BYFL Cup Semi Final

Greenfields v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 0

Greenfields edged a game played between two very even sides. We seemed to dominate territory early on but after 5 minutes an outstanding strike from Lewis flew in to the net with nothing Jeremy could do.

We were getting stronger and creating good chances in the second half but then conceded a penalty which they converted and that took the steam out of us a bit. I can't remember us ever having not scored in a game but am sure it must have happened at some point.

Well done to the appointed ref. No complaints at all about the penalty nor our 2 bookings - we must learn that we won't win friends or games by arguing every decision.

Good luck to Greenfields in the final and they are now in pole position for a League/Cup double.

Michael

Christchurch v Bournemouth Electric

Match Result: 3 - 1

Goal Scorers: Olly (2), Bubba


Very windy today but the game was much better than you might have expected. We have now played both promoted teams twice and it speaks volumes to them that the results in both have been much closer second time around.

The wind was mostly accross the pitch but if anyone had the advantage in the first half it was us and we were three nil up at half time; two goals from Ollie and one from Bubba. Electric are a very organised team though and they pulled one back in the second and had chances to score a second.

We hit the bar in each half and created a huge number of chances but their pace up front was a constant threat and so this was never a comfortable win.

Christchurch Football Club would like to apologise to the appointed official and representatives of Hampshire FA and the BYFL for any misrepresentation or for placing any misleading comments on its original match report relating to the recent Hampshire Cup game against Salisbury City.

At no time were Christchurch ever trying to bring into question the honesty and integrity of any representative at the game and would like to wish Salisbury City good luck for the rest of the competition.

An amended report can now be found on the website within this section.

Mark Duffy

Chairman

HAMPSHIRE CUP QUARTER FINAL

CHRISTCHURCH v SALISBURY CITY

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 3

GOAL SCORER: OLLY

Nobody likes to lose but we would concede that you occasionally come up against a team who are clearly the better side and deserve to win. Losing is all the more bitter when this is not the case and today is one such match.

Salisbury started the better and put us under pressure but without creating clear goal scoring chances. As the game wore on we got into our stride and whilst they probably had more possession we created better chances. Salisbury have two quick strikers and midway through the first half one of these ran onto a pass and was able to lob Jem as he came out to close the ball down. The remainder of the half saw us creating more chances as we got our passing going. Our only complaint at half time was that all too often we were second to the ball.

We started the second half with much greater drive and belief and Olly equalised after about ten minutes. This set up a really good game. We put Salisbury under more and more pressure but were always wary of their pace on the break.

With about 12 minutes left we broke out from one of their attacks; Drew carried the ball up the left and then the ref blew the whistle. It seemed to take an age for us all to work out what was going on but eventually the ref walked over to the penalty spot. Salisbury scored the penalty

Our boys were naturally gutted but it is to their great credit that we created more chances to have equalised and deservedly taken the game to extra time. In the last couple of minutes we pushed players forward to grab a goal but conceded a third.

Very, very proud of our players and parents.

Grange Athletic v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 4

Goal Scorers: Olly (2), Ben (2)

This was the first game after the Christmas break and the 11th league game of a 20 match campaign. We were glad of this game given we have Salisbury in the quarter final of the Hants Cup next week and then Greenfields in the semi of the BYFL Cup two weeks after that. So all in all this is a very important month for us.

And we started off really well. Some fantastic passing and movement led to us creating early chances. But as is happening all too often in the past few games, we wasted early chances and allow the opposition to grow in confidence. I don't know how many chances we put over their bar in the first ten minutes; but a long kick from their 'keeper which bounced over our defence put them through one on one with a great chance for them; but they also cleared the bar.

After quarter of an hour Charlie (playing left midfield) weaved through their defence and put the ball to Olly; the keeper parried but Olly was able to head in to put us one up. Rather than Grange's heads dropping (bearing in mind we beat them 9 - 1 earlier in the season) this seemed to spur them on and after creating several chances (one saved brilliantly by Dec) it was no surprise when they scored a minute before half time.

