Ringwood Rangers v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 0

The Christchurch supporters were warned by the referee at the start of the game. Any nonsense and they would be sent back to their cars and there the tone of the game was set!!!
Christchurch made a good start to the game with Miles and Callum combining well in the first minute. The play swung to the opposition and this required some sound defending by Jack C and Sam. However, in the 8th minute, Ringwood had a corner, from which they scored.
Good attacking moves from Miles and Callum led to an excellent shot by Sam, who hit the bar, with his right foot! Christchurch upped their game again and Brad and Dan joined in the attack.
Ringwood gained possession and hit the post in the 15th minute. A corner led to a good catch by Finn and Dan shielded the ball well and headed away. During this spell both Jonathan and Jack defended well as a corner and free kick were blocked. Brad, Sam and Lewis then worked the ball up the left side and relieved some pressure but Ringwood gained the ball once more, resulting in two more corners. Sam got the ball and passed through to Lewis whose shot went wide. Ringwood had one more corner right on half time which Sam managed to clear.
A difficult half for Finn and the defence as it was very windy, we also did not get many decisions go our way!!
Right at the start of the second half Ringwood attacked and Finn made a good save. Jack J made some sound tackles and then Charlie and Callum worked together and managed to get a corner. Christchurch had a better spell and Sam had a corner, Brad and Callum linked together passing to Miles and Phil. Sam and Callum worked the ball up the line and this resulted in a corner. Sam crossed and it was well defended and Christchurch just could not get the ball in the net. Phil continued to work hard in the midfield and Jack J showed great commitment in his tackles.
Jonathan came on for Lewis and immediately joined in the attack leading to a free kick. Sam took and narrowly missed the top left hand corner. Jack C defended well and Dan joined in to take long throws into the box. The second half was all Christchurch but they just could not score and Finn had nothing to do!
A fair result would have been a draw.

Man of the Match was Phil who had worked tirelessly in the midfield.

Branksome v Christchurch

Match Result: 5 - 2

Goal Scorer: Lewis (2)

Christchurch once again got off to a slow start, conceding two early goals. Christchurch came back into the game, with a free kick in our own half, Callum coming close, before Lewis latched onto a fumble by the Keeper and slotted home. Christchurch pressed winning a corner & several throws deep into the Branksome half before a through ball found Lewis who nutmeg the oncoming Keeper to equalize at the stroke of half time.

Branksome started the second half brightly, winning an early corner and went close soon after. Lewis went in close before Branksome won 2 more corners. Jonathan linked well with Jack and sent the ball to Callum on the wing as Christchurch started to press forward. Jack again sent Callum through and crossed but there was no one in the centre, Branksome broke from the left and scored to make it 3-2. Finn then produced a great strong handed save as Branksome broke, the ball went out for a corner. The play then went from end to end, with Lewis going close latching onto a through ball. Branksome then won a soft free kick just outside the box and scored making it 4-2. Christchurch won a corner, as a free kick was turned away but Sam’s shot was cleared off the line. Branksome broke on the right and scored to make it 5-2. Jack then shot over after a throw in and Callum’s cross went out for a goal kick. Christchurch won another corner though Jack again blasted over the bar. Marley had a chance from distance, but went wide. Christchurch pressed hard into the closing minutes winning yet another corner. The final whistle went at 5-2.

A strong performance by all, though the score line didn’t justify the performance. A draw would have honestly reflected the match.

Man of the match: Lewis

Ringwood Rangers v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 0

Match report to follow

Christchurch v Highcliffe Hawks

Match Result: 5 - 4

Goal Scorers: Bradley, Sam (2), Callum (2)

Highcliffe Hawks have always proven to be a tough opponent, beating us twice last season, 3-2 & 5-1.

We got off to a good start, passing well. A ball from midfield found Lewis in the box attacking the left post. The Keeper parried away Lewis’ shot, but Callum was close on hand and buried the ball in the bottom right corner. Christchurch continued to lead the game, clearing well from the back, winning balls in midfield, gaining ground down the wings and threatening upfront. After 15 minutes played, Sam put us 2-0 up when he converted a cross from Miles on the right with a sweetly met header. A few minutes later he scored an almost identical goal supplied by Callum. Having dominated the game so far, I started to rotate subs, putting Stu into central-mid and Jack J into defense. Just before half time Highcliffe scored, as our back line got caught in possession, to put the half time score at 3-1.

