Christchurch v Bransgore

Match Result: 3 - 9

Goal Scorers: George (2), Harry

TEAM: Luke W, Jaidon G, Charlie F, Connor R, George C, Harry H, Salah E, Cameron C, Adam L, Joseph B, Ryan O, Jack G

FIRST HALF

The match started off at quite a fast pace with Christchurch surging forward and winning a corner early on, there was a great cross in from Jaidon but unfortunately Bransgore then gained possession of the ball and pushed forward all the way up the pitch and scored the first goal of the match 0-1. Christchurch answered this as Charlie then had a shot but this was saved by the goalie. Bransgore then had a shot on goal which was saved by Connor with a great dive. Harry and Charlie then both had shots on goal and then a shot on target but the goalie then saved it from the rebound.
Jack then had a cracking shot on target but unfortunately the goalie saved it, but Christchurch then won another corner but were unlucky with the finish. Bransgore then scored 0-2 with a great goal. There was then a good surge forward from George who with some great passing from his team mates was then able to go on and score a great goal.

HALF-TIME SCORE 1-2

SECOND HALF

Christchurch came out on a positive note at the start of the second half, Jaidon had a cracking shot on goal but just fell wide of the goal mouth. After some great passing between the Christchurch players Jaidon then had another great shot but was unlucky with the finish. Bransgore then took advantage of the ball possession and went onto to score three goals in quick succession 1-5. Salah then went into goal for Christchurch and Bransgore advanced forward and were then able to score another two goals 1-7. In answer to this attack Christchurch then came back with some good passing and teamwork and George then went onto to score a great goal 2-7. Bransgore then scored once again, 2-8.
Charlie then had a great shot at goal which the goalie saved it, a corner was then won by Christchurch and Harry then went onto score 3-8 and then Bransgore finished the game off with another goal 3-9.

Boscombe Albion v Christchurch

Match Result: 6 - 2

Goal Scorer: Jaidon, Charlie

TEAM: Charlie F, Jack G, Luke W, Jaidon G, Adam L, Cameron C, George C, Harry H, Joseph B, Ryan O

FIRST HALF

At the start of the match Christchurch pushed forward on a positive note and there was some great teamwork that took place between all of the players and then they unfortunately lost possession of the ball and Boscombe Albion then took full advanatge of this and went onto to score the opening goal for Boscombe. 1-0. Christchurch then came back with some excellent support from their defence and they kept on battling and Boscombe Albion then had another shot on goal which was expertly saved by Luke and great dive to save the ball hitting the back of the net. Christchurch then won two corners but were unfortunately not able to take advanatge of this play and score a goal. Jaidon had a great shot on target but was unfortunate with the finish as the goalie got a hand to it. Boscombe broke through the defence and then went onto to score a nother 2 goals in quick succession making it 3-0.

HALF-TIME SCORE 3-0

SECOND HALF

Christchurch started the second half a little despondant and Boscombe despite Christchurch battling with Ryan and Adam holding off in defence went onto to score 2 goals in quick succession 5-0. Christchurch then seemed to take this as their cue and then with some great passing of the ball from the defence all the way through to upfront and Harry had a great shot that was saved by the goalie. Jaidon then kicked the ball from just off of the halfway line and this resulted in a great goal 5-1. Boscombe Albion then went onto to score again 6-1. Christchurch then went on the final attack and there was some great football to watch which ended with Charlie scoring 6-2.

Well done boys, it was a great game to watch and you all seem to be gelling as a team, keep it up.

Christchurch v Bournemouth Sports

Match Result: 7 - 14

TEAM: Connor R, Charlie F, Luke W, Jaidon G, Cameron C, Adam L, Harry H, George C, Salah E, Joseph B, Ryan O

FIRST HALF

Christchurch started the game on the attack and surged forward with George having a great shot on goal but the keeper saved it, the keeper then kicked the ball up the pitch which Harry managed to claim possession of and Harry then headed the ball but it went over the bar. In answer to this Bournemouth Sports pushed forward and after a couple of great saves from Connor they were then able to push through a score 2 goals in quick succession. 2-0, with some great passing from Christchurch Harry was then able to score 2-1 and after such a great attack, Christchurch then monopolised this and were then able to score another goal 2-2. The game was quite evenly matched and Bournemouth Sports then went onto score again 2-3, Charlie from Christchurch then scored a cracking goal bringing the score to 3-3. Christchurch as a team worked hard, But Bournemouth Sports surged froward but the goal was saved by Connor, Harry then went onto score for Christchurch 4-3, Bournemouth Sports answered this evening up the scoreline with another goal 4-4. Christchurch then seemed to lose possession of the ball with some great passing from Bournemouth Sports and they were then able to go into the second half with a 2 goal lead, making the scoreline 4-6.

HALF-TIME SCORE 4-6

SECOND HALF

Connor was then taken out of the goal and put onto the pitch and Luke then went into the goal, there was then an own goal by Bournemouth Sports making it 5-6. Bournemouth Sports then battled their way through Christchurch's defence and were able to score another two goals in quick succession 5-7 and with an own goal by Christchurch the scoreline was 5-8, Bournemouth Sports then surged forward again 5-9. Connor then went back into the goal and Luke was put back out onto the pitch and this seemed to lift Christchurch who then went onto score with a great goal from Harry 6-9, quickly taken by Bourneouth Sports who answered with another goal 6-10. There was some great teamwork by all of the Christchurch team and after a cracking boot down the pitch by Jaidon, George was then able to pick this up and score a goal 7-10. Once again the scoreline was reflected as Bournemouth Sports grabbed possession of the ball and quickly went onto score goal after goal and Christchurch's defence seem to lose their enthusiasm making the scoreline 7-14.
Christchurch had a great start at the beginning of the match but they did then seem to lose their concentration and unfortunatley this was reflected in the scoreline.

Better luck next week boys!

Christchurch v Corfe Mullen

Match Result: 1 - 16

Goal Scorer: Charlie F

TEAM: Connor R, Charlie F, Jaidon G, Cameron C, George C, Joseph B, Salah E, Adam L, Ryan O

FIRST HALF

Corfe Mullen started the game upon the attack and pushed forward towards the goal and scored after 1 minute 1-0. Corfe Mullen then played positively and were able to gain a throw in which resulted in them scoring a secong goal 2-0. Christchurch then answered this attack with some great teamwork which resulted in George having a shot on goal, but this was saved by their goalie. Corfe Mulen then seemed to have the majority of the ball possession throughout the first half as it took Christchurch a while to settle down into the game.
Corfe Mullen then pushed through Christchurch's defence and went onto to score again 3-0, then shortly afterwards making it 4-0, they were then successful in winning a further 2 corners which both resulted in goals being scored making the score line going into half-time 5-0.

HALF-TIME SCORE 5-0

Connor was then put out onto the pitch and Salah was put into goal, Corfe Mullen were keen to gain possession and surged forward at the start of the 2nd half and scored staright away from the blow of the whistle 6-0. Christchurch then answered this attack with some great passng from the goalie through defence through midfield and up front to George who had a great shot at goal but was unlucky with the finish. Meanwhile Corfe Mullen then went onto score another 7-0. There was some great teamwork between the players of Christchurch and Charlie scored for Christchurch 7-1. Corfe Mullen then went onto score another 3 goals 10-1 in quick succession, at this stage Christchurch did seem to lose their flow and Corfe Mullen were taking advantage of this and their lead is then added to making the scoreline 13-1. Christchurch then started to battle on and there were some good moments of quality football and Christchurch were just unlucky with the finishes as there were some great shots on target from Connor, George and Charlie and even though the scoreline did not reflect this the defence played a good game, but Corfe Mullen then went on to score another three goals.

FULL-TIME SCORE 16-1

Christchurch v Dexter Sports

Match Result: 3 - 10

TEAM: Jack G, Jaidon G, Charlie F, Luke W, Connor R, George C, Harry H, Cameron C, Salah E

FIRST HALF

Dexters started the match on a positive note and came staright out and surged forward scoring an early goal 0-1, then after a scuffle inside the box Dexters then won a penalty and scored another goal 0-2. Christchurch then had some good game play and there was some great defending from Jaidon, Adam, Cameron and Ryand and George then scored a great goal 1-2, Dexters then answered this with another goal 1-3 and were then able to break through the defence again making the scoreline 1-4. Christchurch then surged forward and there were some great shots on target from George and Charlie and one from Jack but they were all unlucky with their finishes. Christchurch then won a corner and Charlie then chipped it in 2-4. There was some good defending with Luke, Salah and Jaidon but Dexters were then able to go on the attack and were then able to go on and score another three goals in quick succession making the scoreline 2-7 and the Adam had a cracking shot on target making it 3-7.

HALF-TIME SCORE 3-7

SECOND HALF

Christchurch started the second half on the back foot and Dexters came out to win and scored 2 goals again in quick succession 3-9. Christchurch then came back with a counter attack and there was some great passing on the pitch between Jack, Charlie and Harry and George and Connor then made some great saves when Dexters broke through the defence and they were then successful and went onto score another goal 3-10.
Christchurch did try in the first and the second half of the match, they all tried really hard to work together and as a team they are now starting to gel together, well played boys, better luck next week!