A stern talking to at half time; and the introduction of Drew bucked things up a bit and we started the second half with more energy. Having said that Grange were a constant threat and even after Ben headed us into the lead from a corner we could not relax until 5 minutes from the end when Ben volleyed our third (again from a corner) and then Olly scored our fourth.

Christchurch v Greenfields

Match Result: 4 - 3

Goal Scorers: Olly, Philip (2)

The way the league is shaping up Greenfields are in pole position; thanks to our 6 point deduction and our draw away at Greenfields earlier in the season when we only had 10 players we had dropped 8 points whereas Greenfields had dropped 4 thanks to the draw against us and a draw against Poole Town. A win for us would still leave us needing another team to take points off Greenfields whereas a win for them would have left them 4 points ahead of us with a game in hand.

In a carbon copy of last week we started well and had 2 or 3 chances to go ahead early on and finally after 15 minutes Philip took one of those chances. I would argue it was their first real threat on goal when Jack beat our defence and lobbed Jeremy brilliantly to equalise. We continued as we were and Harry scored a brilliant goal just before the half hour and we were then awarded a penalty; Olly hit the post and a scramble led to him scoring a follow up. So 3 - 1 to us at half time.

It was a very even second half and after 15 minutes Philip scored his 2nd and our 4th but within a couple of minutes of the restart they scored again. That led to a frantic last 20 minutes or so which was made worse for us when Jack scored their 3rd with 5 minutes plus injury time left.

We held on though and took all 3 points to keep the league title open. We have a break now until our Hants Cup quarter final on 15.1.12.

HAMPSHIRE CUP

CHRISTCHURCH v CROFTON SAINTS YOUTH

MATCH RESULT: 4 - 2

GOAL SCORERS: OLLY (2), DREW, PHILIP

This game brought back memories of our quarter final game against Hedge End last year - we were on the same pitch and it was raining; though not as hard as last year.

We started well and in the first minute Olly created a chance but Philip couldn't quite reach the ball to tap it in. We pinned them in their half but on their first break we suddenly became aware of their number 17's frightening pace and this was something we struggled with for the rest of the game. After 25 minutes one of these breaks led to the only goal of the first half - I think it was him who scored it. Apart from that I would say we had the balance of play and didn't deserve to be behind.

We'd rested Drew first half because we were very conscious of our game against Greenfields next week but we brought him on at half time. He was immediately a positive influence but despite that we once again conceded so were 2 nil down with 25 minutes left.

We created attack after attack though and had more corners than I'd care to remember. With 15 minutes left we finally broke through thanks to Olly. In the next ten minutes we scored 3 more; Drew the second; then Philip and finally a cracking shot from Olly.

So it kind of feels like we robbed them but taking the whole 70 minutes I think we created far more chances than them and spent the majority of each half in their half of the pitch.

Salisbury beat Pompey Pirates and so we now face them in the quarter final in January.

CHRISTCHURCH v RINGWOOD TOWN

MATCH RESULT: 11 - 0

GOAL SCORERS: BUBBA, PHILIP (3), OLLY (2), HARRY, JEREMY, CHARLIE (2)

This was the reverse of the fixture about three weeks ago and we went two better. It was cold and we faced a keen wind in the first half. Bubba opened the scoring in the 15th minute and that started a sequence of 4 goals in the space of 9 minutes. And that was that at half time.

The wind died in the second half and we added 7 more. A special mention for a good shot from outside the box from Jeremy to give him his first goal and a couple from Charlie having been allowed out of defence.

Ringwood did well and never gave up.

BYFL League Cup - quarter final

Kingswood v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 3

Goal Scorers: Ethan, Harry, Bubba

I think we would argue this was a more comprehensive win than the score-line suggests. We played into the sun and against the wind in the first half but were two nil up in ten minutes. The first was a long range effort from Bubba which beat Ryan in goal and the second was a towering header from Ethan from a trade mark Harry corner. We continued to put Kingswood under huge amounts of pressure but with Tom up front they were always going to be a threat. Drew and Charlie were awesome at the back but after 20 minutes we didn't close the second ball from a corner fast enough and Charlie (from Kingswood) rifled home.

