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