Bransgore v Christchurch

Match Result: 8 - 4

Goal Scorers: George C (2), Adam L, Harry H

TEAM: Jack G, Charlie F, Salah E, Adam L, Jaidon G, Luke W, George C, Harry H, Cameron C, Connor R, Ryan O

1st Half

Christchurch started the game at quite a slow pace and thus quickly found themselves on the losing end of the scoreline with Bransgore taking full adavantage and Christchurch being 2-0 down. Christchurch then started to wake up and all pushed forward with some great passes in defence from Adam, Salah up to midfield with Jaidon passing to Jack who passed to Charlie and onto George who then took the ball all the way and scored 2-1.

Christchurch then won two corners in quick succession but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net. Jaidon was then passed the ball by Cameron and Harry and had a cracking shot on goal but this was saved by the goalie. Bransgore then won a corner and scored making the scoreline 3-1. George then had another near miss, that ended up just wide of the goal mouth. Bransgore took advanatage of this miss and took the ball to the other end of the pitch and then scored 4-1, Charlie had a shot on target that just went wide this took the match to half time.

Half-Time Score 4-1

2nd Half

Christchurch started the second half well with Jaidon having another shot on goal that was saved by the goalie, the goalie then booted it up the pitch and the ball went to Bransgore's strikers who had a shot on goal but this was saved by Connor. Bransgore then kept up the pressure and scored twice making the scoreline 6-1. Christchurch then answered this attack with some great passing from Ryan and Adam to George who then went onto score his second goal of the match 6-2, then in quick succession Adam then scored a cracking goal 6-3.
Bransgore then scored a goal, which the linesman had the flag up but the referee overuled him and the goal was allowed 7-3.
In answer to this Christchurch surged forward and Jack and Jaidon then passed staright through to Charlie and he scored but this goal was disallowed for being offside.
Bransgore then went onto score again 8-3 and Christchurch then scored the last goal with Harry making the scoreline 8-4.

Bournemouth League Cup

Sway v Christchurch

Match Result: 12 - 0

TEAM: Jack G, Charlie F, Luke W, Jaidon G, Adam L, Salah E, Ryan O, George C, Cameron C, Connor R, Harry H

Full-Time Score 12-0

1st Half

Christchurch came out on a good note and started well and were able to have an early shot at the goal but it was just hit wide. Christchurch were definately the more positive team and surged forward, with Charlie, Jack and George and Harry, this attack was then intercepted by Sway who then went on to start the scoreline 1-0. Christchurch despite then battling on in defence were unable to fend Sway off and they then scored another goal in quick succession 2-0.
Adam and Ryan and Jaidon, Luke and Cameron battled on in defence and Sway were then able to win a corner from which they then scored from 3-0. Christchurch then went to attack but gave away a penalty and Sway then scored once again and again making the scoreline 5-0.

Half-Time Score - 5-0

2nd Half

At the start of the 2nd half Christchurch then changed their goalkeeper and Salah was then bought out on the pitch and Connor went into goal. As Sway had the adavantage they carried on with their success scoring a couple of cracking goals,7-0 which showed the difference between the 2 teams as they are in the upper league from us. Christchurch still carried on battling but this was in vain as Swaythen went onto another 5 goals making it 12-0.

Even though all of the boys battled on, they were unlucky with today's match, better luck next time boys!

Christchurch v Boscombe Albion

Match Result: 6 - 6

Team: Charlie F, Jack G, Luke W, Jaidon G, Adam L, Salah E, Ryan O, George C, Cameron C, Connor R, Harry H
Goal Scorers - Charlie - 2, Jack, Harry, George, Salah

1st Half
Welcome to the new players, who all had fantastic debuts, Luke played great in goal, whilst George, Harry and Ryan were fantastic on the pitch. As soon as the whistle was blown, Christchurch were on the defence from Boscombe Albion that surged forward on the attack and had a couple of shots on goal but they were both hit wide. Christchurch answered this by a great pass from Charlie to Jack, who had a sliding shot at goal that went just wide of the goal mouth.
Boscombe Albion were then successful and broke through the defence of Christchurch to start the scoreline 0-1. Connor then had a great chip towards the goal but the goalie saved it, whilst Jaidon and Adam were a force to be reckoned with in defence for Christchurch. Salah then passed to Charlie and Christchurch evened up the score 1-1, Christchurch then carried on pushing forward on the attack and Harry then scored for Christchurch 2-1. Boscombe Albion then scored from a corner kick making the score 2-2.

Half-Time Score 2-2

2nd Half
Christchurch pushed forward with a near miss from George, Jack then passed to George who then shot on target at the goal and scored 3-2. There was then some great passing between the Christchurch team from Jaidon, Salah, Adam, George, Cameron, but Boscombe caught them out on the break and went on to score from yet another corner 3-3. Boscombe then went onto score another goal 4-3. Christchurch then pushed forward in answer to this scoreline and Salah made a great run and this resulted in a goal from Salah 4-4. Christchurch then stayed on the positive and after a great pass from Charlie to Jack he then scored a great goal 5-4, Boscombe then equalised from a corner 5-5. Christchurch answered this with another great run, after some great passing Charlie then shot an amazing goal 6-5, Boscombe then equalised making it 6-6

Full-Time Score 6-6

Christchurch Youth v Kings Park Dynamos

TEAM: Charlie F, Jack G, Connor R, Jaidon G, Adam L, Cameron C, Salah E

FULL-TIME SCORE 5 - 6

1st Half
Christchurch started the match on a positive note and after the whistle was blown, surged forward towards the Dynamos goal but were unlucky with the finish. Despite the fact that Christchurch only played with 7 players they continued to battle on, but Dynamos caught them out on the break and had a shot on target but it went just wide. Christchurch answered this attack with a shot on goal from Charlie, just wide of the goal mouth. Kings Park Dynamos then gained a free kick and started the scoreline with an excellent lobby into the top corner of the net 0-1. Despite Christchurch trying their best, Dynamos then managed to break down the defence and scored another 2 goals, making the scoreline 0-3. This then seemed to spur the boys on and Charlie and Jack were on par with each other working really well with Adam in midfield and Charlie then had a great shot at goal and scored a great goal, taking the scoreline at half-time to 1-3.

Half-time score - 1-3

2nd Half
Dynamos came out battling at the start of this half of the match and were able to get a couple of shots on target, but were not successful in their finishing. Christchurch then pushed forward with a great kick up the pitch from Connor and some great passing from all of the players and then Jack had a cracking shot on goal and scored 2-3. Kings Park Dynamos then answered this by scoring a further 2 goals, bringing the scoreline 2-5. Connor was great in goal and made some tremendous saves, whilst Salah, Cameron and Jaidon were excellent in defence and with some great teamwork from Adam, Jack and Charlie who then had a terrific shot at goal making the scoreline 3-5, Dynamos then scored another goal 3-6. Christchurch then seemed full of energy and surged forward with Charlie and Jack making some great passes to each other and this resulted in another great goal from Jack 4-6. Then just before the final whistle was blown Christchurch took advantage once more and Charlie had a fantastic shot on goal and scored once again 5-6.

Well done to both teams a very exciting and thrilling match to watch, Christchurch you all battled well and should be proud of yourselves.

Redhill Rangers v Christchurch

Match Result: 3 - 3

Goal Scorers: Harvey (3)

Man of the match Luke D puts in a breathtaking defensive performance to help Christchurch earn a well fought point in this fiery encounter.
The weather was miserable, blowing a gale and rain coming down in buckets. That didn’t dampen the boy’s spirits though as each and every one of them shone in this game which can only be described as ‘Total football ’.
This game had the lot. Passion, desire, hunger, determination and commitment, this is what football is all about!!!
Having previously beaten Redhill 2-1 a few weeks ago the opposition were determined to get their revenge and pick up all 3 points on home soil.
It was Christchurch who started the more dangerous, keeping the ball on the deck, playing our passing game.
Working the flanks well, the ball found Oli who whipped in a cross for Harvey the hit man to volley home in the top corner from 6 yards, 1-0 Christchurch!
Joel back from illness was put straight into the starting 11 and didn’t disappoint playing left wing and linking up well with midfield.
Every player from both sides were giving their all and it wasn’t long before Christchurch picked up their first injury through Joel who took a whack to leg, on came Sam K to fill in.
This was real end to end stuff with Redhill coming close to levelling the scores only for brad to make a superb block. Christchurch looked threatening on the break and a whizzing shot from Oli went inches past the post. Redhill pushing hard found the break they needed and levelled the scores 1-1. Sam D picked up an injury from making a well timed challenge and had to come off for attention. Sonny was orchestrating the midfield, slipping balls through the opposition back line for Cam to latch onto and try his luck from 8 yards, only to be foiled by the opposing keeper.
Christchurch applied the pressure with 2 consecutive corners but were unable to capitalise. Luke charging down a Redhill striker, made a superb sliding tackle to deny what was surely a goal, inspiring stuff!!
This match could go either way, the balance tilted in Redhill’s favour when James clearly fouled was lying on the floor in pain and the referee failed to take action, allowing their striker through on goal and making the score 2-1 Redhill. Half-time.
The boys looked like they had been swimming in a mud pool, they took a drink, we discussed tactics and Sam D came back on for Stephen.
The tempo was much the same as the first half (frenetic) and a defence splitting pass from midfield found Harvey who coolly turned his man and then rounded the keeper to make a class finish, 2-2.
The atmosphere was cracking loads of noise from both sets of parents helped each player to find another gear just when it looked like they were tiring. Ed was going about his job very solidly he takes a great free- kick and won some timely headers.
Redhill broke the offside trap and the tall front man was about to strike when sliding in from the right came Luke with an absolutely incredible tackle!!
This was turning out to be one of the games of the season and Sam k was doing a great job of man marking their play maker. Cam got hold of the ball and spread it wide to Sonny who passed it straight back Cam and his first time shot was well saved by the keeper.
It was important we challenged for the ball and made those interceptions and Sam D was now showing another side of his game with some good challenges of his own. Redhill looked to bounce back and a wonder shot saw Brad pull off another brilliant save!
Now with 15 minutes remaining it was Redhill who took back the lead and Christchurch had to dig deep to try and come back with a response.
We did just that and with 8 minutes left Cam again on the edge made a good decision to pass rather than shoot and Harvey netted the leveller to level the match 3-3 and pick up his second hat-trick in three weeks!
Nail biting stuff saw Redhill have 5 corners in the last 5 minutes and a high clearance from Louie soon followed by a kick in the face. Play came to a holt as Louie had a nose bleed and was substituted so it could be dealt with.
Both teams held on to the end and at full-time the score was 3-3, what a great game of football that was, well played lads you are getting better and better with every game we play.