A two one score at half time flattered them but within minutes of the restart George won the ball in defence and released the ball to Harry; a run and fantastic shot from him restored our two goal advantage.

After that it was a very competitive game with us dominating possession and changes but never being able to fully relax.

So we're through to the semis along with Greenfields, Poole Town and Boscombe Albion.

Highcliffe Hawks v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 9

Goal Scorers: Philip (4), Olly (2), Harry, Tom , Ethan.


We'd beaten Highcliffe 6 - 1 in the BYFL Cup three weeks ago but we were still nervous today. We have always struggled against their pace and we were without Drew, Bubba and Ben. We needn't have worried though and this was our best performance for several weeks.

With the bare 11 we set about our task well. After 10 minutes Olly scored and within a minute Harry added a second. Max was back after injury and was a calming influence in defence; Jem was rock solid and Dec only had one save to make. We had to wait until a minute before the interval before our third which was from Philip after very unselfish play from Olly.

Some of our passing in the second half was sublime. Tom (playing left midfield) was hugely impressive with both left and right (his natural) foot. Olly scored within 2 minutes of the restart and Tom scored with a brilliant left foot shot 7 minutes later. Within 3 minutes Ethan and Philip made it 7. After 20 minutes they scored from a break. It was no less than Highcliffe deserved but still disappointing we didn't manage a clean sheet. (That's just because I'm a grumpy defender!) Philip scored within a minute of the restart to complete his hattrick and then he scored his 4th and our 9th 7 minutes from the end.

All credit to Highcliffe. They played with pride and hit the post in the last minute when they really deserved a goal. Very pleased with today's performance. We not only won but we played very well; and with a smile!!!

HAMPSHIRE CUP ROUND 3

HOOK UNITED v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 2 - 8

GOAL SCORERS: HARRY (2), ETHAN, PHILIP (2), OLLY (2), DREW

Unseasonably warm and sunny day for mid November and a minute silence for Rememberance Day impeccably observed by both teams.

Part of the attraction of playing in the Hants Cup is meeting new people, making new friends, and not being too sure what to expect. Their league standing suggested it would be a comfortable win but its didn't feel that way in the first half. After misses at both ends a good strong run from Drew won a throw-in which he took quickly to Harry and he finished. That was after 8 minutes but rather than lead to better things they scored 3 minutes later. They were awarded a free kick midway in our half. We held the line on the 18 yard box but the cleverly lofted the ball over our defenders and before we could turn around they had four players attacking the ball in front of Dec. A very well worked equaliser. Five minutes from half-time Steve swapped Callum and Bubba over (Callum had been playing centre midfield and Bubba right) and we scored two goals. The first a header from Ethan from Harry's corner and the second a free kick from Harry. 3 - 1 at half time flattered us.

We retained possession better in the second half. On 7 minutes Philip rounded their 'keeper to score; our 5th followed the move of the game involving short passing between Bubba, Ethan, Olly, Bubba and Olly who finished. Olly added another (very generous of Drew admitted the ball had crossed the line before he wacked it into the empty net!) before Philip scored our 7th from a corner - yes we can score from corners all of a sudden!! They added their second with a brilliant strike but Drew added our 8th.

Thank you to Hook. A really nice manager/coach; great facilities; and a lovely spread of food after.

Bransgore v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 4

Goal Scorers: Olly (2), Bubba, Callum

We had a long chat with Richard (Bransgore manager) before the game as we've known him since we started and they, like us, have kept the foundation of that original team. Bransgore have some fantastic players and always try to play good football but are incredibly inconsistent. On their day they can beat anyone — last season they did the double against Kingswood and pushed us harder than anyone else in the first half of the season — but they can equally lose to lower team inexplicably.

