWOOD UNITED v CHRISTCHURCH

Graham Kemp wanted to keep the same line up that was so successful at Wimborne but Simon Keates was unwell so the manager’s selection was this:

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Colin Dand
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Steve Linpow
6 John Brock
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Russell Cooke
11 Michael Green

12 Mark Burrows
14 Martin Lawrence
15 Paul Rideout
16 Chris Dillon
17 Jon Blake
18 Harry Rolph
GK Jason Collins


The game was played under brilliant sunshine which made conditions extremely hot for the players. Southwood were chasing and closing space down all over the pitch and in one incident after just 5 minutes, full back Dan Taylor was barged into the advertising boards by an opponent. After receiving lengthy treatment Taylor was able to continue but following this pivotal moment the Christchurch team could hardly get into the match. It came as no surprise when the home side went into the lead soon after. An attack down the right wing resulted in the ball being pulled back and Southwood made no mistake from 6 yards out.

Half time: Southwood United 1 Christchurch 0

The second half saw Christchurch try and get back into the match but to no avail. The nearest that Christchurch came to scoring was when a corner was cleared to Mark Smith whose shot was back heeled by Gareth Barnes. Unfortunately with the keeper beaten a defender easily cleared off the line. Marc Burrows also had a shot well saved by the home keeper. Southwood extended their lead and could have scored more goals but in truth the final whistle could not come quick enough for the well beaten Christchurch side.

Final score: Southwood United 2 Christchurch 0