At half time I made a few more substitutions, pushing Brad upfront with Callum, taking Jonathan and Lewis off for a spell. About 5 mins in Sam and Stu broke down the left wing, Stu crossed a ball in across the front of the middle of the box, which Brad managed to turn in beating his marker to the header, lobbing the Goalie. 4-1. I continued to substitute, taking off Paul, Callum and Marley in turn, hoping to rotate all players, but we started to loose the fluidity we had in mid-field in the first 20 minutes of the match and Highcliffe took advantage, beating the back line, then a hesitation from Finn led to Highcliffe scoring a second, closely followed by a third. At half time, with our initial lead and momentum I thought I could substitute and re-position key players to give everyone an equal run-out, but it quickly back-fired as Highcliffe scored an equalizer, their third in about 10 minutes. Both teams were now battling for a winner, but Highcliffe looked as if they were going to steal the 3 points from us, thankfully a failed Highcliffe attack was foiled by our back line and a long ball was hit upfield, both Lewis & Callum chased it down, but the Goalie got to it first, but under the pressure from Lewis & Callum he spilled it, Callum dribbled around him and tucked it away, putting us 5-4 up. We then had to survive the last 8 minutes or so, I moved midfield back to play defensively leaving Lewis up as a sole striker. The final whistle came and another deserved win, a let off for me (Cheers Callum!!).

Moral of the story – if it’s working like a fine, don’t mess with it!!

Man of the Match – A long deserved, Miles

Cannon Colts v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 4

Goal Scorers: Samuel (2), Calum (2)

Unfortunately due to injury, holidays and other commitments we were only able to field 10 players for this fixture. We decided to play 4 at the back and 4 in midfield with Calum acting as the lone striker. The wide midfielders Sam and Miles were to push into the middle to compete for the ball, Bradley was to push up to support the attack and Philip had the holding midfield role. The matches against Cannon Colts are normally close with only the odd goal separating the teams. So we were expecting a tough match.

Christchurch started the match kicking down the slope and right from the start we looked threatening. Combative midfield play and some neat passing moves created early openings for Calum and Bradley. The defence were solid with Marley and Stuart denying the Cannon Colts attackers any real chances on goal. Jonathan made a significant contribution at left back winning 50-50 tackles and being first to the ball on numerous occasions. Mid way through the first half Cannon Colts took the lead against the run of play through a harsh penalty decision when Marley was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area, 1-0. We continued to have the upper hand with both Miles from the right and Sam from the left making penetrating runs and delivering crosses which we just failed to convert. We had Cannon Colts penned down unable to clear their lines for a 10 minutes spell towards the end of the half. From this pressure we scored twice; once through Calum after an through ball from Philip, 1-1 and from Sam who shot low and hard from the left after the ball had been worked across the penalty area from a break down the right, 1-2, a deserved lead at half time.

Half Time 1-2

Christchurch were kicking up the slope in the second half and initially the game was more even. With Dan and Jonathan being effective in defence and Finn making a good save from a long shot that was dipping in below the bar Cannon Colts continued to be frustrated in their attempts to get back in the game. Christchurch were now playing some of their best football of the season passing well, supporting each other and showing real commitment in the tackle. We were denied a goal when Sam meet across from Miles at the near post and was given offside. But it was not long before we got the goal that our general play merited, from a corner on the right that swept across the box to Sam who turned smartly and fired left footed into the roof of the net, 1-3. We now had a bit of a cushion and continued to look better team even though we only had 10 boys. Calum extended our lead by latching onto a fine through ball from Stuart beating the advancing goalkeeper with a well placed shot, 1-4. Cannon Colts got a goal back with 2 minutes ago after Marley had been injured making a last ditch tackle. A very satisfying win and without exception all the team played well and rose to challenge making it look like we had the extra man. WELL DONE LADS!!!

MoM - Jonathan

Christchurch v Kingswood

Match Result: 1 - 1

Goal Scorer: Stuart D

Having won one and lost one against Kingswood last season we knew we’d got a game on our hands. The game started strongly, with both teams playing hard for the ball, with equal possession. Only six minutes in though, Stu converted a cross from Sam with a volley on his weaker foot (right), as he hammered us into the lead. For the first 15 mins or so, the ball was played up the left wing with Johnny, Marley, Stu and Sam linking up well. About midway thru the first half, Kingswood equalized with a soft goal, as they broke through our defense and struck a timid shot to the right post. Unfortunately, Finn thought it was going wide and didn’t cover the post, as it went in to his surprise. We then seemed to be pinned down over on the back right for a few minutes, as Jack J and Paul battled hard to get the ball back upfield. Miles and Brad had their work cut out too, as Kingwood had a couple of strong opponents to compete with in their zone. A ball in from Miles from the right nearly saw Stu score a second, as he struck a ball from the right of the box over the keeper, but was denied by the far post. Callum was quick to swoop on the rebound, but struck it straight at the keeper.