We knew they were geared up for this and so overall we are very pleased with a 4 nil win — especially the clean sheet, but this was a frustrating performance from us. The ground was hard and the ball bobbled a lot but if I was being harsh I'd say that does not excuse passes continually putting each other under pressure and lack of energy and drive.

A goal in each half though: Olly and Bubba in the first and then Callum and Olly again in the second. Bransgore battled well and competed the whole 70 minutes.

Bournemouth Youth Football League Cup Round 2

Christchurch v Highcliffe Hawks

Match Result: 6 - 1

Goal Scorers: Charlie (2), Olly, Bubba, Drew and Harry


The clocks have changed and there was a real feel of Winter approaching; cold and wet. Highcliffe have struggled this season and are lying bottom with only 1 point from 4 games but they always give us a tough game and we have always struggled against their pacy strikers. And as if to prove the point after 3 minutes a ball from the back was missed by our defence and one of their strikers sprinted to get it ahead of Jem and we were one nil down. That stung us into an instant response though and after a great crossfield run from Callum he passed to Drew who crossed to Charlie who scored from close in. The game settled after that and was pretty even until Olly scored our second after 16 minutes and then Drew scored a third just before half-time.

We totally dominated the second half and were it not for a brilliant performance from their 'keeper we would have probably had double-figures. We did get 3 though; Bubba after 18 minutes; Charlie two minutes later and then Harry 5 minutes from the end.

Ringwood Town v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 9

Goal Scorers: Harry (4), Philip (3), Callum, Charlie

Bit of a tricky one to report on this one. Ringwood have been struggling to get a full team out this season and today they just had the 11 including a lad playing up an age. It was a lovely day spoiled only by a gusty wind which made playing difficult in either half.

We took control early and tried to pass it around but Ringwood competed well for everything and their 'keeper and back four were very strong. It took a long range shot from Harry into the top corner to break the deadlock after 8 minutes. It was another 15 minutes before Philip added our second and then two minutes before half time a cross/shot from Tom came off the bar and Callum headed into an empty net making it 3 nil at half time.

Ringwood understandably tired in the second half and we were able to add to the score. Philip scored two to complete his hat-trick in 15 minutes and after 20 minutes we scored 3 in 3 minutes with Charlie scoring first and then Harry adding 2 to complete his hat-trick. 4 minutes from the end Harry added his 4th.

Overall a good scoreline but as I say the wind spoiled the chance for much good football.

Bournemouth Electric v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 5

Goal Scorers: Ethan, Olly (3), Callum


Given Bournemouth Electric play home matches at Chapel Gate this 'away' game was at home!

Bournemouth Electric had bounced back into the top division at their first attempt and had already had some good results: they are a very different side from the one relegated the season before last.

Talking to their manager before the game it seems they had conceded two or three early goals against Kingswood and Poole Town but they worked very hard against us and in the first quarter of an hour they missed the best chance in the game so far. In the 20th minute we won a corner which Harry swung into the 'keeper; Ethan challenged and Drew smashed into the goal. I am reliably informed Ethan's touch had taken it over the line first. Two minutes before half time Olly slotted home after a great move from us so two nil at half time.

Olly 2nd and 3rd meant he'd completed his hat-trick by the 8th minute of the second half and ten minutes from the end another good move was finished well by Callum.

We played some good stuff today: it was hot for the boys; but it was all a bit subdued after the cup win last week. A special mention to Electric's keeper. Their first choice was away so this was this lad's first go in goal and he was fantastic. Very brave, very safe hands and excellent distribution.

Hampshire Cup 2nd Round

Christchurch v Winchester

Match Result: 5 - 3

Goal Scorers: Olly Balmer (3), Philip Pollard, Harry Chapman


A really tough draw so early in the tournament for us but probably even worse for Winchester who having overcome Vics Youth (last season's beaten finalist having beaten us in the semi) in the previous round might have expected an easier tie.