Rossgarth v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 0


Ed picks up the man of the match award with a robust performance at centre back.
On an extremely windy afternoon it was Christchurch who started the brightest, playing some very attractive football, knocking the ball around with ease. Up against strong opposition and title contenders, Rossgarth looked a decent outfit and well organised. It was our lads though who made them look ordinary for the majority of the game with Cam coming close to putting us ahead in the opening minutes.
I don’t know why but we always seem to lift our game against tougher opposition, yet take our foot off the gas and become complacent when playing teams in and around us.
Christchurch really looked the part today, great link up play, attacking the space and staying man to man. Good runs from Josh on the wing kept the pressure on the Rossgarth back four and allowed our midfield to push up and support. Luke as always is dogged and determined and has been outstanding this season, he hustled and harried Rossgarths front line all day. Harvery came close clipping the cross bar from the six yard line.
Stephen winning his dual in midfield was making neat interchanges with Alan and Sam k.
The partnership of Harvey and Cam up front looked dangerous with Cam trying feed off Harvey’s flick ons. The boys were watching their lines well to avoid getting caught off side, a well timed run from Cam saw his shot well saved from a keeper in form.
Rossgarth now in the ascendance looked to create some chances of their own but Brad was first to react to a low drive and made a good save to deny the striker.
A really pleasing goal less first half came to close. We spoke about keeping possession and to get the wingers into the game more. I asked Sam D to come in from the wing looking for the ball and Cam to stand in front of the keeper when we have corners. On came James in a new role as centre midfield, I think he has been ever present at right back and deserves a chance further up pitch.
2nd half
A good start from Rossgarth saw Brad make another good stop and his big kick allowed Christchurch to break with pace, Sam D looking much more lively, received the ball and left the defender standing, made a sweet cross only for Josh to shoot wide.
Sam K again played well and battles away up and down the pitch to keep the opposition at bay. The deadlock was finally broken against the run of play as Rossgarth found themselves 1up with 15 minutes of play remaining. That goal was hard to take.We kept plugging away and switched Oli from centre back to striker and off came Cam with a thigh strain. A fiercely whipped in corner from Ed evaded everyone, the slightest of touches could have seen us level the scores.
Again it was Christchurch who looked the most likely to score with another cross into the box Sam D blazed his shot over the bar, difficult opportunity but one to regret.
Time to go for broke; I changed our system to 4-3-3 trying to get that justly deserved equaliser. It wasn’t to be and with a minute left Rossgarth sealed all three points with an easy tap in to make it 2-0.
Well played to all our lads today, we deserved a share of the points.What with the Rossgarth manager saying to me ‘you are the best team we have played in the league this season’ speaks volumes of the ability and character we have in our squad.

Sway v Christchurch

Match Result: 4 - 4

Goal Scorers: Harvey (2), Oli, Sonny

Man of the match was really hard to call today. I have never done this before but I handed out two man of match medals to Harvey and Louie who were both outstanding.
This really was a game of two halves; we started so slowly in the first half we just couldn’t get the ball down on the ground and play our passing game. For the first 20 minutes we were chasing shadows and at times looked like we had never played the game before. Sam K took a ball straight in the face and was a bit shook up, so on came Sonny to allow Sam k some time to recover.
Sway looked the most dangerous clipping the ball around nicely to one another and working the space. Louie made some great interceptions and a lot of our play comes from him, moving the ball about well to find a player. I don’t think I have seen him give the ball away once this season, he makes the passes look simple.
The lads started to get their game together and string some passes to one another and began creating some pressure on the Sway back four but we just couldn’t get the break we needed.
A Sway midfielder picked up the ball and with a hopeful long high punt it caught Brad off guard and we found ourselves 1-0 down, bizarre goal!
Harvey was given another chance up front and he didn’t disappoint with an absolute worldly strike curling into the top left hand corner 1-1.
The boys now hungry for more pressed the Sway defence and some great last ditch blocks and tackles prevented Oli from putting us ahead and the scores remained level.
Ed has now filled in at centre back for the last 3 games, I know it’s not his favourite position but he never moans and gets on with his job and has become a very reliable and integral part of the team, always gives 100%.
At half time I was not happy with that performance we needed get started straight from the whistle and show more confidence on the ball.
2nd half
Much better start now Sam D was doing his usual charging down the wings and Josh is so quick on the left he looked class and we just needed to find another goal. Harvey again linked up well with Sonny and found himself in on goal and smashed it home 2-1 Christchurch, that’s more like it!!
We looked to increase our lead and Sways keeper was in good form making some vital saves from Josh, Harvey and Sam D.
Now we were opening up the Sway back four and crisp strike from Oli made it 3-1!!
The boys started to get complacent and back came Sway with a fine strike to make it 3-2, game on!
With plenty of subs we managed to switch things around so we had plenty of energy on the pitch, Matt played well making some timely interceptions and James to as always put his shift in.
Again on the break the Sway striker made himself a great opportunity and made no mistake to bring the scores level 3-3.
Now it was any ones game and both teams started to throw everything they had to try and get the fourth, it was Sway who got the break and from being 3-1 up we now found ourselves 4-3 down!
We kept going and with only 5 minutes left on the clock a sweet pass from midfield found Harvey who blasted the ball home to make it 4-4.
Sway were holding on as we had corner after corner and a great 1,2 saw Stephen in on goal but his sweetly struck shot could only find the keeper.
Final score Christchurch 4- 4 Sway.
After that game I can’t help but think that was 2 points dropped, on reflection a point each was a fair result.

Christchurch v Redhill

Match Result: 2 - 1

Goal Scorers: Sam D, Oli

Sam K collects the Man of Match medal for his gritty, steely and constant high energy level of performance.
With Redhill sitting 1 point ahead and 3 games in hand on Christchurch it was vital we prevented them from extending their lead.
There was a lot of pre-match hype about this game with many Redhill and Christchurch players going to the same school. The banter was particularly high from Redhill, suggesting we were going to get stuffed! The Christchurch boys however did their talking on the pitch!

I don’t know where to begin commenting on this game, all the lads were absolutely immense on Sunday. Each and every one of them gave 100%, chasing lost causes, challenging 50/50 balls, closing down play, winning headers, attacking the space. The desire to come out on top was there for all to see.
All the lads were well prepared before kickoff, knowing their jobs and the manager asking Sam K to man mark Redhills playmaker in midfield.
With a bumper crowd in place from both sets of fans the atmosphere was electric straight from the whistle. The match started at a high tempo both teams trying to grab the upper hand with attack after attack.
A sublime ball from James found Sam D beat the off-side trap, tearing down on goal he found himself one on one with the keeper and his fierce shot was well parried, Sam D was first to react and planted the ball in the back of the net, second time of asking, 1-0 Christchurch.
Redhill had some very decent players and enjoyed a lot of possession but when they tried to open us up at the back we were up to the challenge and defended resolutely. The game was frenetic end to end, both teams working extremely hard just to keep up with the pace. Brad made some great saves with his legs from close range and Louie solid as always kept tight to his man. Sonny always looks very comfortable on the ball and spread the play out wide for our wingers to latch onto. Back came Redhill and Christchurch failed to clear a loose ball and the striker tucked it away 1-1. Redhill were now looking for a second and as a corner came in it was well cleared but fell to a Redhill striker, who volleyed it straight back. Brad was beaten all ends up, it had goal written all over it. Somehow James defying the laws of physics threw himself up and sideways to get his head onto the ball and over the bar and out for another corner. Truly unbelievable defending from the little lad!!
2nd half
We regrouped caught our breath and spoke about areas we needed to improve on. For some fresh legs, on came Stephen for Sonny in central midfield. We began brightly and both teams knocked the ball around well, it was a pleasure to watch. Sam K stuck to his task and hassled and hurried their playmaker giving him no time on the ball.
Cam looked class out on the wing and the defenders had a real job keeping tabs on him. Cam took some heavy challenges in the process but kept battling away.
Ed playing centre back was awesome, winning the ball clearing his lines and help setting up the play from the back. Oli who is in fine form was making good movement off the ball and tricking his way past some midfielders to help set up some dangerous attacks. Redhill still looked the most likely team to score next, they missed some great chances but we kept at it. Harvey made a neat turn and shot but it went wide, good effort.
Ed collected the ball took a touch, looked up and sent a great cross into the box for Oli to smash home and make it 2-1!!
Joel now in on the action picked the ball up took a touch but the keeper was equal to it, unlucky.
On came Matt for James who was running on empty, with 12 minutes to go there was plenty of time for Redhill to get level.
Christchurch won a corner but it was easily cleared and suddenly the break was on. Redhill striker bearing down on goal but Luke who made up 15 yards to make the perfect last ditch sliding tackle just as their player was about to pull the trigger, what a tackle from Luke, first rate!!
On came Mac to try and help the defence for the last 8 minutes.
Stephen was everywhere once more and all the players got goal side and man marked whenever we conceded a set piece.
The clock was ticking and the ref seemed to have the whistle in his mouth for an age before he blew for full-time, it finished Christchurch 2 Redhill 1.
A magnificent effort from all the lads today, that was our best team performance so far this season.