The second half was more of the same, with both teams getting stuck in. Kingswood had a couple of strong, fast players. One of which broke through our back line on a few occasions, bearing down on the keeper. Marley’s pace meant that he caught up with the attacker, just into the box. Thankfully, the attacker was reluctant to shoot under pressure and opted to wait for assistance, but was robbed in the meantime by Marley and the rest of the defence. We seemed to have more luck down the right wing in the second half, winning a couple of free kicks about 25 yards out, but couldn’t convert the crosses. Callum and Jack C battled well upfront, with Callum posing a constant threat with his pace & strength, but unfortunately we couldn’t find the winner. A tough match, but Christchurch looked to have the edge. Another good
all-round performance.

Man of the match: Sam

Burton v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 8

Goal Scorers: Jonathan C (2), Stuart, Miles, Lewis C (2), Sam, Callum

Burton are renowned for making a strong start to their matches and although we beat them convincingly at home, we knew they were still a threat and had a few strong players which we needed to isolate. They had only lost 4-1 to League leaders Redhill a few weeks before. We hoped if we could gain the upper hand with an early lead, then the flood gates would open. As expected both teams battled hard for possession, Burton pressing us back in the first few minutes, as Christchurch looked a bit un-composed, with poor first touches, sloppy tackling and stray passes. Burton mounted the first few attacks, catching our backline out a few times, as we looked sluggish. After 10 mins, we won a throw on the left, at the halfway line, Jack J threw to Sam, who controlled, turned & played in Lewis up the left wing. Lewis used his pace to loose his marker and calmly placed his shot past the Burton Keeper. Shortly after Jack C had a similar opportunity, attacking from the right, but put the ball wide at the far post. After 15 mins, I tried pushing Callum upfront with Lewis, Stu into central-mid with Brad and Jonathan into central defence with Paul. We still weren’t playing well and the match was even. Both Brad & Stu had very good long range efforts on goal but both just going over the crossbar. Jonathan played well out of position at the back.

Half-time: 0 - 1

Our lead was slender and we knew we had increase our lead before Burton equalised. The small pitch size didn’t suit us, as we were too compressed, so a few more changes saw Jonathan push upfront with Lewis, Callum back into central mid with Stu, Brad out to the left wing, & Sam back into central defence with Paul. Thankfully these changes worked in our favour, as the formation clicked immediately and the boys started the second half on fire. From our centre, the ball was played up through middle to Lewis, who again broke through and beat the Keeper. A few minutes later, Burton broke through our back line and netted a goal, beating Finn at the far post, to put the pressure back on, 1-2. Callum soon restored our 2 goal lead, as he broke through from midfield and hammered a shot in. Moments later a through ball to Jonathan was just too heavy and as he chased it down the Keeper came out to clear, but fortunately miss-kicked the clearance and Jonathan seized the chance to net his long awaited first goal of the season, putting us 1-4 up. Christchurch were now controlling the game, the defence now looking steady with Dan, Paul Sam & Jack C & Jack J winning balls confidently and passing up Stu & Callum in central mid who were spreading quality balls to Lewis & Jonathan upfront and supplying Brad & Miles on the wings, who were then using a good combination of speed and skills to gain ground and feed cross after cross into the box. A run from Miles down the right wing and then along the backline, saw him fire a ball low across the six yard box, which Jonathan connected with at the far post, to bag his second. This gave Jonathan a good confidence booster, as he started to chase down ball after ball, eager for a hatrick. Although Burton had now conceded 5 goals, they were still mounting attacks, with Finn making some good saves, one of which was an excellent diving save to his top left corner. From another Burton attack, Paul cleaned up and dribbled into midfield before playing in Miles up the middle, who went on to bury the ball in the back of the net. Brad was having a very good second half out on the left wing, winning tackles and running rings around players, making light work of turning his markers and crossing and switching balls. One of these crosses found Sam, who shot from just outside the box and netted well to join the score sheet. Just before full-time, Stuart got a slice of the pie, finding the back of the net to finish the game 1-8. A sluggish 1st half, followed by an excellent 2nd half, with a good display of both individual skills & team play.

Full-time: 1 - 8

Man of the Match – Bradley

Christchurch v Redhill Rangers

Match Result: 2 - 1

Goal Scorers: Stuart, Calum

There was much debate before the match on whether the pitch was playable. The ground was softer in the central areas and around the goal mouth, the flanks and especially the corners were harder with frost. With the approval of the opposing manager, parents and the referee it was decided to go ahead with the match.

