Saturday 9th February 2008

Sydenhams Wessex League
Premier Division

CHRISTCHURCH v HORNDEAN

With Adam Costello still suffering from his rib injury, goalkeeper Dan Loader out for the season with his broken leg, under 18 player Chris Dillon rested and Dan Crutchley suspended, manager Graham Kemp selected the following line up:

1 Rory Anderson
2 Martin Lawrence
3 Dan Taylor
4 Steve Linpow
5 Tom Hughes
6 Lloyd Jenvey (capt)
7 Andy Borthwick
8 Les Wallace
9 Russell Cooke
10 Marc Burrows
11 Paul Rideout

12 Zach Glasspool
14 Robbie Woolner
15 Paul Manning
16 Chris Dillon
17 Adam Costello


Debuts then for goalkeeper Rory Anderson who is Andover’s number 2 keeper and Les Wallace who has joined Christchurch from Alresford. Both players played well and promise much for the future.

On a superb sunny spring day Christchurch kicked off with hopes of catching Horndean who were one place above them in the Wessex league table. However a disastrous first half saw Christchurch deservedly go three goals behind after being outplayed by a buoyant Horndean outfit. With 16 minutes gone Horndean had their first real shot on goal as Adam Rudling scored via the post from 20 yards out. With Christchurch players standing off their opponents and watching things happen instead of making them happen it was no surprise when Horndean doubled their lead. Rory Williams attacked down the left flank and took advantage of Christchurch not having a recognised right back when he fired home after 27 minutes. Still Christchurch did not wake up and Martin Lawrence was caught in possession as Williams crossed for the Wessex leagues top goalscorer Graham Lindsey to clinically finish and give Horndean a three goal lead. At last this stirred Christchurch into action. Following a free kick Horndean cleared the ball to the edge of the penalty area and Andy Borthwick drove the ball hard and low towards goal but a deflection took the ball wide. Paul Rideout took one of a succession of corners for Christchurch and from the corner flag the ball evaded everyone and settled in the top of the net. Three - one and game on! Christchurch now piled on the pressure as Horndean seemed to wilt and a desperate clearance had Christchurch claiming that the ball was over the goal line and a goal should be given. The referee declared play on and Horndean breathed again. Just before half time another close call saw Tom Hughes power his header goalwards and the Horndean full back clear off the line.

Half time: Christchurch 1 Horndean 3

The second half saw play gradually become scrappier but Christchurch made a real fight of it. 16 minutes into the half and Martin Lawrence crossed from the right. The ball evaded everybody until Horndean’s Ollie Warren handled to stop the ball going in the net. A penalty awarded and everyone waited for the referee to brandish his red card. Amazingly Mr Cassidy produced his yellow card allowing Horndean to continue the rest of the match with 11 players. Paul Rideout coolly put the spot kick away and Christchurch were right back in the game. Try as they might Christchurch could not get the equaliser and with the 90 minutes up and all the Christchurch players attacking Horndean broke away and scored their fourth through substitute Pete Lines. Still the game was not over and Martin Lawrence scored a rare header from Paul Rideout’s free kick in the 7th minute of injury time. Horndean were begging the referee to blow for time and in the end Christchurch paid the price for giving them a 3 goal lead.

Final score: Christchurch 3 Horndean 4

Christchurch Man of the Match: PAUL RIDEOUT

The Bridgeman