Well done!

Everton v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 6

Goal Scorers: Cam (2), Oli (2) Josh (2)


Cam turns on the style scoring twice and picks up the man of the match award, helping Christchurch to a valuable three points with a 6-0 demolition over Everton.
After a long layoff over the festive period the boys were desperate to get back on the pitch and play some football.
It was action straight from the kick as we poured forward in numbers and it was long before in form Oli opened his account with fine strike 1-0.
Cam was given the opportunity up front and he didn’t disappoint with a thunderous shot leaving the keeper with no chance 2-0.
Joel was playing really well, he has a great first touch and close ball control. I know he is desperate to get on the score sheet and can consider himself unlucky today, it will happen soon enough though!
James, Luke, Louie and Ed all did first class jobs at the back when called upon , cleared their lines and had the confidence to knock the ball around rather than just punting up field and hoping for the best.
Midfield looked solid again and they are helping their defence much more by tracking back and challenging for the ball more.
Wing play was good with defence splitting passes from Luke and James allowing Christchurch to whip some dangerous balls into the opposition penalty area. Josh in centre mid picked up the ball on the edge and smashed it home, 3-0. Everton started to press and looked dangerous in the middle but Stephen and Sam K were up to the challenge and let little past.
Second half
Team talk was all about communicating to each, being confident and allowing the defence to push up and support. All the lads wanted to play up front, so we mixed it around a little by swapping positions.
Evertons keeper was in inspired form, making double saves tipping shots around or over the bar!
Oli looked hungry for goals and it wasn’t long before he picked up his second with a low drive, 4-0.
Brad did not have much to do but what he did do he did well, Mac made some excellent tackles at left back and really impressed.
Ed as always takes great corner and Cam managed to pounce, beat the defender and make it 5-0 with a rasping drive!!
Oli and Cam now both on for a hat-trick but it was Josh who got the final goal of the game when he received the ball from Sam k on the half way line made I quick one two with Joel and tucked the ball in the bottom right hand corner.
The shots kept raining in but the match ended 6-0 and all the boys deserved their victory, well done!!

New Milton Eagles v Christchurch

Match Result: 3 - 1

Goal Scorer: Josh


Josh takes the man of the match award with an all round top class performance. It wasn’t enough though as New Milton Eagles took a valuable 3 points with a 3-1 victory!

This was a real test for our lads, having been on a good run of late, so too were New Milton eagles. Winning their last four games and scoring a massive 30 goals along the way.
The sun was bright and I told the lads if we win the toss to switch ends so as Brad our keeper didn’t have the sun in his eyes, Captain Sam D called successfully and we switched
The game was end to end and Stephen and James worked their socks off to keep tabs on their very fast wingers. It wasn’t long before Brad was called into action and he made a comfortable save at his near post to deny NME.
The match was very tight and the best outlets were the wings, a mistake at the back allowed NME to work a shot and made it 1-0.
The boys stayed focused and began to find some holes in the opposition defence; a great cross into the box from Ed found Oli who launched himself at the ball only to see his shot go inches past the post!
Our defence was looking pretty solid but we have a tendency of playing too deep, allowing the opposition to push up. A fantastic ball from NME found their winger who ghosted in from the right and made it 2 nil. HALF-TIME.
We talked about holding possession, letting the ball do the work and spread the ball out wide to Sam and Joel who always looked like they could create something.
Josh switched to centre mid and Ed pushed up front, Josh’s pace was causing all kinds of problems for the opposition and Cam was making great runs into the box with Sam k pushing up in support. Now we looked dangerous and were raining shot after shot only for it to be saved by their keeper who was in inspiring form to say the least. Cam had a great strike cleared off the line and Joel too was getting in on the action only to see his shot come off a defender and out for a corner.
Louie operating at centre back played really well again, picking up the ball and spraying it wide to allow Christchurch to start another attack on what was now a rocking NME back four!
At last GOAL 2-1, Josh from 6 yards struck the ball and found the back of the net.
Sam D picked the ball up from 30 yards out and took on the defence, turning left then right and left again he curled the ball round the defender and it seemed destined to find the bottom corner only for the keeper to make a finger tip save and turn it around the post for a corner! Luke pushed on from centre back trying everything to get his team that goal they so richly deserved.
Back came NME and they too looked really dangerous, a shot from 8 yards looked like a goal but again Brad denied them with a good stop.
The boys were running out of steam and had given their all, with 6 minutes left NME broke and found another goal to seal the win.
We never gave up and kept searching for more goals; It just wasn’t going our way today. All credit to the lads, we played ever so well just didn’t get the rub of the green. More of the same for next week and i am sure we will get the result!

Christchurch v New Milton Town Robins

Match Result: 7 - 4

Goal Scorers: Oli (5), Ed, Cam

On a cold and frosty morning man of the match Oli, hits 5 goals to help his team pick up another valuable 3 points in a 7-4 triumph over New Milton Town Robins.
Oli who has in recent weeks switched from centre back to centre forward, cannot stop finding the back of the net and is now the leading top scorer for Christchurch. He has no intention in reverting to his previous role as centre back and if he keeps producing the goals the manager is more than happy!
It was a bitter cold 12pm kick off but that didn’t put off the parents as they turned out in numbers, huddled up along the touchline hugging their cups of coffee as if it was their last.
The boys started brightly and stroked the ball around well, it wasn’t long before we found the back of the net with Oli turning his marker and tucking the ball home, 1-0.
Plenty of the play was down the right hand side with Sam D again putting in a cracking performance. Bombing down the wing turning his marker inside out Sam D clipped some great balls into the penalty area which Oli picked up and rifled home 2-0 Christchurch.
Sam K was orchestrating the midfield chipping some great balls over the New Milton Town Robins back four allowing Josh and Cam to latch onto and Cam picked out Oli who made it 3-0 and bagged himself a hat-trick.
The boys were now rampant and it was wave after wave of attacks, Luke won his team a corner and Ed curled the ball in and found the back of the net, 4-0.
Back came New Milton and they looked good on the break with plenty of pace up front. A neat one two put their striker through and he made it 4-1.

Half-time.

Team talk was short, Midfield to get back and help the defence and Luke to man mark New Milton’s star striker.
New Milton came flying out and scored a quick goal to make it 4-2.
A great header from Ed found Josh who hit one low and hard, the ball took a deflection and Cam pounced. With his new boots Cam made no mistake and made it 5-2 Christchurch.
Sonny on the left wing made some decent runs taking the ball past two defenders won his team another corner as Christchurch looked to finish the game off.
It was New Milton though who pushed once more and made it 5-3 with a well timed volley. Luke took a whack to the face on the halfway line but didn’t want to come off and Zak once again didn’t put a foot wrong at left back.
Louie always looks calm at the back and again made some fine tackles and interceptions to keep their strikers at bay.
Brad kept his hands warm by making a superb save to his left which would have made it a nervous last 10 minutes.
Oli latched onto a loose ball and smashed it in 6-3.
New Milton came back once more and made the score 6-4.
Another attack from New Milton saw their striker hit one from 6 yards only for a relieved Christchurch to find it come back off the post and the danger was cleared.
James ran himself into the ground up and down all day, chasing everything and Stephen looked really good in the middle knocking the ball around.
New Milton were on top and pushed for more goals but it was Christchurch who got the next with Oli in on goal he made it 7-4 with a crisp finish.
Another great performance from the boys, all working together, listening and communicating to one another.