Redhill have always been a top team in this age group and are current league champions. Christchurch Youth FC U12 had not beaten them in a full 11 a side competitive match although we had come close on several occasions. So this was a tough match and a win would consolidate our 3rd position in the league.

This was to be a close hard fought match and a game of few clear cut chances. Christchurch started well passing the ball accurately especially in the midfield. Calum was used as a target man and held the ball to good effect and then passed it out to the midfield with Miles, Stu, Bradley, Philip and Marley in support. Jack C was put through mid way through the half his shot beat the goalkeeper but drifted just beyond the far post. While Christchurch had the best of the first half Redhill also threatened with efforts on goal that Finn saved well. Our first goal came from a corner on the left that was not cleared, in the resulting goal line scramble Calum managed to poke the ball in on the near post 1-0. It was good defending that formed the platform for our passing game, with Charlie, Dan, Paul and especially Sam coping admirably cutting out the Redhill attacks.

Half Time 1-0

The second half started with Redhill having their best period, although the game was still fairly even, they were creating the chances. Finn made two top drawer saves to keep us in the match, before the pressure told and Redhill were awarded a penalty after Sam was adjudged to have brought down an attacker who was charging through for an attempt on goal. The penalty was converted despite a valiant effort from Finn in goal to save it. Christchurch battled, with Philip, Sam and Miles playing well we managed to gain belief and looked the team more likely to win. All players contributed to some good passing moves, although clear chances were limited. The game appeared to be heading towards a draw, when with two minutes to go Stu found space on the left and was put through on goal after some neat passing in midfield, and from just inside the penalty area he shot low and hard beating the goalkeeper at the near post 2-1. We held on for the final few minutes to earn a well deserved and long awaited victory; how good does that feel!!!!!!!

MoM - Sam

Christchurch v Kings Park Dynamos

Match Result: 2 - 2

Goal Scorers: Callum, Miles

Squad/Formation: Only basic 11 available today, Jack J in goal and a back line of Dan, Jack C, Marley and Charlie, in midfield Miles, Phil, Brad and Sam, with Callum and Jonathan upfront. Having seen Callum play upfront for his school team, I decided to take the gamble and push him up, using Phil and Brad in central mid, with Jack C and Marley as centre backs for speed and strength.

This was our second match of the season against Kings Park Dynamos and our first meeting was a tight match, though Dynamos managed to take the win. The game started very evenly, with both teams battling well for position. After about 10 minutes of vigorous battling, we looked as if we were going to break the deadlock, as Callum crossed a ball in from the right, across the face of goal, for Sam to meet with a header, but unfortunately found the side netting. Moments later, Jack J was tested with a close range, scrambled shot, but blocked well. A few minutes later, we got caught out as Dynamos fired a shot from the right corner of the box, beating Jack at the far post. We had an unsettled period around our box for around 5 minutes, where we were struggling to regain composure and not to concede a second, but then re-grouped and battled hard to try & find an equaliser.

Half-time: 0 – 1.

With no formation changes, we battled through the second half, with lots of long balls to Callum upfront, who was playing the ‘Crouch’ role, battling hard to receive balls on his chest or head. Our equalizer came as a counter down the left wing which was then switched into midfield just outside the 18yrd box, & then played into Callum who calmly tucked it past the Keeper. The battle continued & we took the lead, as Miles miss-hit a cross from the right, but thankfully the cross lobbed the keeper instead. Dynamos replied quickly with an equaliser 2-2. Both teams were now battling for the winner, with attempts at both ends. Jack J pulled off a first class save during a one-on-one with a striker, as he came out to close him down, his outstretched foot steered the goal bound shot, wide of the far post, keeping us in the game.

Final score: 2 - 2.

An excellent all-round performance from defence, midfield and forwards.

Man of the Match – Jack J.

Corfe Mullen v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 4

Goal Scorers: Lewis (3), Callum

After winning our home meet just 2-1, we knew Corfe Mullen were a threat, & posed a danger with their quick forwards. So we started with Paul, Marley & both Jack’s in defence, Miles, Callum, Brad, Stu & Sam in mid, & Jonathan & Lewis upfront. We looked the more likely team to score as we dominated the first half. Lewis drew first blood, with a run into the box from the right, & neatly placed shot low to the keepers left. Corfe were creating chances, but Paul & Jack J, held strong, & and the pace of Marley & Jack C played a crucial role, in snubbing out their attacks. Lewis went on to score another 2 to put us comfortably ahead at half time, 0-3 up.