This was Jeremy's first game of the season (in goal) and Ben was missing because of his shoulder injury. The boys were up for it today! Olly scored after 7 minutes and then scored from a fantastic long range shot after 20 minutes. Winchester were a continual threat with real pace up front but it was a long range shot after 25 minutes than brought them back into the game at 2-1. We were disappointed because we felt we deserved our more comfortable two goal lead but Olly restored that within a minute and completed his hat-trick. Two minutes later Philip got the ball 5 yards outside the box; we all screamed 'shoot' but Philip calmly weaved his way past three defenders and slotted home our fourth. So 4 - 1 at half time and we probably deserved that.

Winchester came back at us in the second half. They seemed to step up a gear and the game became much more even but their pace up front was scaring us. A three-minute spell midway through the half saw them score twice and to be honest they looked the more likely side to win from 4 - 3. You underestimate our boys at your peril though and we rallied well and made the game very difficult for them. We brought Olly back into midfield and dropped Bub into a 5-man defence and that did its job. Four minutes from the end Harry scored our fifth making the score-line slightly better than we might have hoped.

Well done to Winchester - a lovely bunch of lads and manager/coaching staff.

Christchurch v Grange Athletic

Match Result: 9 - 1

Goal Scorers: Drew Smith (3), Olly Balmer (3), Harry Chapman (2), Nathaniel Tamlyn


This was our first game against Grange since 7 a-side when we had beaten them 24 - 1 on an icy pitch. (Did I mention they only had 5 players and went one nil up!!) On this ocassion the conditions could not have been more different; being in the middle of our heat-wave!

Despite the fact Grange were only promoted last season their league form was a win, draw and defeat and they had scored 20+ goals in two cup games so we were duly respectful. We had a bare 11 with Callum and George playing centre backs together for the first time, Charlie partnering Ethan in centre midfield and Bubba playing up front with Olly.

Grange started well and created some nice chances but after 14 minutes Drew side-footed in from close range to put us ahead. A few minutes later my 'move of the game' saw Charlie win the ball in midfield and pass the ball to George who passed to Drew; a great run from Drew and pass to Olly and Olly lobbed the 'keeper. In the next 15 minutes a further goal from Olly, a goal from Harry after unselfish play from Bubba and our fifth from Drew after another good win in midfield from Charlie put us 5 nil up. Within a minute of our fifth they scored to make it 5 - 1 at half time.

Drew made his hat-trick within a minute of the restart and 5 minutes later he set up Bubba to make it 7. We then had to wait until 5 minutes from the end before Olly completed his hat-trick and then a great run and pass from Charlie set up Harry's second to make 9.

Well done to everyone especially Charlie, Callum and Bubba playing in unfamiliar positions.

Greenfields v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 1

Goal Scorer: Philip Pollard

It speaks huge volumes of the attitude of our boys that Steve, Phil and I have come away from a game against last season's league winners; with us only having ten men; a bit disappointed that we did not win!!

The boys were awesome today.

We've known for a few weeks we would be short today and in the event we had no Ben, Callum, Charlie and Jeremy.

It was a very windy day and Greenfields had that wind behind them in the first half. We battled all half and closed down well to prevent long range shots. After ten minutes one got through though and lobbed Dec to put them ahead. We kept cool though and towards the end of the half were probably unlucky not to equalise.

We completely dominated the second half; we created chance after chance and in between those we tried some long range shots. Their 'keeper was outstanding but eventually a cross by Harry was met by Philip to make it one all - and from our point of view there was only going to be one winner.

Greenfields are a class team though and the last 15 minutes were end to end. They began to attack more but didn't create anything to cause Dec too much difficulty and we were unlucky not to get a winner.

Well done to everyone. We don't do a 'man-of-the-match' each game but I must make a special mention to Drew who was awesome in the centre of defence and had some marauding 50/60 yard runs taking on and beating 4 or 5 at a time.

As I say we would have settled for a point at the kick off but somehow come away feeling the boys deserved all three today.

Christchurch v Branksome United

Match Result: 4 - 0

Goal Scorers:George Holt (2), Callum O'Hare, Olly Balmer

Given the winds and rain throughout the day this game looked in jeopardy all day but come kick off time it was clear and the pitch was fine.