Christchurch v Highcliffe Hawks

Match Result: 5 - 3

Goal Scorers: Oli (3), Harvey, Sam K,


Christchurch put in their best performance of the season so far picking up all 3 points and sending high flying Highcliffe away empty handed!
What a performance from each and every one of lads that was today, everything clicked and we rightly deserved our victory!
With only 13 lads available for this match it was going to be a case of square pegs in round holes regarding which position to play the lads in. However going for broke I decided to put my 2 centre backs (Oli and Harvey) up front and boy did it pay of as both got on the score sheet with sublime finishes!!
We found ourselves 2 up at half time and buzzing! Knowing the next goal was so important we wanted to make sure it was us who got it. 2 minutes in and Oli made it 3-0 nil, back came Highcliffe to make it 3-1. Bradley our keeper was in inspiring form and everything Highcliffe hit at him he dealt with, whether it was tipping it over the bar or round the post or even diving in at the attackers feet!! A magnificent man of the match performance.
Zak, Luke, Louis and Ed all played their part at the back and few goal mouth clearances kept our noses in front and left the opposition wanting.
An all action packed game meant the midfield of Sam k, Stephen, Joel and James had to keep it tight and make sure they defended and attacked as a unit which they did with 100% commitement.
When I first joined the club everybody wanted to play up front or on the wings, I am pleased to say those days have gone and we really do play as a team and work for each other now, I feel we have plenty more to come as the season progresses.
Sam k made a fine finish on the edge of the box, tucking it away in the bottom corner after Harvey had lost his man and put Sam k through. 4-2
It was nail-biting stuff and Highcliffe looked really strong going forward, if it hadn’t been for Brad the score line may have been less favourable.
Back came Highcliffe with a cute finish to make it 4-3 but it was our day and Oli finished the game off with a fine strike, final score 5-3.

Burton v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 0


Highflying Burton came away with the 3 points after beating a gritty performance from Christchurch on a soggy wet miserable afternoon.
Christchurch looked to keep their good run going but fell short against Burton who collected the points with a 2-0 win.
The weather was terrible but the boys didn’t let it dampen their spirits and were only too happy to play. An impeccibable 2-minute silence before kick off from both sets of players and fans were observed.
It was Burton who started the brightest and Christchurch found themselves defending very deep and struggled to push up field and exert any pressure of their own.
Harvey, Luke, Stephen and Matt all looked solid at the back and Luke was doing a great job talking and organising his defence into keeping a tight line.
Sam D who was still carrying a cold looked our most promising outlet on the wing as we looked to spread the ball around on the full size pitch.
Sam K was having a cracking game, won his headers, and tracked backed and looked to run into the space when available.
Stephen who came close to getting the man of the match award was awesome at right back and comfortable on the ball.
Burton broke and with some good skills won his team a penalty, he scored but it had to be retaken due to an encroachment in the area. He stepped up again only this time it came crashing back off of the cross bar and cleared from danger, Christchurch let off the hook and the score remained 0-0.
The pitch was now soaked and there was a lot of standing water which meant the ball was skidding all over the place and became very unpredictable. Burton’s winger picked up the ball and a shot from nothing slide through Brad’s hands, 1-0 Burton.
Second half under way and it was a much better start by our boys, now knocking the ball around and plenty of voices on the pitch willing their fellow team mates on.
Oli again shows good touches and a fantastic last-ditch challenge to surely deny Burton a second. Cam was great and the little lad has awesome turn of pace and linked up superbly with Joel who looked more and more dangerous as the game went on. Shots on goal is what we needed and Josh had a good effort tipped away for a corner only minutes later Sam D had a good chance only for the keeper to make a fine stop at his near post. Brad made some decent stops in very hard conditions for a keeper and as always he improves every game he plays.
Back came Burton and with a one on one with the keeper made it 2-0.
Louis has really impressed me in the last two games he has played, never gives up stays calm under pressure, Harvey pushed up front now to try and help us create some kind of fight back but it wasn’t to be and the game ended 2-0.
I thought a fair result would have been a draw, man of the match had to go to Sam K, he played centre midfield and was everywhere, never stopped working and kept the ball moving.

New Milton Town Robins v Christchurch

Match Result: 3 - 4

Goal Scorers:Sam D, Josh (2), Sonny

Ed the ‘engine’ covered every blade of grass working tirelessly to help earn his team another 3 points!
Christchurch now has the taste for winning matches and another victory has now pushed us up the top end of the table and left us hungry for more!
With the manager now shuffling his pack it meant Ed had to step in at centre back and do a job for his team. The determination and commitment from Ed was second to none and he rightly took the man of the match award.
On a big pitch the boys were told to pass the ball around quickly and run into the space and support one another. Things started brightly with Sam D finding plenty of the ball on the right hand side and caused havoc to the Robins back four.
Oli who deserved another chance up front due to his performance in the previous match was linking up well with fellow striker Joel who was looking comfortable on the ball and making good inter changes with the midfield. It was all Christchurch for the first 15 minutes and James made a tidy through ball to captain Sam D who peeled off his marker and rifled the ball off the upright and into the corner, 1 nil Christchurch.
With Josh now providing plenty of pace it was the midfield of Harvey and Cam who made good little passes over the back four and allowed Josh to chase onto the ball and he found himself one on one with the keeper and made no mistake, it was now 2 nil to Christchurch. The Robins kept battling away and found themselves through on goal only for Louis to deny them with a last gasp challenge.
The half-time team talk was all about staying focused and for the midfield to get back more and support the defence.
Second half started brightly with Sonny never failing to impress, showing his wide range of passing and vision.
We got caught on the break and the Robins winger flew in on goal and made it 2-1.
Luke never has a bad game for Christchurch and won all his tackles and made some good one twos with the midfield.
Stephen looked assured and confident on the ball and never gave it away cheaply.
It was the Robins who were doing all the attacking now and it wasn’t long before they hit the back of the net again and made it 2-2. We looked so comfortable and now it was anyones game.
Louis was awesome at the back picking up all the loose balls and spreading it out wide to the wingers.
The Robins had their chests up and were causing us all kinds of problems and again their winger received the ball on the left and took his chance well, some how we now found ourselves 3-2 down!! This was going to be a real test of character to see if we could make a come back!
Ed charged on though, let one fly and it smashed against the cross bar and out for a goal kick, where did that come from!?
We kept pushing forward looking for the equaliser, Josh collected the ball looked up hit it and found a deflection off the defender and into the net, 3-3 game on.
Really nail biting stuff now, who was going to show that little bit extra and come away with all the points?
Again Ed pushed on another long range shot rattled the woodwork. Back came the Robins and Brad brilliantly tipped a sweet shot around the post.
Cam was looking really good on the wing as too was Harvey and with one pass it split the defence and Sonny picked up the ball and charged on at goal, took three touches and made a clinical finish, 4-3 to Christchurch!!
With time running out we managed to keep hold of the ball and run down the clock.
Well-done boys another good performance but we made it real hard work in second half.

Christchurch v Sway

Match Result: 6 - 3

Goal Scorers: Stephen F, Ed, Oli (2), Luke, Josh

Stephen F shines in midfield, scoring a wonder goal on the way to picking up his first man of the match award!

On a chilly but sunny afternoon at Chapel gate, it was Christchurch who came away with the 3 points after a convincing 6-3 triumph over Sway FC.
Just like the weather the boys started brightly, passing the ball around and creating plenty of space for each other. It wasn’t long before Cam picked up the ball on the left wing and sprinted down the line, only for their defender to make a decent tackle and concede a corner. Ed stepped up for the resulting corner and crossed the ball low and hard to find the back of the net 1-0. That was just what we needed, a good start at last!
The boys really had their tails up now and went in search for another. It didn’t take long when some quick thinking from Stephen allowed him to get on the end of the ball on the edge of the box, which he smashed home in the top right hand corner, what a strike!! The whole team rushed to congratulate him, 2-0!!
Josh was looking good up front weaving in and out of his marker and making some dangerous runs in and around the penalty area.
Back came Sway and pressed for a goal, they put some slick passes together and soon got their just rewards, goal 2-1.
This is where we needed to stay focused; it was vital we were the ones to get the next goal.
We kept playing at a high tempo and Sunny really came into his own pushing the ball around with ease and again winning his headers, nothing was getting past Sunny today.
The Sway keeper kicked the ball up field and Oli volleyed it straight back at him and found the top corner, what a GOAL that was! I have 2 contenders for goal of the season already!!! 3-1, half-time.
The boys were buzzing at half time and it took a while to calm them down and stop all the chatting. The team talk was simple, carry on playing the way we are and support each other.
Louis was really using his brain, thinking about the pass rather than just kicking up field. Zak made some great challenges and always held his position.
Sam D who was recovering from illness, certainly didn’t let it show on the pitch. The captain put in another sterling performance, providing plenty of ammo for the front two.
Again we pressed and Oli playing up front instead of centre back, looked really good and another awesome goal lobbing the keeper found us 4-1 up.
Brad looked confident in goal, catching the high balls in his penalty area, his kicking was top draw. He could do nothing about Sways second goal though 4-2.
Luke now in left midfield hurried and chased everything and created an opening for him self and let one fly, 5-2 Christchurch.
A scramble in the box fell nicely to a Sway midfielder and a crisp strike made it 5-3.
Harvey was looking comfortable and began pushing forward, he picked up the ball and dribbled past 3 players to rifle a shot just wide, great play from the big lad.
Ed was superb again and his corners and set pieces caused chaos for the Sway defenders.
James too played his part, not letting anyone get past him again put in a solid performance.
It was time to put the game to rest now and chance after chance came our way but the Sway keeper was in inspiring form, keeping out shots from Cam, Ed, and Sam D.
A big kick up field from James found Josh in acres of space and he made no mistake with a sweet strike making it 6-3. It was a great game to watch, every single player played his part to get this victory. Lets use this as a springboard for next week, and have another positive result.

