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