Match Result: 3 - 4

Goal Scorers: Brad, Cameron, Luke, Ed.

MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMES

To date, this was the most important match of the season. A win would see Christchurch go top of the league.

Christchurch attacked from the start determined to win. After a flurry of attacking moves Christchurch took a 1 - 0 lead within 5 minutes of kick off. An athletic goal scored by Brad.

Burton did have some possession but were unable to progress out of their own half. After further attacking moves from Christchurch, Cameron made it 2 - 0 after 10 minutes. Christchurch could have made it 4 – 0 with a near miss by Ollie H. and a long range shot by Cameron.

With a 2 – 0 lead Christchurch did appear to take their foot of the pedal and Burton came into the game but were unable to get any shots on goal. James in defence, played with confidence and passed a long ball through to Brad who crossed into the penalty area. Ed had a shot at goal which was saved by the keeper and the rebound fell to Luke who “nutmegged” the goalkeeper to make it 3 – 0.

The last five minutes of the 1st half were nerve-racking. Burton came to life and had a number of shots on goal. Christchurch defence stood firm and with Breno Reis, in goal, making a number of fine saves.

Half time: 0 - 3

Burton started the second half as they had ended the first, attacking from the whistle. Breno denied Burton a goal after 2 minutes by toe-poking the ball round the post. Burton maintained the pressure and had a number of corners but were unable to get the ball in the goal. Christchurch did eventually attack and had their first corner of the second half after 5 minutes. Burton dealt effectively with this and broke from Christchurch’s half. Breno in goal had no chance and Burton scored to make it 3 – 1. Within a couple more minutes Burton had pegged the score back to 3 – 2 and Christchurch needed to take control again.

Seeing the opportunity of going top of the league slipping away, Christchurch knuckled down and with great teamwork made it 4 - 2 with a goal by Ed.

As in the first half, the last five minutes of the second half were nail- biting. It was end to end action and both teams had the opportunity to score goals and in fact Burton did score a third goal from a corner making it 4 – 3. Christchurch stuck to the task in hand and the defence stood firm to deny Burton the opportunity of getting near the goal.

The whistle went for full time, a 4 -3 win to Christchurch. Well done boys!! Top of the league!!

Full time: 3 - 4