Burton v Christchurch

Match Result: 3 - 0

Christchurch couldn’t make their first half domination count and ended up coming away with a 3-0 defeat to high flyers Burton.
Sonny playing centre midfield scooped the man of match award, showing great awareness and first touch. He covered nearly every blade of grass and tracked backed to help out his defence.
With the managers emphasis on starting on the front foot and taking the game to Burton, the boys came flying out of blocks to mount some real pressure on the opposition and had there defence rocking for the first 15 minutes.
Our defence kept a high line and didn’t drop to deep, which allowed the midfield to push up and support the attacking front pair of Harvey and Joel.
Stephen slotting in at right back had a cracking game, he reads the game well, listens and does what is asked of him.
Luke has been our most consistent player so far and puts everything into the game, never gives up and seems to find an extra burst of energy when needed.
We found ourselves 1 down with a well-struck shot hitting the roof of net leaving Brad with no chance.
After conceding a corner the ball came across and the Burton midfielder found himself unmarked on the 6 yard box and found the back of the net with a bullet header, 2-nil Burton!
This was the most disappointing part of the game for me, I try and drill it into the players to all mark a player goal side and attack the ball, the Burton lad was on his own with no-one within touching distance and had time to make an easy finish.
2nd half
Alan looked good in midfield making good touches and neat simple passes to players in space, Oli was now pushing up looking to get his team back into the game. Josh and Sam D never fail to impress me and are great runners with the ball at their feet and produce some good skills to beat the opposing players. Sam had a great effort saved and then there was a goalmouth scramble, which came off the post and cleared off the line on 3 occasions.
Matt, Joel and Cam all looked comfortable on the ball and Cam now bombing down the wing came up with some sublime skill to leave the defender for dust and whip a ball into the danger zone.
Burton broke once more and Brad made a magnificent save tipping it round his front post and receiving a deserved round off applause from the parents.
With the clock ticking we pressed and pressed and went 3 up front Louis came back on and had to try and fill 2 defensive roles, which he did with aplomb.
Back came Burton and another high shot over Brad made it 3-0, this was not deserved and as the final whistle went we all know things will soon be turning in our favour.

Christchurch v Rossgarth

Match Result: 2 - 4

Man of the match Josh put everything into the game but Christchurch came away empty handed.

On a wet soggy pitch, Christchurch started slowly with Rossgarth forcing all the pressure in the opening 10 minutes.
With a neat little link up play and a crisp finish Christchurch found themselves 1 down.
At times you could almost hear a pin drop on the field of play, the boys really need to start communicating and encouraging one another. There was plenty of talk before the start and then silence when the whistle is blown for kick off.
With Christchurch having both keepers unavailable it was Josh who started between the sticks and could not be blamed for Rossgarths second when Their left back let one fly from the edge of the area to find the top corner. 2-0 Half-time
2nd Half We looked like a completely different team the boys heads were up they passing and moving with Oli and Sam K finding plenty of space in midfield.
Sam D and Josh both operating on the wings looked full of energy and chased down every ball with Luke and James nullifying the counter attack at left and right back.
Harvey was getting stuck in and put some great free kicks into the danger zone and things now started to click.
Josh picked up the ball and made a good run and found a Rossgarth defender bearing down on him so a quick one two with Luke left the defender scratching his head and Josh made it 2-1, Game on!!
Why is it we only start playing and believing in ourselves when we score, if only we started the second half like the first.
With Cam now in goal for the second half, he made some brave blocks to deny Rossgarth a 3rd. Then a cracking corner from Ed found Oli whose decent header just cleared the cross bar.
Stephen is growing in confidence every game and his awareness of his positional play is second to none.
Keiron came on for the second half and did his job at left back making some good interceptions.
Rossgarth broke and caught us off guard and we were now 3-1 down.
We kept plugging away and it just shows what a few passes can do on such a big pitch, Oli collected the ball and smashed it into the back of the net, 3-2.
With minutes left we pushed for an equaliser but the ball fell kindly to their midfielder and with one pass the striker was clean through on goal and made a sublime finish. Final score 4-2.

We have plenty of positives to take from the second half but we have to be switched on from kick off, work together as a unit and be aware of our positions.

Christchurch v Sandhurst

Hampshire Cup 1st Round

Match Result 2 - 5 (aet)

Goal Scorers: Oli, Josh


Josh put on an outstanding display in the cup game, scoring with seconds to go to make it 2-2 and force extra time.

The Hampshire Cup match was a chance for Christchurch to go out and show the manager what they were capable of and the whole squad did not disappoint. With one player flying up and down the wing and picking up the loose balls causing the oppositions right back all kinds of problems. Of course it had to be Josh and he got his rewards in the dying seconds when he sprinted into the box and made a fine finish.

For effort and commitment I could not have asked for more, but it just wasn’t to be and the opposition came out on top, progressing to round 2.
The boys found themselves 1 down at half-time and it was still all to play for, Sam D had a good first half winning a couple of corners, also Sam K played his part after having to fill in at centre back.
Oli and Luke were looking strong at the back and James was putting his shift in at right back.
The beginning of the second half began promising with Ed and Joel linking up well up front, however we were caught on the break and found ourselves 2-0 down with a crisp finish from their midfielder.
We kept going and Oli took the ball past his man, looked up from the edge of the box and smashed the ball in the top right hand corner to make it 2-1, my goal of the season so far!
We found we were hanging on for long periods of the game but Zak impressed when coming off the bench and looked comfortable on the ball. Stephen and Sunny again did their part to hold off the oncoming midfield and with time running out it looked like the game was lost.
With seconds left Josh collected the ball and ran into the box to find a defender bearing down on him, his quick thinking made him slide for the ball and poke it home 2-2, extra time.
The boys were now buzzing at full time and looked forward to go again for another 20 minutes of football. Straight from the whistle the opposition attacked and scored and then another soon came leaving us 4-2 down.
Brads kicking has improved a lot recently and a few long punts up field put there back four under some real pressure but things just didn’t fall our way.
One more goal was enough to put the game to rest and the final score was 5-2.
I was really proud of how much we kept going and the lads on the bench who just came off were desperate to get back on again, which shows a great attitude and eagerness for the game.
We will be working on heading and pass and move in training, this is where I found us left wanting.

Bournemouth Poppies v Christchurch

Match Result: 5 - 4

Goal Scorers: Luke, Ed, Oli, Sam

Not even James’s gritty and dynamo like performance could help Christchurch claw back the deficit from a disastrous opening 10 minutes.

In a match where Christchurch found themselves camped in the opposition half for 75% of the game, it was astonishing that we came away empty handed!
However it was never going to be easy when you find you are 3 nil down in the first 10 minutes. Christchurch just didn’t get out the blocks from the start and with Poppies pace up front they punished our lack of concentration. 3 simple balls pumped over the back of our defence were enough for the Poppies front men to chase onto and put in the back of the net leaving Brad with no chance.
Christchurch then woke up and began to put some passes together with Sunny and Cam now looking comfortable in midfield, making neat little passes between each other.
With our left (Luke) and right (James) backs taking the throws, it allowed the midfield to push on and support Ed and Josh up front and exert some pressure of our own. With Sam D now receiving more of the ball on the right hand side he found he was working overtime up and down the wing, passing the defender and getting great balls into the box.
Yet time and time again every bounce or deflection seemed to fall in the path of one of their strikers and before we knew it we were 4 down at the break. The parents on the sidelines were left scratching their heads wondering how on earth we were losing.

2nd Half

The Boys were still very up beat at half time knowing if we stayed focused and played our game things would start to happen and get the break we needed.
Straight from the whistle the boys charged down every ball, with Oli pushing up from the defence, it left us vulnerable at the back but we needed to take chances and a early goal soon came when Luke pounced on a ball and found the back of the net 4-1.
Again hit on the break, Poppies found another goal, which was well worked involving some good link up play 5-1.
The boys kept plugging away and were in total control and some great pass and movement between Stephen, Josh and Ed started to pay dividends and Ed made no mistake and made it 5-2.
With the clock now ticking the boys pressed and pressed and got another goal back Oli hitting the net with a sweet finish 5-3.
It was now wave after wave of attacks and with Joel finding himself in the right place at the right time he just could not convert his hatful of chances.
James was excellent winning his tackles and for a little lad he won every header, clearing the danger zone.
Poppies still pushed forward when given the chance and their player was bearing down on goal when Sunny found some extra pace and sprinted back to make a brilliant sliding tackle and put the ball out of touch.
With seconds left we still pressed and a goal kick was picked up by Sam who let one fly just inside the area and made it 5-4!!
Time was against us and seconds after the kick off the whistle blew for full-time.
On another day we would have come away with 3 points

Man of Match: James

TEAM: BRAD, JOSH, JOEL, SAM D, MATT, OLI,
STEPHEN, ED, CAM, JAMES, SUNNY, LUKE

Christchurch v Merley Sports

Match Result: 3 - 3

Goal Scorers: Oli, Ed, Josh


Luke helps Christchurch earn a deserved point with a high energy and workman like performance.