We controlled long periods of the first half and certainly dominated territory and possession but through a combination of very good goal keeping and persistent shooting directly at the 'keeper when the whole goal was presenting itself we reached half time at nil nil.

We only had the bare 11 and made no positional changes at half time as we felt goals would come and sure enough straight after the re-start George won a free kick outside the box; he took the kick and scored. We then had 15 minutes much the same as the first half before Callum scored his first goal for us and George added a third two minutes later. Olly scored our 4th three minutes from the end.

All in all a very good, solid performance if not spectacular. Declan didn't have a save to make the whole game so credit to the defence for that.

Hampshire Cup 1st Round

Christchurch v Waterlooville Boys

Match Result: 10 - 4

In a repetition of Tuesday night we started very well and could easily have been two or three goals to the good but after ten minutes Waterlooville were awarded a corner and some confusion in our box led to a free header. 1 nil to them. Within a minute of the restart their (quick) number 6 ran clear of our defence and Dec wasn’t able to get to the ball before the no 6 slotted calmly home. The next 15 or so minutes were all the same. We created chance after chance but through a combination of poor finishing and good goal-keeping (I think I’ve used that phrase already this season) we remained behind. After the half hour though Drew blasted home from close in and even then we had chances to draw level by half time.
A stern talking to from Steve and what followed in the first 15 minutes of the restart was either the most entertaining 15 minutes football I’ve ever seen or (as a defender myself) a complete horror story. Four minutes in a cross from Drew was met by Callum (2-2). A minute later Harry scored (3-2 to us.) We were awarded a corner and I jokingly said to Tom ‘why don’t you go up an score’ so he did; straight from the corner. (4-2.) Straight from the restart Tom got the ball again; beat a player and chipped the ‘keeper delightfully (5 - 2.) At this point I turned to Steve and said ‘I can relax now, we won’t concede three goals. They restarted; went straight up our end and scored from a great move. (5 - 3.) Within a minute Olly scored his first and Harry scored his second. (7 - 3 to us and 7 goals in 15 minutes.) The game settled a bit after that and then three minutes from the end a strike from distance caught Dec out of position making it 7 - 4 but in the last three minutes Olly, Harry (making his hattrick) and Olly again (also making his hatrick) made it 10 - 4. With the final whistle everyone bundled Steve on his birthday and sausage and chips in the bar
I must mention Waterlooville. They were impeccable throughout; their captain was so positive and encouraging to his teammates throughout the whole game and their managger and coaches could not have been more full of praise for us. A thoroughly nice group of people to play against.

Goal Scorers: Olly (3), Harry (3), Tom (2), Drew and Callum

Christchurch v Poole Town

Match Result: 4 - 3

Goal Scorers: Charlie Daniels, Olly Balmer (2), Philip Pollard

First games of the season don't come much tougher than this!

We played with the wind first half but in the first minute we were undone by a brilliant solo effort from Adam which went just wide. We pretty much went straight up the other end and a cross field pass found Charlie on his own and he finished well. Two minutes later Olly Balmer added a second and within a minute Poole pulled one back. So 5 minutes in and we were two - one up. The game seemed to settle down for a period before Olly added his second after 12 minutes and they scored their second a couple of minutes later. 15 minutes in then and 3 - 2 to us. We are now playing 35 minuutes and the next twenty seemed like a lifetime. We were playing some nice football but Adam was a constant threat which we were really struggling to cope with.

Second half was equally competitive but was harder for us against the wind. About quarter of an hour in Adam converted a penalty and it was beginning to look like our one goal lead at half-time would not see us through. Our boys have regained the spirit which we seemed to lose at the end of the season though and we never gave up. Ten minutes from the end Philip got a deserved goal for all the work he had done up front. Again the next ten minutes seemed like a lifetime but we held on!

