FLOODLIT CUP

CHRISTCHURCH v GOSPORT BOROUGH

MATCH RESULT: 3 - 1

GOAL SCORERS: JACK LOVELL, CONNOR BRENNAN, HARRY COOPER

1. GEORGE PROCTOR
2. RICH GREEN
3. MATT CLARKE
4. JARRETT EVANS
5. CONNOR BRENNAN
6. DREW RIMMER
7. MARCUS CULLEN
8. HARRY COOPER
9. HARRY SEAL
10. JACK LOVELL
11. HARRY CORNICK

SUB:

DAN SAUL

Church progressed to the quarter finals of the floodlit cup with a convincing performance against Gosport. The first period of the first half was a case of both sides trying to establish a foothold in the game, It took time for Church to come to terms with the oppositions formation but gradually the midfield due of Cooper and Cullen began to gain the upper hand. Church thought they had taken the lead following a slick move with Seal finishing, only to be given offside. Gosport’s main threat came from set pieces, although Church’s defense managed to cope with their aerial threat. Harry Cornick came close following a trademark mazy run and shot. With half time approaching Church took the lead through Jack Lovell’s superb shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner. Buoyed by this Church continued to press hard, and somehow a blatant foul on Seal was missed which should have led to a penalty.

HT Church 1-0 Gosport

The second half began as the first half ended with Church dominating. The second goal arrived on 55 minutes. It came direct from Brennan’s
in-swinging corner, which the opposition keeper failed to deal with. Gosport were soon down to ten men having used their subs and picking up an injury. However with their only real shot of the game they pulled back a goal. Their midfielder scoring with a shot from the edge of the box via a post. Church dusted themselves down and with their extra man dominated possession. Chances came and went, but finally Cooper scored in the 90th minute putting a more realistic reflection on the scoreline.

It was a thoroughly controlled and deserved result from the lads, and we can now look forward to the visit of Basingstoke in the quarter finals.

FT Church 3-1 Gosport

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH LEAGUE UNDER 18'S - LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINAL

CHRISTCHURCH v WINCHESTER CASTLE

MATCH RESULT: 8 - 1

GOAL SCORERS: JACK LOVELL (5), HARRY CORNICK (2), JACK HOMAN

Christchurch progressed into the semi final of the league cup with an accomplished display. Church took the lead after 3 mins, Jack Lovell latching onto a through ball and calmly beating the keeper despite the attentions of two defenders. An injury to Jarrett Evans on 10 minutes forced a re-shuffle in defence. A second followed just before the half hour mark. Lovell beat his man and rifled a superb shot into the top corner. Castle threatened sporadically but the defence were resolute, sniffing out anything they had to offer. Cornick scored the third beating two defenders and the keeper high at the near post. Lovell completed his hat-trick converting a penalty on 41 mins having been brought down by the keeper.

H.T Church 4-0 Winchester

The second half started with more Church domination. Jack Lovell got his fourth on 50mins. Church were forced to play the last 30 mins with 10 men after Matt Clarke went off with an injury after Church had already made all 3 substitutions. This however seemed to make the lads work harder, and three goals in the space of 5 minutes followed. Harry Cornick finishing a one on one with the keeper on 73 minutes. Jack Lovell got a fifth after a flowing move on the right with Rich Green providing a superb cross to the near post. The eighth goal was a terrific 25 yard shot into the top corner from Jack Homan, his first goal for the club. Winchester grabbed a very disappointing consolation. It was however a very satisfying performance considering the number of injuries and absentees. Well done lads.