Luke D put in an outstanding performance at left back with some fantastic tackles and determination to win every ball to help Christchurch earn a share of the spoils.
It was Merley though who started the strongest and put our back four under a lot of pressure, with Matt and Oli at centre back they managed to contain the opposition in the opening period.
The deadlock was broken when their striker popped up to make a neat finish, 1-0 Merley, time for Christchurch to respond!
With James keeping it solid at right back he was able to feed plenty of balls through to Sam D who was able to use his pace and pass his man with ease. With a great cross into the box it was Oli who ghosted in and BANG the scores were level.

Half-time.

With confidence now high Christchurch were able to put the opposition under some pressure in the second half and with Sonny winning his headers Ed managed to pick up the loose ball just inside the box, he let one fly and found the top corner, 2-1 Christchurch. Cam was using his quick feet to keep the defence guessing but Merley came back strong and were able to find 2 goals in the space of 10 mins and Christchurch now found themselves 3-2 down. Sam K who was now playing centre back made some good clearances and with Joel and Stephen battling away in midfield it always looked like we could grab something from the game. With 6 mins remaining a scramble in the box fell kindly to Josh who took a touch and made no mistake from 6 yards and smashed the ball home, 3-3.
It was all Merley in the last 3 min looking for the winner but with Brad in goal he was determined to salvage a point for his team mates.

Final score: Christchurch 3 – 3 Merley.

Ringwood Rangers v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 11

Goal Scorers: Oliver D (3), Olly B (3), Josh (2), Nathaniel (2), Harry

This was our final game of the season and we needed a point to win the
league. Luke (Ringwood manager and a good friend to our team from
Basics) arranged for the match to be played at the men's football club.

We were nervous but settled well on a big pitch and after 6 minutes Olly
B was put through and slotted away to put us in the lead. Despite
a couple more chances that lead only lasts 4 minutes though before a
Ringwood corner was never cleared properly and a scramble led to an
equaliser. 2 minutes later Harry scored though to put us back in front
and Oliver D scored two to put us 4 - 1 up and only 15 minutes
played. We were playing some really nice football but Ringwood were a
constant threat so we never seemed comfortable even after Olly Balmer
made it 5 at half time.

We kept things as they were for the start of the second half but
Ringwood scored their second from a long range lob which Dec could do
nothing about. We replied almost immediately through Josh and then he
scored a penalty to make it 7. We could relax a bit then and we played
some fantastic football. Bubba scored twice and then Oliver D and
Olly B finished it off.

Well done to all 17 players who have been involved this year Declan
Johnson, Philip Pollard, Connor Lopez, Jeremy James, Nathanial Tamlyn,
Ethan Maddocks, Oliver Davis, Olivia Watts, Harry Chapman, Oliver
Balmer, Josh Moody, Brandon Kotkowski, Tom Cole, Ollie Griggs, Scott
Norton, Max George and Jordi Gentle. They have all been a credit to themselves and
their families and been a pleasure to work with.

Christchurch v Cannon Colts

Match Result: 3 - 3

Goal Scorers: Oliver D (2), Olly B

This was our penultimate game and we knew two points from our last game would secure the league. Canon are a good team and have recently done the double on Kingswood so we guessed our recent 4 2 win over them was catching them on an off day.

We started really well and in almost a carbon copy of the Kingswood game on Thursday we scored in the first two minutes of both halves. Olly Balmer scored our first but Canon had the better of the next ten minutes. A corner bounced up awkwardly and hit Harry on the arm and they scored the resultant penalty. Olly Balmer then hit the bar but ten minutes later Oliver Davis scored our second so we were two one up at half time.

2 minutes into the second half they handled in the box and Oliver Davis scored the penalty.

To their credit Canon didn't give up and deservedly pulled level. We tried our best and hit the bar again from a free kick from Oliver and the hit the post! It wasn't going to be our day today. So on we go to Ringwood on Tuesday night.

Kingswood v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 3

Goal Scorers: Harry, Zeddy, Josh

We went into this game knowing that we needed 5 points from the last 3
games to clinch the league but also in the knowledge that having drawn
on Sunday and then lost on Tuesday and this being their final game of
the season Kingswood would be out to prove a point. Kingswood could no
longer win the league and defeat tonight would mean 4th spot.

Both teams had to reorganise. We had no Ethan and Livs, Brandon, Olly
Balmer and Jordi had just got back from a school rugby tournament, Josh
(making an outstanding debut) had been doing cross country with the
school and Bubba was still carrying an injury. From the Kingswood point
of view Josh was ill and Owen was injured.

We took the game to them and Josh slotted away well in the third minute.
We totally dominated the rest of the half but just couldn't find more
goals; Ben and Sam in Kingswood's defence were excellent. Some of the
football both teams were playing was a joy to watch - and on the same
hard, bouncy pitch on which we had played Canon Colts last week.

Second half started much the same. Harry scored after 2 minutes and we
created more chances. Olly Balmer added a third and we looked fairly
comfortable. Every single player was outstanding but Tom (captain in
Ethan's absence) was inspired.

5 minutes from the end Zeddy hit a shot which bounced and looped over
Dec's head and for a while Kingswood piled on the pressure but we were
resolute.

Well done to all our team - and well done to Kingswood. It was a good
game and many of their players genuinely wished us luck in winning the
league.

Christchurch v Broadstone

Match Result: 4 - 0

Goal Scorers: Harry C (2), Olly B (2)

We'd picked up a couple of injuries (Bubba and Oliver D) and Brandon was away so even with Connor making his debut we only had ten players. Broadstone have only earned 4 points this season and so with all due respect we expected the win.

We started well enough and within 5 minutes Olly Balmer tucked the first one away after a good run from Harry. It was a hard pitch on Iford Lane and we struggled to get the ball down and pass it around - whenever we did we scored; twice from Harry and another by Olly.

That was 4 nil at half time and we expected to get better. But the second have was more of the same but our finishing deserted us. Despite numerous chances we failed to score and so had to settle for the 4 which was frustrating knowing this game gave us the opportunity to overtake Kingswood's 5 goal goal difference advantage over us.

Still any disappointment was quickly erased as we heard Kingswood had drawn against Branksome and Poole Town had drawn against Ringwood. Kingswood meet Poole Town on Tuesday and if that game results in a draw (and my maths are right) we can afford to lose to Kingswood on Thursday and still win the league.

Special mention to Ethan. This was his last game of the season as he goes on holiday now. Well done for another fantastic season Ethan!!

Cannon Colts v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 4

Goal Scorers: Olly B (2), Harry, Oliver D

After the game against Kingswood on Tuesday here was another big test against the team who have a recent league double over Kingswood. We started well on a rock hard pitch and Olly Balmer ran through in the 4th minute and slotted away comfortably. Rather than build on this though we went backwards. Bubba and Brandon were both carrying injuries sustained at a schools sports event this afternoon; and with the exception of Ethan we looked a pale shadow of the team that played two days ago. Canon seemed camped in our half but created no real goal scoring chances.

We hoped a good talking to at half time might sort things out but they stayed the same. We invited the pressure and with better finishing Canon could have scored two or three before they eventually equalised after 18 minutes of the half. That seemed to provide us with some impetus at last and we replied two minutes later through Olly Balmer. Harry and Oliver Davis added a goal each but to their credit Canon kept at it and added a second themselves.

Not a great spectacle but after the games we've had Sunday and Tuesday we'll happily take the win; and lets not forget Canon are a good team and will finish in the top 5.

Christchurch v Kingswood

Match Result: 4 - 4

Goal Scorers: Harry (3), Olly B

We really must stop doubting our players!! After the defeat in the Hants Cup Final on Sunday and also the manner of that defeat and our loss to Kingswood in the BYFL Final a few weeks ago this was going to be a real stiff challenge. We have no Max the rest of the season, Livs had a girls match, but we had Scott back. We put Scott on Josh and let everyone else play their own game.

And we totally took the game to Kingswood. We did everything we didn't do on Sunday. We battled for every ball, we ran like our lives depended on it. Players linked up better, we created chances and overall I think we deserved the win.

Harry scored after about ten minutes and that was followed by a penalty appeal which their linesman seemed to give. Scott had kept Josh quiet all game and Tom, Brandon and Jeremy had mopped up everything else. But seconds before half time Josh got his only chance of the half and it was one all.

Early in the second they had a huge penalty shout - I think we all thought Bubba handled but not given. Then déjà vu; Harry put us two one up; Josh equalised. Olly Balmer was pulled down in the penalty area and got up to take the coolest penalty in the world; 3 - 2 to us. Josh equalised.

Nearing full time now and Harry hit a ball from fully 30 yards; their 'keeper completely mis judged the bounce and it went over his head and in. 4 - 3 to us and their 'keeper was distraught.

Last couple of minutes of normal time and George picked up the ball in midfield and ran. Ethan struggled to keep up and conceded a free kick right on the edge of the box. We all know what happens next but you can do nothing about it. Up steps Josh - not even Tom on the line jumping as high as he could prevented the equaliser.

