Tuesday 12th February 2008

GOSPORT BOROUGH v CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch manager Graham Kemp started with this line up for the midweek friendly:

1 Zach Glasspool
2 Ross Wallace
3 Michael Green
4 Dan Crutchley
5 Steve Linpow
6 Lloyd Jenvey (capt)
7 Andy Borthwick
8 Chris Dillon
9 Russell Cooke
10 Les Wallace
11 Paul Manning

12 Rudi
14 Paul Rideout
15 Dan Taylor
GK Rory Anderson

Ross Wallace made his debut for the Priory at right back whilst Michael Green was rewarded for his outstanding loyalty with a start at left back. Due to FA regulations Green has been unable to play for Christchurch in a competitive match since the early part of the season but has turned up at every game to cheer the lads on. Zach Glasspool got some more goalkeeping experience following his stand in performance for the unfortunate Dan Loader. The game kicked off with Gosport fielding several youngsters but also several players with Southern league experience this season. Borough certainly looked sharper than their Wessex league opponents catching Christchurch out with several quick throw ins, free kicks and corners but never exerting any real pressure on Zach Glasspool in the Christchurch goal. Fifteen minutes played and following a superb passing move down Christchurch’s right flank, newcomer Ross Wallace crossed for 18 year old Chris Dillon to get in front of the defender and nod the ball expertly past one time Christchurch keeper Max Frampton to give the away team the lead and to stun Gosport. Christchurch were having a good time of it now and getting plenty of the ball and using the flanks well. On 30 minutes Rory Anderson came on in goal whilst Glasspool replaced Andy Borthwick on the pitch.

Half time: GOSPORT BOROUGH 0 CHRISTCHURCH 1

Half time changes for Christchurch as Rudi, a Brazilian trialist came on for Paul Manning and Dan Taylor replaced Michael Green. Gosport Borough introduced several of their regular players for the second half but it was Christchurch who scored when teenager Russell Cooke played fellow striker Les Wallace through who finished with aplomb. Two nil to Christchurch and they were looking good value for it. It was Christchurch who now looked the sharper side, working hard and gaining confidence with every move they put together Priory made several more good chances and it was no surprise when Ross Wallace crossed for Zach Glasspool to control the ball before firing home with the help of a deflection.

A great performance by the Christchurch side but now they need to carry this form into the next game.

Final score: GOSPORT BOROUGH 0 CHRISTCHURCH 3

match Report by the Bridgeman