Proctor, Green, Walker, Clarke, Evans (Brennan), Cornick, Cowland, Rimmer (Homan), Carey (Davison), Salazaar, Lovell.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH LEAGUE DIVISION 1

CHRISTCHURCH v HORNDEAN

MATCH RESULT: 5 - 2

GOAL SCORERS: HARRY CORNICK (3), JACL LOVELL, MARCUS CULLEN

Church continued their league campaign with another hard fought game. Church started slowly surrendering possession and territory. Horndean had a good half chance at the near post which went narrowly wide after five minutes. Gradually Church settled down beginning to get more of a grip in midfield. The deadlock was broken in the 10th minute by Cornick, with a left foot shot in the bottom corner from 18 yards. The second followed on 19 minutes, Cullen burst into the box following a neat interchange of passes, only to be brought down. Cullen took the penalty himself only to see it saved by the keeper, however he gratefully slammed home the rebound. Horndeans main threat appeared to be from set pieces, pushing their big centre backs up, but the Church defence stood firm.
A third followed on the half hour following a run and shot from Cornick. The keeper could only push it out into the path of Lovell who tapped into an empty net, an injury to Evans forced a change at the back with Perdrisat coming on as the first half petered out.

H.T Church 3-0 Horndean

The second half started in the worst possible way, Church conceding after 50 seconds. The number 4 seizing on a loose pass, moving forward and striking an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Within two minutes Church restored their 3 goal cushion. A free kick from the right was met with a punch from the keeper to the edge of the box. However it fell straight to Cornick who finished with a superb side footed volley over the keeper and a mass of players. Horndean scored a second, winning and converting a penalty on 50 minutes. Church managed to take the sting out of Horndeans spirited fightback and gradually got back on top creating several half chances. A fifth came on 80mins. Cornick completing a fine hat trick by lobbing the keeper after being put through. It was a much improved display on last week. Dan Saul was exceptional linking play well and constantly harassing the Horndean defence. All in all another good day at the office.

F.T Church 5-2 Horndean

Proctor, Green, Walker, Evans (Perdrisat), Rimmer, Cornick (Carey), Cullen (Homan), Cowland, Brennan, Lovell, Saul.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH LEAGUE DIVISION 1

CHRISTCHURCH v GOSPORT BOROUGH

MATCH RESULT: 4 - 3

GOAL SCORERS: HARRY CORNICK (2), DREW RIMMER, BEN CAREY

Church continued their 100% record in the league, but were made to fight all the way by a spirited Gosport side. Church opened the scoring on three minutes with Drew Rimmer notching his first for the club with a neat finish from 12 yards. Gosport had plenty of possession without creating to much, whilst Church played a more counter attacking game. On 27 minutes Church added a second after a great run and pass from Cornick, which found Carey on the right edge of the box. His first time strike finishing in the bottom corner. A third soon followed. A mix up between Gosports goalkeeper and defender allowing Cornick to finish with a superb chip into the top corner from 25 yards. Gosport deservedly pulled one back within two minutes with a good finish from the edge of the box. Almost immediately they nearly scored again had it not been for an excellent one on one save from Proctor. To rub salt into Gosports wounds Church scored a fourth, Cornick putting the finishing touch to a flowing move.

H.T Church 4-1 Gosport

Gosport came flying out of the blocks in the second half winning a free kick 25 yards out. Their number 4 took it and the lads in the wall decided in all their wisdom to turn their backs and look nothing like one, allowing the ball through and into the bottom corner. From that point Gosport put us under enormous pressure, and on the hour mark pulled back a third from a corner. 10 minutes later matters got worse with Cowland receiving his marching orders after a second yellow card. Despite being under pressure Church hung on for a hard fought victory. Credit must go to Gosport who deserved far more from their excellent display. Also a mention for Evans who was magnificent at the back.

F.T Church 4-3 Gosport

Proctor, Green, Walker, Evans, Brennan, Carey, Rimmer (Homan), Cowland, Salazaar (Perdrisat), Lovell, Cornick.

