FA Youth Cup
1st qualifying round
27th September 2007

Christchurch FC v VT FC

This terrific game, played in the correct manner by both Clubs was a credit to Hampshire under 18 football.

With both teams under strength on the evening it was wonder strike from Christchurch’s Dan Thompson that settled this game just before half time.

The game started at a fast pace with both sides attacking in turn. Joe Mills hit the bar for Christchurch before VT’s Freddie Cadogan hit the bar at the other end. Christchurch appeared to have the more dangerous attacking options and Chris Dillon was causing all sorts of chaos with his long throws. A series of free kicks to Christchurch swung in by skipper Adam Costello saw the excellent Matt Renouf in VT’s goal make several good catches and punches to safety. VT were also creating chances but right on the stroke off half time the Christchurch defence cleared upfield for Sam Thompson to hold the ball up and lay it off to his namesake Dan Thompson, who from just outside the penalty area struck the ball beautifully with his right foot past the despairing dive of Renouf to give Christchurch the lead.

Half time: Christchurch 1 V.T. FC 0

The second half started with Christchurch keeping possession well and running the game. It seemed a matter of time before a second goal would come. However during their occasional breakaways VT still looked capable of winning this game. In fact VT through their determination came back strongly and for the final 15 minutes were desperately pressing for the equaliser. Tiredness was starting to affect the Christchurch forwards ability to hold the ball up and it was no surprise to see players suffering from cramp. After 4 minutes of injury time the Christchurch camp were relieved to hear the final whistle in this hard fought victory.

Manager Andy Mills praised his players following the game. “They were all superb and gave everything. I would like to thank the 3 (Dorset) players who came into the depleted squad and thanks especially to Christchurch (Dorset) under 18’s manager Peter Old for allowing them to play.”
Mills continued, “VT are a good team but I thought from our keeper to our back four, we didn’t look like conceding, the midfield worked really hard and our front two literally ran themselves into the ground. I think we got what we deserved today so well done to everybody in the squad.”

1 Jason Collins
2 Dan Houghton
3 James Marden
4 Chris Dillon
5 Dale Hyne
6 Joe Mills
7 Dan Thompson
8 Adam Costello (capt)
9 Ollie Dean
10 Sam Thompson
11 Darren Martin

12 Ben Aspeling
14 Kane Brennan
15 James Wright
GK James Stratford


Final score: Christchurch 1 V.T. FC 0

The Bridgeman

Images from this match are in the image gallery.