Christchurch v Bournemouth Electric

Match Result: 0 - 1

Match Report to follow

Christchurch v Hordle

Match Result: 1 - 3

Goal Scorer: Elliot

Match Report to follow

Christchurch v Broadstone

Match Result: 4 - 0

Goal Scorers: Taylor (2), Dan, Elliot

Match report to follow

Christchurch v Redhill Rangers

Match Result: 3 - 1

Goal Scorers: Keam, Dan, Jordyn

Match report to follow

Christchurch v Greenfields

Match Result: 4 - 0

Goal scorers: Dan, Jordyn, Bradley (2)

Match report to follow

Boscombe Albion v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 2

Goal Scorers: Keam, Dan A.

After several weeks without a game because of the weather, relatively warm sunshine greeted the teams. As is usual with the games between these two teams the games started at considerable pace, with no one able to settle on the ball for long. Christchurch made the brighter start, and saw more of the ball. Jordyn was troubling the Boscombe defence with his pace, and three times the Boscombe keeper had to come quickly off his line to stop him. On the third occasion Jordyn chased and retrieved the ball, but when it was squared the ball was fired over. At the other end Luke H had to be on his guard from long range efforts, before pulling off a great save from a shot close in on the left. This seemed to give Boscombe confidence and they took the lead after twently minutes. When a cross came in from the right it dropped over the Christchurch defenders and Luke H had no chance when the ball was struck first time, left footed, into the bottom corner. This acted as a spur to Christchurch and they equalised three minutes later. Good work from a combination of players including Dan A, Brad and Jordyn gave Keam to hit an unstoppable shot past the keeper. The game was being now being played end to end as both teams tried to take control. But unfortunately Boscombe got the upper hand when we conceded a free kick on the right. We cleared the ball but only to just outside the penalty area where it was hit first time into the top right hand corner. A great goal.

Half Time 2 - 1

Christchurch came out strongly in the second half as the supporters expected helped by a tactical switch by the manager. Eight minutes into the second half this paid off the ball was played to Jordyn on the left and his superb cross was met by Dan A to score. Both teams now battled to take the lead, and created half chances, as the action flowed from end to end. As the half wore on Boscombe introduced fresh players and started to enjoy more possession, but although Christchurch were tiring they held on. Despite their possession Boscombe failed to trouble keeper Luke H. Christchurch's defence was stubborn, and the team almost broke through at the end with the hard working Jordyn again involved.

Full Time 2 - 2

This was a great game, and both sides deserve applause for producing a competitive contest played in a great spirit. The small Christchurch squad deserve credit for coming back and keeping on going to end, preserving their unbeaten league record. Great stuff.

Mike Holmes

Christchurch v Rossgarth

BYFL Under 13's Cup

Match Result: 4 - 1

Goal Scorers: Robert (2), Jordan, Bradley

After a couple of weeks break it was good for the lads to play football again, and they started well with good passing moves as they dominated the opening minutes of this cup game. It was no surprise when Christchurch took the lead on ten minutes after creating several good openings. The ball was well worked from the back and through to Jordyn to score with his left foot. As the half progressed Christchurch added to their lead when they put Rossgarth pressure under pressure and Bradley was able to poke the ball home through a crowd of players, before another good passing move put in Robert to score with an accurate right foot shot. Christchurch could have had more as Rees almost capped his excellent debut with a goal when he hit the bar with a strong shot from distance. However, Rossgarth were suddenly given some hope when some hesitant defending led to a chip shot beating Luke H.

Half Time 3 - 1

The goal and a half time talk from their Manager obviously did Rossgarth some good and they started the second half determined to make a game of it. They put the Christchurch defence under pressure and perhaps lack of matches started to tell as Christchurch players tired and suffered a few knocks. Nevertheless, apart from a few good catches of efforts from a distance, Luke H was not troubled, and a tremendous run down the left by Robert led to his scoring his second goal. Christchurch were then able to see out the rest of the game to secure a spot in the next round of the Cup.

All credit to Rossgarth for making a good game of it in the end, but the lads performance in the first 25 minutes was sufficient. Well done.