Christchurch v Sholing FC

Match Result: 6 - 1

Goal Scorers:

Church returned to league action, playing Sholing for the second week running. There were changes a plenty both in personnel and positions due to injuries and unavailability. We also gave a debut to new signing Drew Rimmer.
Sholing were quickly out of the blocks with their centre forward forcing a good save from Proctor. Church began to settle down and the new centre back partnership of Evans and Walker started to get to grips with the Sholing forwards. Church started to ask questions of the Sholing defence in particular down the right flank through Harry Cornick, on 12 minutes Lovell broke the deadlock with a crisp near post finish following a fine cross from Cornick. This was the beginning of a purple patch for Church; Lovell grabbed a second 5 minutes later following a fine flowing move involving Dan Saul and Cornick.
Lovell then completed his hat-trick on 23 minutes with a carbon copy of his first goal. Church continued to dominate and almost grabbed a fourth when Salazaar cut back onto his right foot and struck the ball against the bar. Church were not to be denied for long though, Cornick volleying home at the far post after a cross from Salazaar. Despite more chances going begging it was Sholing who scored next. A speculative 20 yard shot beating Proctor who really should have done better.

HT - Church 4-1 Sholing

The second half continued in much the same fashion as the first with Church dominating proceedings. Chances came and went but it took until the 70th minute to get the fifth, Lovell scoring his fourth with a header at the far post from a corner. Number 6 came seven minutes later from Cornick with a smart finish from 15 yards out. Some of the attacking play was outstanding with Dan Saul linking play well and Cowland once again dominating midfield. Well done lads!

F.T Church 6-1 Sholing

Proctor, Green (Perdrisat), Walker, Evans, Brennan, Cornick, Rimmer (Homan), Cowland, Salazaar (Davison), Saul, Lovell

Hampshire Youth League Cup - Round 2

Sholing FC v Christchurch

Match Result: 0 - 2

Goal Scorers: Rich Green, Jack Lovell

Church triumphed in what turned out to be one of our hardest games so far this season. Church were forced onto the back foot early on by a fiercely committed Sholing side, and were indebted to an excellent early save by Proctor. Playing on a small and uneven pitch Church were given no time or space on the ball. Sholing preferred the long ball game which took a while to adjust to. We created a couple of half chance but still had to deal with a series of of corners and long throws which were superbly dealt with by the Church defence. On the half hour mark Church opened the scoring following a superb passing move starting from the goalkeeper. A series of passes ending with an excellent through ball from Brennan and smart finish from Lovell into the bottom corner. Buoyed by this Church began to up their game and started to press for a second. It duly came when 'Gay' Rich Green scored with a superb shot from 30 yards following a quickly taken free kick from Harry Seal. Sholing tried to hit back and only an outstanding last ditch tackle by Green prevented them getting back into the game.

H.T Sholing 0-2 Church

The second half followed a similar pattern with free flowing football rarely seen. It was definitely a case of girt and determination with the Church defence marshaled superbly by Walker, Sholing were limited to the odd long shot . however Church were also limited to half chances generally. Prompted by the impressive Cowland. It was a good lesson for the boys to learn, sometimes you have to win ugly.

F.T Sholing 0-2 Church

Proctor, Green, Clarke (Perdrisat), Walker, Evans, Carey (Saul), Seal (Homan), Cowland, Brennan, Cornick, Lovell.

AFC Totton v Christchurch

Match Result: 2 - 5

Goal Scorers: Jack Lovell (3), Harry Cornick, Harry Cooper

Church traveled to previously unbeaten Totton in the league. We started brightly and were unfortunate not to take the lead after ten minutes, their keeper making an outstanding save. Totton's forwards were very lively and they won a succession of corners which were superbly dealt with by George Proctor in goal. We spurned two good chances again with their keeper making a super double save. The longer the first half went on we felt it was just a matter of time before we scored. However it was a hammer blow when Totton took the lead. Their striker scoring after Church lost possession sloppily in midfield. Despite the setback we continued to play good football hitting the woodwork just before half time.

H.T Church 0-1 Totton

The second half was barely a minute old when we won a free kick on the edge of the box. With the Totton defence organising the wall, Jack Lovell stepped up and curled a left footed shot into the top corner. it was the perfect start and from then on we grew in stature and took control, particularly in midfield. Number two followed ten minutes later following a great run and finish from Harry 'Corndog' Cornick. The third was a simple tap in by Jack Lovell after a great run and shot from Harry Cornick. Totton still threatened sporadically on the break. However great defending and an excellent save by Proctor kept them at bay. A fourth was added on 70 minutes by Harry Cooper. Totton then pulled one back, but Jack Lovell rounded off the scoring and completed his hat-trick with a fine header form a corner. It was a fantastic team performance and hopefully sets standards for the rest of the season.