The second half we made a few positional changes, but the team looked flatter, as Corfe pushed harder, a failed clearance led to a Corfe goal, putting the pressure back on, 1-3. Corfe kept pushing for the duration of the second half, looking like the more eager of the two teams, forcing Finn to pull a few saves out of the top drawer to keep us ahead. Christchurch put the nail in the coffin with about 7 mins to go, when Lewis supplied Callum a great pass, which he willingly tucked away. Full time score 1-4, win!
The team in general played well, though we lost our sparkle in the second half. We had a few contenders for man of the match today, Lewis had a great game scoring 3 & supplying 1, & Finn made some superb saves, & Marley & Jack C covering a lot of ground at the back. But we felt Paul played a crucial part, giving us solidity at the back.


Man of the Match: Paul

Christchurch v Burton

Match Result: 9 - 1

Goal scorers: Lewis (3), Sam (4), Marley, Calum

This was a ‘winnable’ game against the team bottom of the league. We started the game with our standard formation to contain their fast forwards with Marley and Jack C in defence and Sam on the left of mid field.

The first half was hard fought with both sides battling for position and territory. Our defence Dan, Jack C, Jack J and with Marley acting as sweeper managed to contain the Burton attack After the first ten minutes Christchurch then began to assert more authority on the game with the midfield of Stuart, Sam, Calum and Miles linking up well to create chances for Lewis and Jonathan. Several through balls chased down by the attackers resulted in shots just wide or being saved by the goalkeeper. From a period of sustained pressure we managed to score through Calum with a high looping shot from the edge of the box 1-0 We continued to have the upper hand and scored again when Marley shot low a hard from just outside the penalty area after Burton failed to clear a corner kick 2-0. Christchurch went further ahead when Sam shot home after good work on the left involving Jack J

Half Time 3-0

Burton FC continued to battle with Marley and in particular Jack J tackling well to restrict their attacks. After 10 minutes of the 2nd half Christchurch began to dominate the midfield with Sam, Stuart, Miles and Calum and started the scoring spree. Both Jonathan and Jack C played unselfish roles in setting goals up for Sam who finished well. Lewis scored a hatrick with several fine individual efforts taking his chances well. We were able to play some neat football through the midfield to create numerous chances.

Good morale boosting win with some fine individual performances Jack J in defence and the goal scorers Lewis and Sam. We must remember it is team game and all the boys contributed to a well deserved win.

Man of the Match – Jack J

Christchurch v Cannon Colts

Match Result: 2 - 1

Goal Scorer: Lewis (2)

This was a ‘winnable’ game against a team one point above us in the league. We started the game with a formation to contain their fast forwards with Marley and Jack C in defence and Sam on the left of mid field.

The first half was hard fought with both sides battling for position and territory. Our defence Dan, Jack C, Paul and with Marley acting as sweeper managed to contain the fast Cannon Colts attack. Initially Cannon Colts had the best of the early exchanges territorially and with slightly more possession. After the first ten minutes Christchurch then began to assert more authority on the game with the midfield of Brad, Sam, Calum and Miles linking up well to create chances for Lewis and Jonathan. Several through balls chased down by the attackers resulted in shots just wide or being saved by the goalkeeper. From a period of sustained pressure we managed to score through Lewis who slotted the ball under the goalkeeper from 4 meters out on the left after several blocked shots 1-0. We continued to have the upper hand and scored again when Lewis had the defence beaten for pace and latched on to Bradley’s through ball before shooting from just in side the box in to the bottom left corner of the goal 2-0. Cannon Colts fought back and Finn made a good save down to his left to keep our two goal advantage. Miles had a shooting chance on the edge of the penalty area right on half time but the ball bobbled and he shot over the bar.

Half Time 2-0

As planned Marley and Sam swooped positions and Jack C went into attack for the second half. The game was still being keenly fought early in the second half with the defence Dan, Paul, Sam and Jack J working hard to keep Cannon Colts out. The midfield of Bradley, Marley Calum and Miles linked up well with some good passing moves resulting in some effective attacks especially down the right. At this point the game was fairly even then about mid way through the half Cannon Colts scored when a the ball was half cleared to the edge of our box, their attacker reacted quickly with a low shoot just inside the left post. 2-1. We then went on to dominate the rest of the match and came close on several occasions to restoring the two goal lead, Jonathan hit the inside of the post after a smart turn and shot. He also forced the goalkeeper to save well form a close range effort after good work from Jack C on the right. Good win, well deserved that’s 3 in a row now, we are on a roll!!!

