Tuesday 29th July 2008
CHRISTCHURCH v GOSPORT BOROUGH

Christchurch played host to Alex Pike’s Southern League Gosport Borough on the immaculate Hurn Bridge surface. Christchurch starting line up:

1 Sam Webb
2 John Blake
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Steve Linpow
6 John Brock
7 Mark Smith
8 Simon Keates
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Russell Cooke
11 Paul Rideout

Subs:
Chris Dillon
Michael Green
Colin Dand
Harry Rolph
Steve Strong (debut)
Jason Collins GK
Joe Prodomo GK


Gosport started like a train and hit the post within 20 seconds of the start. But Christchurch fought back and a shot from Gareth Barnes was well saved by Gosport’s Stacey Harper after 16 minutes. Shortly after a long cross from Gosports right was brought down by last season’s Southern league top goalscorer Justin Bennett who finished with style despite Christchurch’s appeal for a foul. Christchurch played well in this first half, taking the game to Gosport but the southern league side always looked dangerous when attacking.

Half time: Christchurch 0 Gosport Borough 3

The second half saw the usual pre season deluge of substitutes as Gosport took control of the game. The nearest Christchurch came to scoring was when debutant Steve Strong chipped the ex Christchurch keeper Max Frampton but saw his effort come back off the bar. Gosport extended their lead when poor marking at a corner resulted in a powerful header beating Sam Webb in the Christchurch goal. Further poor defending allowed Gosport to record a 3 – nil victory as Christchurch visibly tired against their higher league opponents.

Full time: Christchurch 0 Gosport Borough 3

A good workout for Graham Kemps boys against a side that truly showed the difference between Wessex and Southern league football.