Team : Proctor, Cowland, Walker, Clarke, Evans, Carey (Seal), Cullen, Cooper, Brennan, Lovell (Salazaar), Cornick (Saul)

HAMPSHIRE YOUTH LEAGUE UNDER 18'S DIVISION ONE

CHRISTCHURCH v AFC PORTCHESTER

MATCH RESULT: 6 - 0

GOAL SCORERS: HARRY COOPER, HARRY CORNICK (2), DAN SAUL (3)

After the disappointment of defeat in the FA Cup, Church returned to winning ways in the league. We started well spending most of the opening 20 minutes in the Portchester half. However good opportunities were wasted due to carelessness with the final ball. We eventually took the lead courtesy of a Harry Cooper penalty won following a mazy run from Harry Cornick. The second followed 10 minutes later with Harry Cornick rounding the keeper after a fine through ball from Dan Saul. We started to take control of the the game and after numerous chances we scored two goals in the space of a minute. Dan Saul netted the third with a nice finish followed by a second from Harry Cornick.

H.T 4-0

The second half started with Portchester upping their game. George Proctor made a good save one on one with the striker. Number 5 followed good work and a great cross from Ben Carey giving Dan Saul a header at the far post. Dan Saul rounded off the scoring, and completed his hat-trick with a penalty won by Jack Lovell. It was a good team performance with fine contributions from Rich Green at right back and Jack Homan in the midfield.

Team:
George Proctor, Rich Green, Billy Walker, Micky Cowland, Jarret Evans (Ryan Davison), Ben Carey, Jack Homan (Adam Perdrisat), Harry Cooper, Connor Brennan, Harry Cornick (Jack Lovell) Dan Saul.

HAMPSHIRE YOUTH LEAGUE CUP 1ST ROUND

NEWPORT IoW v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 6

GOAL SCORERS: JACK LOVELL (3), HARRY COOPER, DAN SAUL, HARRY CORNICK

Team:

George Proctor
George Butcher (Adam Perdrisat)
Matt Clarke
Billy Walker
Ryan Davison
Ben Carey (Jack Homan)
Harry Cooper
Harry seal
Connor Brennan
Dan Saul
Jack Lovell (Harry Cornick)

Church travelled to the island for the second time in 3 weeks. The game started badly with us conceding a goal in the first minute. It took us 15 minutes to settle down, equalising with a stuninng left footed effort into the top corner. Lovell soon added a second to calm the early nerves. Harry Cooper added a third following good build up play. Dan Saul stuck in a 4th not long before half time with a fine half volley. The second half produced more excellent football without the number of goals to match the performance. Jack Lovell completed a fine hat-trick early in the 2nd half. Harry Cornick completed the scoring coming off the bench with a cool finish. It was another decent performance from the boys with debutant Ryan Davison doing well.

Hampshire Cup 1st Round

Christchurch v Blackfield & Langley

Match Result: 5 - 2

Goal Scorers: Harry Cooper(pen), Micky Cowland (2), Jarrett Evans, Harry Cornick

The squad consisted of:
George Proctor
Adam Perdrisat
Matt Clarke
Billy Walker
Jarrett Evans
Harry Cooper
Harry Seal
Conor Brennan
Ben Carey
Jack Lovell
Harry Cornick
Micky Cowland
Richard Green
Wes Griffin

Another impressive performance saw the team seal their second win of the season. The stalemate was broken after 25 minutes with Cooper converting a penalty after Cornick’s mazy run was brought to an end. The second and thrid goals followed quickly both scored by Cowland, the third an impressive 25 yard free kick. The second half continued the same way and Evans soon added a fourth from a “lucky” free kick on the touchline whihc eluded everyone. Blackfield and Langley pulled one back before Cornick produced a cool finish to make it five for Church. A defensive error “spolit” the day slightly as Blackfield and Langley were let in for their second, but in the end Christchurch ran out easy winners.