These are two outstanding teams full of hugely talented players who give their all. I could not have been more proud of our players. It's a bit sickening to concede right at the end of the game but the character every single one of them showed today was very humbling.

Poole Town beat Greenfields and we have Cannon Colts on Thursday. If we can beat them the league title can still be ours and nothing less than we deserve after the season we have had.

Salisbury City v Christchurch

Hampshire Cup Final

Match Result: 4 - 0

Such a shame!! This was a fantastic day - the weather was brilliant, we all enjoyed the coach trip; the facilities and organisation at Basingstoke were first class and everything looked set for a great game. We confirmed on the day that Ollie G could not play so we had a squad of 12. We started with Max - his first game since the injury he sustained against Ringwood on 14th March - and unfortunately he pulled up after his first tackle early on. From that point we were on the back foot. Salisbury played with a strong back four who knocked long balls up to two quick strikers. I can't really say a lot else. We didn't compete as we know we can, we pulled out of tackles and really let Salisbury boss the whole game. I can't remember us ever having not scored in a game and to be honest we only created a couple of chances which is so unlike us.

Salisbury were deserved winners but for the second cup final we come away feeling we have not performed.

Still back in the coach it was soon forgotten and it was great to see so many in the Avon Causeway for a couple of hours late afternoon.

Chairman's view: The players did the Club proud, I know everybody is disappointed with the result, but the team should be extremely proud at what they have achieved
this season, it was a privilege to watch the match and the spirit of the team shone through despite having to overcome many difficulties, this will make the team stronger for next season and another crack at the age group final. There is still the league to play for and the chance to crown a superb season with some silverware is up for grabs.

Christchurch v Highcliffe Hawks

Match Result: 8 - 2

Goal Scorers: Olly B (4), Harry C (2), Oliver D, Olivia

This was the reverse of the fixture on 18th October when we beat them 7 - 2 after having gone a goal behind. Today was a very similar game. We conceded first but then were leading by half time (3 - 1) today; the game was marked with strong tackles; us relying on Declan to come out of his box on numerous occasions to clear the ball; and ultimately a score line that flatters us.

Highcliffe have two very fast strikers and play the ball through defences and they run on. We started the game pushing too far forward and conceded in this way early. Harry equalised with a fantastic free kick and before half time Olly Balmer scored two. The kick off was barely two minutes old by the time Highcliffe scored again and we added a 4th and then Oliver added a 5th. Livs scored our 6th midway through the half but credit to Highcliffe who never gave up. They had a goal rued out for offside before Harry and Olly Balmer scored again.

This was a big win; we are still without Max; Highcliffe had beaten Canon (victors themselves over Kingswood twice recently) 5 nil a week ago; and important to go into the Hants Cup Final after a win.

Corfe Mullen v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 4

Goal Scorers: Harry C, Brandon, Oliver D (2)

It says a lot about the season we have had that this was only our 14th league game leaving us 10 more to play, whereas it was Corfe Mullen's 23rd and penultimate fixture. This was a very important game for us. We have not played well for a few weeks and were coming off the back of two defeats. We were still without Max (injured) and without Olly B up front (holiday.) The win was all important but at the same time we (coaches etc) were determined we should put in a good performance and overall I think we did. Again there was a strong wind and the pitch was pot-holed so passing would be difficult. We were solid the whole game and never at any stage looked like conceding. We created numerous chances and with better finishing the scoreline would (and should) have been greater. I think we passed as well as we could have in the conditions and hopefully this sets us up nicely for our game against Bransgore on Tuesday. Special mention to Brandon who playing in an unfamiliar right midfield position scored his first goal for the team and also to Oliver D who when on a hat trick squared the ball for Harry to score rather than try for goal himself.

Greenfields v Christchurch

Match Result: 4 - 3

Goal Scorers: Olly B (2), Oliver D

This was always going to be a tricky game coming off the back of the defeat in the Bournemouth Cup Final and also given Greenfields had inflicted our only other defeat this season - it was also our first evening game since the clocks changed. I arrived 5 minutes late just in time to see us concede a second goal. We were playing against a very strong wind and it was all we could do to get the ball out of our penalty area let alone into Greenfields' half. We conceded a third before half time but I was confident that with that wind in our favour we would still get back. Instead we conceded a 4th very early in the second. We moved players around a bit and for about 15 minutes we played like we can; passing and moving and in that period scored three goals and looked the most likely winner. Ten minutes from the end a 'tackle' on Bubba - well the player stamped on his knee meant he had to come off with blood pouring from the stud mark - unfortunately the ref missed the whole thing and the injustice seemed the throw our play and despite several chances we never got the deserved 4th. No sour grapes though - on the basis of our poor first half display a draw may have been more than we should have expected.

Bransgore v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 9

Goal scorers: Harry C (3), Oliver D (2), Nathaniel (2), Ethan, Jordi

Wow what a performance; we were back to our best. We started with a familiar back four (well as it could be with Max still out) so Brandon was back to right back, Jeremy right midfield and Oliver D and Jordi up front. The first 5 minutes were uneventful but we then scored three in the next five. Harry started the scoring, Oliver D added the second after a great free kick from Tom and Bubba headed a third. Harry scored a fantastic free kick on 15 minutes and in the next ten minutes Oliver D, Ethan after a marauding run from Jeremy, and Bubba made it seven at half time. We were unstoppable but make no mistake; Bransgoore are no mugs and Brandon and Tom had to be back to their best to keep their left-sided attacker and midfield player at bay.

Being overly critical we were caught offside numerous times in the second half and were it not for that we could have had double-figures early on. But being fair Bransgore never gave up and created several chances and but for a bit of better luck and better finishing could have scored three or four themselves. The two goals in the second half were a great finish from Jordi and Harry heading in for his hat trick.

Still well done everyone. A performance we all needed. And far more importantly it was really pleasing to see so many of our team with smiles on their face as they played.

Kingswood v Christchurch

BYFL Cup Final

Match Result: 4 - 2

Goal Scorers: Ollie G, Oliver D

This was one of those that I think the occasion got to the players. We
still had no Max and this would be Ollie G's final game as he has now
been signed by Bournemouth. We started so well; we kicked off, passed
the ball and kept possession and looked very good. Inside the first 5
minutes a goal bound shot from Olly B crashed against the bar - if
only that had gone in it might have all been so different. Despite how
well we played Josh was a constant threat for them. His pace is
frightening and he has an awesome shot. He too had an effort that
clipped the bar and a shot that looked a certain goal but somehow Dec
dived to his right and pushed it over one-handed.

Midway through the first half Kingswood were awarded a free kick which
Josh hit; Tom tried to head it out but unfortunately it glanced off his
head into the goal. And that was that for the first half. It seemed to
knock the stuffing out of us and to be honest we were grateful not to be
further behind at half time.

We are quite used to playing poorly first half and then far better
second but today it just didn't happen. Passing moves broke down; we
struggled to get the ball out wide to Harry and Oliver and the front two
just seemed to get isolated. Again midway through the half they added a
second. To our credit we always show impressive resilience and 5
minutes later Oliver got his first real run, he nutmegged the full back
and hit a cracking shot from the edge of the box; 2 - 1 and we thought
this was it. But two minutes later they scored a third.

With 6 minutes left Ollie G showed real determination in the box and
scored our second. 5 minutes left and we were finally on top again.
Josh missed (for him) a sitter and we thought the luck was finally
turning. Olly B was put through to make it 3 all but he slipped as
he went to hit it. A minute later we were awarded a free kick - up
steps Harry - he always scores these - but he too slipped as he went to
hit it - what had we said about luck changing.

Last minute and they were awarded a free kick and Josh did his business.

We should be encouraged - we played poorly and Kingswood's parents said
it was their best game all season. Josh was the difference; three out
of four of their goals were long range free kicks from him. It almost
makes you wonder why Bournemouth haven't already signed him - but no
sour grapes here. Well done Kingswood - on the day they were by far the
better team - but we will have our day again.

Well done to Ollie G - a short but very distinguished career at
Christchurch. Thanks too to Mannie and Lisa for everything (especially
the cakes) - we will miss all three of you.

And congratulations to Oliver D. Bournemouth would like to take him
on a six week trial and he thoroughly deserves that chance.

Michael

Christchurch v Branksome

Match Result: 6 - 1

Goal Scorers: Bubba (4), Olly B, Ethan

The reversal of the game two weeks ago and very nearly an identical score line; we won the first 7 1. It was a fairly uneventful first quarter of an hour or so, we dominated possession and territory but didn't really create many chances, Branksome only ventured into our final third a couple of times. After about 20 minutes a ball broke to the edge of the box and Ethan did really well to drive a hard, low shot into the corner of the goal; one nil. 5 minutes later Bubba was first to react to a scramble and added a second. An unfortunate miss kick from Dec led to them getting one back before half time.

In the second half we started much more direct and should have scored three early on; in one attack we hit both posts! Finally we broke through and Bubba added two more; completing his hat trick. We seemed to go from strength to strength and Olly B and Bubba brought the score line up to six.

Well done to everyone; Branksome are a strong, competitive team and hard to play against. In addition we were without Max who sustained the injury last week and this meant Brandon playing the whole game as centre half alongside Tom.

Bournemouth Cup Final next week against Kingswood.