Man of the Match – Lewis

Christchurch v Corfe Mullen

Match Result: 2 - 1

Goal Scorers: Lewis, Callum

After a good result last week we were looking for another decent performance against a team that were only a few places above us. Due to holidays and unavailability we were down to the bear minimum 11 players meaning players having to adopt to new positions.

The game started well with the lads knocking the ball around well. After 5 minutes Lewis broke down the right wing, cut inside to the box and drove a well struck shot that clipped the crossbar. Although Corfe Mullen made some counter attacks there were no real threats on our goal and we looked the side more likely to score. Callum and Brad were linking up well down the right hand side where we saw several good balls into the box delivered but to no avail. After 20 minutes a through ball broke to Lewis who managed to break free inside the 18yd box. Although Lewis could have taken the ball on he struck his shot early which their keeper looked to have covered. Unfortunately for him the ball fumbled in his hands and the ball crossed the line. A deserved lead and hopefully adding confidence to go on and score another.

However the lead was short lived and it was not long before an equaliser. On 23 minutes a counter attack by a Corfe Mullen midfielder caught our defence on a high line and a well struck shot from the edge of the box went high into the back of the net giving our keeper no chance. Their two strikers had good pace and started to trouble our defenders. On 25 minutes another through ball beat our defenders and as their striker bared down on goal looking likely to score only to be denied by a great save by Finn with his outstretched right leg. From looking comfortable Corfe Mullen were finishing the half the better when the half time whistle went.

Half time: 1 – 1

Team talk with the lads at half time explained some tactical changes with Callum playing a little higher behind the front two, Stuart to hold more in midfield and for Marley (playing centre back) to sit a bit more in front of the back three.

Second half started and the boys applied themselves well with the advice given. Four minutes into the 2nd half a corner was won on the right. Callum took a short corner to Stuart who laid the ball back to Callum. From the corner of the 18 yard box Callum floated the ball on goal which lofted straight over the keeper and into the back of the net. For the next 15 minutes we had several opportunities. Sam, Lewis, Callum and Jonathan all had chances but couldn’t get that third goal to give us that breather. The Corfe Mullen strike pair especially Mark (bandanna man) still gave our defence plenty of work to do with their pace but Marley played his part well in clearing up the loose balls. With 5 minutes to go Mark used his pace from the half way line to ghost past Jack C and then past Jack J to approach the corner of the 18yd box. Marley swept across to try and make a tackle but Mark unleashed his shot which went straight at Finn who held well. We started to panic a bit as the full time whistle approached especially in defence where the basics of clearing the ball when needed were forgotten. Instead we started to try and dribble with it and got caught in possession several times. With a minute to go we won a corner on the left hand side which Sam lofted in. The ball got cleared, only to fall to Marley who struck it very well from the edge of the 18 yard D. It looked like it would be our third goal but the keeper just managed to palm the shot into the air and caught the ball on the line. Full time whistle and our second win in a row !!!

Full time score : 2 – 1

Another confidence booster and a step in the right direction lads. Keep it up.

Man of the match: Callum Smyth

Christchurch v New Milton Eagles

Match Result: 5 - 2

Goal Scorers: Bradley (3), Lewis, OG

New Milton were one place above us in the league table, we were bottom, losing all 4 previous league games (plus 2 cup matches), New Milton had only drawn 1 match to date. We knew it was do or die time, we had to get off the bottom of the table and restore a bit of confidence.

As the 1st half kicked off New Milton Eagles mounted a quick attack, which our defence broke down, giving us time to settle in. Christchurch looked the stronger team, but we were making the match hard work, and it didn’t flow as well and easily as last weeks match against Gurnard. Despite numerous chances, the Eagles Keeper kept them in the game, making some excellent saves. After about 15mins, Eagles broke through, with a ball over the top, Finn came to collect a bouncing ball to the far right of his box, but spilled it and the attacker was quick to punish him for the error, putting us 0-1 down. About 10mins later, Eagles won a corner, which was lofted in over the goal line, Finn reached up and got hands to it, but couldn’t get a firm grip as it went in to put us 0-2 down. This was starting to look all too familiar, performing well but still losing!! Our luck changed though, as Miles supplied Lewis with a ball up the right wing. Lewis skinned his marker, to give himself plenty of space as he ran in on goal, & unleashed a well placed strike, in at the near post from 15 yards out. This put some light back at the end of our tunnel.

Half time score 1-2.

