FA Youth cup 3rd qualifying round

Poole Town under 18’s v Christchurch under 18’s

Christchurch line up:-

1 Jason Collins
2 Dale Hyne
3 James Mardon
4 Adam Costello
5 Chris Dillon
6 Joe Mills
7 Darren Martin
8 Toby Williams (capt)
9 Jamie McMennum
10 Russell Cooke
11 Harry Rolph

12 Dan Thompson
14 Ollie Dean
15 Sam Thompson
16 Dan Houghton
GK James Stratford


Christchurch started with just Russell Cooke up front but straight from the kick off their intention was to attack. As early as 3 minutes Adam Costello whipped in a free kick, which was headed clear. From the resulting corner Toby Williams had a header cleared off the line. On 18 minutes another Christchurch corner led to the Poole keeper making a good save and the follow up shot was kicked off the line by a defender. This was followed by another Costello free kick, which cannoned back off the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. Would these missed chances cost Christchurch the opportunity to win this game? With 28 minutes on the clock a through ball found the hard working Russell Cooke who held the ball up and then slipped a glorious pass through to Harry Rolph. The left-winger took a couple of paces and slammed a right-footed shot high into the Poole net. Skipper Toby Williams suffered a bad hamstring strain and was replaced by Ollie Dean. This meant a reshuffle of the Christchurch formation and from this point Poole Town took control of the midfield.

Half time: Poole Town 0 Christchurch 1

The second half saw Poole rather dominating proceedings with the Christchurch lads continuing to work very hard to hang on to their slender lead. In breakaways Christchurch continued to make half chances but as Poole Town looked the more likelier to score goalkeeper Jason Collins had to be at his best to keep out several good Poole efforts. With Chris Dillon dominant at the back it appeared Christchurch could weather the storm but then the defence seemed to ball watch as a Poole cross was turned into the net at the far post with less than 10 minutes remaining. Right on time a Chris Dillon header was well saved by the Poole keeper.

Score at 90 minutes: Poole Town 1 Christchurch 1

Extra time saw several of the players suffering from cramp and sheer physical tiredness and at the end of the first 15 minutes. Ollie Dean had to be helped of the pitch following a severe attack of cramp. He did come back on but soon had to leave the field again for the remainder of the match leaving Christchurch to play the final 15 minutes of extra time with only 10 men. And how the 10 men battled. With 3 minutes left before the dreaded penalty shoot out Christchurch won a corner. As the ball came in from the left a goalmouth scramble followed ending when Russell Cooke drove the ball home to give Christchurch a tremendous victory.

Final score: Poole Town 1 Christchurch 2

This result was achieved through a combination of skill and determination. Above all the match was won because the Christchurch team would not accept that they could be beaten.

Well done lads, we are all very proud of you.

The Bridgeman.

Images from this match are in the image gallery.