Mike Holmes

Redhill Rangers v Christchurch

Match Result: 1 - 3

Goal Scorers: Jamie, Jordyn, Elliott

After a couple of weeks without a game, a depleted squad of just 11 players travelled to Oakmead for this game played in pleasant sunshine. Christchurch started into the wind, but most of the early play took place in the Redhill half and in midfield. Christchurch were seeing a lot of the ball they were unable to show much penetration and really trouble the Redhill keeper, although Elliott made a number of good runs down the right. After 20 minutes, against the run of play Redhill punished Christchurch for their lack of sharpness when a crossfield ball from the left split the Christchurch defence and Luke H was unable to do anything to stop the first time shot from finding the net. Despite this set back Christchurch continued to have more of the play, forcing a couple of corners but the tall Redhill keeper displayed safe hands. The supporters were saying that Christchurch needed an equaliser before half time. It came when a good pass from Keam found Jamie on the right hand side of the penalty area and his clinical finish found the far corner of the goal. A pleasing return after a couple of months out with injury.

Half Time 1 - 1

Although the wind appeared to be dying Christchurch had the advantage of the slope in the second half, and continued to have more of the play. Despite the often robust defending of Redhill, Christchurch started to create some chances and eventually took a deserved lead when pressure led to a corner on the right. Elliott's fine corner was deftly headed by Jordyn and the defenders on the line were unable to prevent the ball crossing the line. Christchurch could have added to the tally when good work on the right of the Redhill penalty area put in Luke M for a shot which beat the keeper, but unluckily hit the junction of post and bar and bounced along the line. Christchurch wrapped up the points when Elliott chased a ball to the byline to cross where Jordyn's run appeared to unsight the keeper and the ball came off him into the net. This was unfortunate for the Redhill keeper who made some good saves and catches during the match. Redhill tried to move forward to get into the game but found the Christchurch defence of Jack, Dan, Noah and Hugh strong, and when they were beaten Luke H made a good save. At the same time chances were being created with Brad working down the left and Elliott the right. Twice Jordyn blasted over when one on one with the keeper and could have had a hat trick!.

Full Time 1 - 3

There was a certain rustiness about the Christchurch play and a lack of players meant that the whole team had to keep going for the full game, but three points is three points. Well done!


Mike Holmes

Bournemouth Cup Round 2

Christchurch v Cannon Colts

Match Result: 4 - 0

Goal Scorers: Jordyn (2), Keam (2)

Again the squad was depleted by the injuries and absences, and was down to 11 for this Cup game, played on a pleasantly warm afternoon. Colts started well and dominated play as Christchurch took some time to get going on a bumpy pitch. Luke H saw more of the ball than his opposite number in the Cannon Colts goal, but dealt with everything easily. Gradually Christchurch started to make their passes count and as the half wore on they began to create some chances. Luke M and Max became more effective, and the game became more even. Ten minutes before half time Christchurch's passing played off and the hard working Jordyn found space to play a lovely ball for Keam to run on to and beat the keeper with a chipped shot. This gave the team the confidence they needed and they saw out the half without being threatened.

Half Time 1 - 0

Christchurch came out strongly for the second half and were unlucky not to add to their lead after a series of passing moves down the right. But their efforts received their reward five minutes into the half when Dan brought the ball out of defence and the ball was played through for Jordyn to finish in his usual manner. Christchurch were now in the ascendancy and a few minutes later Jordyn was going through again when he was taken out, and Keam scored his second from the resultant penalty. With Noah and Dan taking control in the centre of defence, and Josh and Jack stopping off moves down the flanks, Christchurch started to look comfortable, with Luke H having little to do. Going forward Brad and Hugh engaged in some neat creative passing moves and more goals looked possible. Only one more came when Jordyn again finished clinically. At the end Hugh nearly crowned a good performance when he narrowly fired over after great team work.

Full Time 4 - 0

This was a great team performance from all the players, and particular mention must be made of Keam turning out after his recent hospital stay. Great stuff!

Mike Holmes

Christchurch v Boscombe Albion

Match Result: 3 - 2

Goal Scorer: Keam (3)

Match Report to follow: