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.