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:

Aldershot v Christchurch

Hampshire Cup 2nd Round

Match Result: 4 - 0

A squad of 12, depleted by injuries and absences made the long journey to Surrey for this Hampshire Cup game and surprisingly found the pitch at first go! On a small pitch Christchurch found themselves under early pressure from a big, strong Aldershot team, who also displayed speed up front to add to these qualities. Against the run of play Christchurch almost took the lead when the Aldershot keeper mishandled a back pass, and was grateful to see the ball go just wide of the post. Christchurch were unfortunate to lose Taylor L with a knee injury and then with pressure building on them they failed to deal with a short corner, and the cross was volleyed home for the opening goal. The Christchurch midfield was being overrun and as the rain started the team faced another disaster when Luke M fell awkwardly when chasing back and could not continue. Down to 10 players the possibility of a heavy defeat loomed but Christchurch showed character, dug in and were able to create a few chances as the hard working Jordyn J worried the home defence. A little luck also came Christchurch's way when two Aldershot efforts hit the bar, and Hugh C cleared off the line but they were able to reach half time without conceding again.

Half time: 1 - 0.

Taylor L returned for the second half although for the most part his movement was restricted. Christchurch weathered early Aldershot pressure, and contrived to make a limited number of openings. However, eventually a second goal for Aldershot came mid way through the second half with a stunning left foot shot from outside the box - a goal worthy of winning any game. Still Christchurch battled on with Luke H commanding his area and making a number of good catches/saves. but inevitably tiredness crept in and they conceded two more goals, one a penalty after a great save by Jordan L!

Full time: 4 - 0.

I cannot praise the character of the boys too much. Their efforts were much appreciated by the travelling supporters and the home fans, and the management team alike. Best wishes to Luke M, hoping his hospital trip is a short one.

Mike Holmes

Match Result: 1 - 1

Goal Scorer: Jordyn

With a slight chill in the air and some threat of much needed rain a good crowd looked forward to this clash between old rivals. From the start it was obvious that there was some tension in the teams with neither side dominating play. Some good passing moves from defence were followed by disappointing final balls to attackers. Highcliffe were attacking mainly down their right, whilst Christchurch also were being more productive down their left side, with Jordyn Johnston finding some space. Hawks started to threaten with some long range efforts but it was Christchurch who took the lead after 25 minutes A ball over the top to Jordyn Johnston saw him take the ball on and loft it over the advancing keeper. The loss of the goal did not appear to affect Highcliffe's morale at all and they pressed for an equaliser, but the Christchurch defence stood firm.

Half Time 1-0.

The second half started in the same style as the first, but Christchurch were forced to substitute new boy Dan as the hard, bumpy ground took its toll on the players and the standard of football for both sides. Both sets of attackers were being restricted to long range shots or through passes that ran through to the keeper. However, as the game went on Highcliffe seemed to grow in confidence and started to dominate the game. At the same time Christchurch seemed to lose their passing ability. Nevertheless, the defence responded well and appeared likely to be able to see the match out without conceding until a mix up between two Christchurch players led to a Highcliffe Hawks corner. From the corner the ball fell loose and was scrambled into the goal despite the efforts of the Christchurch players on the line. From the restart Highcliffe pressed again looking for a winner, but Christchurch were able to hold out the last minute or so.

Full Time 1-1.

This was a highly competitive game played at a high tempo, but in a good spirit. Unfortunately the state of the pitch was not conducive to good football. Both sides will be disappointed that they did not get a win in this game. For Christchurch this was their poorest display this season, but they still got a point! Next week the long trip to Aldershot in the Hampshire Cup.

Mike Holmes