A few changes at half time saw Bradley playing upfront, Marley to left wing and Sam back into defence. Only minutes into the second half, Callum crossed a ball in from the right wing, which Bradley converted with a right foot volley and drilled it past the Keeper, to equalize at 2-2. Five minutes later, a dangerous ball in from the left wing was deflected in for an own goal by an Eagles defender, putting us 3-2 up. This lead lifted our spirits, as we started playing higher up the field. Our defence were clearing the majority of the counter attacks, but one of these broke through to 1on1 with our Keeper, Finn closed him down and made himself big as the shot was stuck. The goal-bound strike was denied by Finn’s out-stretched hand, to keep us in the lead.
Back in centre midfield, Philip played a ball though to Bradley who held off his marker and placed a tidy strike in at the left post, to see us 2 goals clear. The Eagles Keeper denied us chance after chance all game and although he spilled most shots, he cleared up swiftly. Another well placed ball in from the right wing, this time from Miles, found Bradley again, who was more than happy to volley in his hatrick.

Full time score 5-2.

A much needed win & confidence booster!

Man of the Match: Bradley

Christchurch v Gurnard Warriors

Hampshire Cup 2nd Round

Match Result: 0 - 5

After being informed teams from the Isle of Wight were very strong, we expected a very hard match. As the match kicked off, we looked the dominant team from the off, and after the first few minutes had passed I was sure we’d win this comfortably. Christchurch were working well as a team and our passing was outstanding, especially throughout the midfield. After 20 mins, we gave away a cheap goal, when the defence were caught in possession and Gurnard took the lead. A few minutes before half time, a through ball was played in to their striker, who out-paced our back line to put us 0-2 down at half time.

At this stage we were annoyed to be 2 goals down, as we’d had most of the possession and made it look as if ‘we’ were the only team on the pitch. But we were still confident we could turn this around. The second half saw more of the same, with some fantastic creative play from the midfielders and wingers, with through balls, 1-2 passing and over lapping play, but we found it hard to penetrate Gurnard’s 5 man defence, their Keeper also made some top draw saves. Gurnard scored a further 3 goals, one from a badly defended corner, another breaking through the back line, and a picked pocket as a pass across the back line was lazily not met by the left back.

The match finished 0-5, which was shocking considering we’d had around 75% possession throughout the match. This scoreline flattered Gurnard considerably, but hats off to them, they made our mistakes pay, and they certainly made the most of what little possession they had.

Man of the match: Too hard to choose between the midfielders, they all played stunning football.

Match Result: 4 - 2

Goal Scorers: Stuart D, Miles H.

Dynamos had had the same start to the season as us, with no League wins. So both teams were eager to get some points on the board. The match was evenly paced throughout, with opportunities at both ends. Marley & Dan working well together as centre backs. It took 20 mins for the first goal to come, as Phil dribbled a clearance out but lost possession and Dynamos drew first blood. Christchurch battled hard to turn it around, as the 1st half finished 1-0.

Half time: 1 - 0

At half time I switched Marley to striker to try and stretch their defence with his strength and speed, as Jack was hampered by a sore ankle. This paid off, as Philip crossed a long high ball, which Stuart received unmarked, and struck home to equalize. Again Dynamos took the lead again as they broke through the back four, Finn came out to close the striker down, but the strike was calmly taken and lobbed over his head as they netted their second. An attack up the right wing lead to a corner and a well placed cross from Callum found Miles who drilled a header home to bring us level again. Dynamos scored again with a repeat goal to their second. As we battled hard for another equalizer, Dynamos broke down our right wing and a long range goal-bound shot found Paul who tried to clear with a header, but didn’t quite connect fully, which wrong-footed Finn, to put them 2 goals ahead with five minutes to go, from which there was no comeback for us.

Full time: 4 - 2

Again Christchurch battled hard, & this scoreline did not fairly portray their performance.

MAN OF THE MATCH: CALLUM

Match Result: Christchurch 2 v Moordown 5

Goal Scorers: TBC

Match Report to follow.

Match result: Christchurch 1 v Greenfields 3

Goal Scorer – Jack C

This was another tough match against a top ‘4’ side. It was a hard fought game that with a bit of luck Christchurch could well have drawn.

We started the game with a formation to nullify the known strengths of Greenfields. We used Calum as a holding midfielder just in front of the back 4. The plan was to use the width of the pitch and push the ball wide to utilise our strengths on the flanks. To be honest this was only a partial success, in the end route one, a long over the top played on to our strikers was our most effect weapon.

The first half was hard fought with both sides battling for position and territory. Our defence Dan, Phil, Stu and with Marley acting as sweeper managed to contain the quick Greenfields attack. Finn in Goal played a key part in keeping us in the game. At the other end we had several swift decisive attacks which ended with attempts on goal by Jack C and Miles. However on the stroke of half time we failed to clear a Greenfields corner and they scored from the resultant goal line scramble 0-1

Half Time 0-1

The game was still being keenly fought early in the second half with the midfield Bradley Sam Calum and Miles all working hard in attack and when necessary in defence. Greenfield went 2-0 up from a penalty after a trip in the box. Finn saved the initial penalty but was beaten as his parry fell kindly for Greenfields striker. The Christchurch strikers both Jonathan and Jack C were getting more opportunities and had a good penalty shout turned down. The game was fairly even at this stage we were beginning to threaten their goal with a ball over top for our strikers to run on to. Then unfortunately we went 0-3 down after a misplaced defensive header found a Greenfield striker in too much space to miss. Christchurch continued to play well and Jack C had several good attempts on goal that were either saved or blocked. Opportunities continue to be made and from one of these a long ball down the left found Jack C in space and from a tight angle he shot over the keeper into the net 1-3. We continued to press and looked the more likely scorers but ran out of time.

Man of the Match – Jack C

Match Result: Bournemouth Electric 6 v Christchurch 0

Man of the Match: Dan

The match started quite evenly, with Christchurch attacking first and the ball being played mainly in midfield. After about 5 minutes, Electric knocked a ball through our back line, which Paul got to first & shielded well from the attacker, but a misjudged pass back to our keeper, Finn was too short,and the Electric striker capitalized and drew first blood. Electric were pushing hard, mounting wave of attack one after the other. The second goal came after 10 minutes, with a corner fired across the face of the goal, which was headed in. We struggled against the wind during the 1st half, with our goal kicks and long balls not making it to their intended targets. We were anxiously awaiting the half time whistle, but the 3rd goal came after 25 minutes, from another corner, and then a fourth just before half time when Marley attempted to head clear a long shot, but inadvertently blocked Finn’s view.

Half time 4 - 0

We were hoping in the second half we could use the wind to our advantage, and take some long range shots, as we have some heavy hitters, but Electric played well, nullifying our play, as the match went on we looked more and more scrappy. Electric scored again, as Finn misjudged a shot which he thought was going wide, but sneaked in at the far post. We were playing a defensive game, with our midfielders assisting at the back, leaving the our midfield void. A defensive tackle, gave away a free kick on the edge of the box, The ball was struck well, and went up and over the wall, looking almost certain to go in at the near post, but Finn pulled off a great save to knock it wide. Electric scored a 6th, and the final whistle couldn’t come quick enough. We were out played today, with Electric looking a very well drilled team as they dominated the match.

Full time 6 - 0

Jay Davies

Match Result: Redhill Rangers 4 v Christchurch 3

Goal scorers were: Lewis, Miles and OG

The team went into the first game of the season in positive fashion on the back of winning the Ringwood tournament the previous week against Highcliffe Rangers.

A new look line up for this season included Callum (ex Redhill Rangers) in centre midfield and a new look back four including Marley and Stu, the game was always going to be a strong encounter against a team that won the league and cup double last year.

The start of the game saw some neat passing from both sides but without any real chances being created, however, after 15 minutes Redhill started to gain the ascendancy and started to apply sustained pressure to the Christchurch goal, which saw them taking the lead after 20 minutes when failure to clear a through ball saw it being cut back and shot into the emopty net. More pressure saw Finn making some superb saves to keep Christchurch in the match and with the defence of Marley, Paul, Jack J and Stu battling well we ended the first half only 1 - 0 down.

Half time 1 - 0

The second half started in the same vein as the latter half of the first with Redhill pressing forward and creating chances and they duly doubled their lead after a defensive mix up. Christchurch battled back with the midfield of Sam, Calum, Bradley and Miles linking well and the resultant pressure forced an own goal, we were now back in the match, 2 - 1. However, disappointingly straight from the kick off Redhill restored their two goal lead which they then duly increased making it now 4 - 1 after a defensive error. Christchurch continued to battle and with just 10 minutes to play we had our best period of the match, Marley was acting as sweeper stopping any further Redhill goal attempts, the midfield and attack started to click and a move down the right saw Miles win the ball and shoot from the edge of the penalty area to score and make it 4 - 2. Suddenly the boys had belief and created more chances, from the left Marley and Sam worked the ball through to Lewis who did well to slot it past the goalkeeper, 4 -3. Redhill were hanging on but time ran out for us and it was the home team who were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Man of the Match - Marley.