AFC Totton v Christchurch

Match Result: 5 - 1

Goal Scorer: Marcus Cullen

1. George Proctor
2. Adam Perdrisat
3. Jarrett Evans
4. Matt Clarke
5. Micky Cowland
6. Marcus Cullen
7. Rich Green
8. Jarry Cooper
9. Harry Seal
10. Ben Carey
11. Matt Seely


Subs: Jack Hanan for Ben Carey
Lewis Proudly for Rich Green

We went 1-0 up after 10 mins but they equalised 5 mins later and went 2-1 up
soon after and then 3-1. Considering we had 3 under 16s again in the team who played
well they were too good for us on the night. With our full team I think it would
have been a lot closer score wise. We played some great football again.

Christchurch v Gosport

Match Result: 0 - 1


1 George Proctor
2 Adam Perdrisat
3 George Butcher
4 Matt Clarke
5 Micky Cowland
6 Lewis Proudly
7 Marcus Cullen
8 Harry Cooper
9 Harry Seal
10 Wes Griffin
11 Matthew Seely

Subs: Jack lovell for Wes Griffin
Alastair Buckle for Marcus Cullen
Robbie Head for Lewis Proudly

With four Under 16's in the squad we were a little apprehensive about visiting Gosport
FC but despite the hot weather and 3 players carrying injuries and with the new
young lads we played well and held our own until about 10 mins into the second
half when a rare defensive mistake let Gosport in to score. It was a typical end
of season match with tired legs on both teams.

Last match is against AFC Totton on Wednesday 13th April - away.

Christchurch v Porchester

Match Result: 0 - 0

Team:
1 George Procter
2 Adam Perdrisat
3 George Butcher
4 Matt Clarke
5 Micky Cowland
6 Harry Cooper
7 Marcus Cullen
8 Harry Seal
9 Wes Griffin
10 Jarrett Evans
11 Jack Haman(new signing)

Subs:
Lewis Proudly(new signing) for Jack Haman
George Tonkin(new signing) not used

Forced through injuries to sign on 3new players all 15yr olds we played a 0-0
draw but were the better footballing side.2 out of 3 of the new signings played
and acquitted themselves well. 2 matches left to play v Gosport and AFC Totton
both away on successive Sundays. 10th and 17th April

FLOODLIT CUP

CHRISTCHURCH v ALDERSHOT

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 3 (AET)

GOAL SCORER: JACK LOVELL


1. George Proctor
2. Adam Perdrisat
3. John Duke
4. Matt Clarke
5. Jarrett Evans
6. Harry Cooper
7. Marcus Cullen
8. Micky Cowland
9. Jack Lovell
10. Harry Deal
11. Jordie Frewin

Subs Used:

George Butcher
Ben Carey
Wes Griffin


Church got off to a fine start and it was a close contest for the first
45 mins. We were forced to play players carrying injuries but the usual inspiring
team talk got them through. Chances were even in the first half with both
goalkeepers producing fine saves.
We started the 2nd half strongly and Jack Lovell capitalised on a forced
mistake by the Aldershot centre half and strode on to put the ball in the back
of the net. A deserved lead after a lot of hard work and good football. We nearly
put the game out of our opponents reach 10 mins later with a spectacular 5 first
time passing movement which culminated in a very fine save by their
goalkeeper. As the match progressed we kept our shape and played our football
with our opponents putting us under presure trying to get the equaliser. Two
excellent saves by our goalkeeper kept us in it but with 5 mins to go Aldershot
found a little chink in our armour and equalised. Extra time saw tired legs but
not tired spirits and despite conceding 2 goals we did not disgrace ourselves
and in fact this was our best performance all season against a quality
opposition. Our next match is Sunday 3rd April at Hurn Bridge v Porchester. This
is Mothers Day so treat your mums to an afternoon out!!!

Christchurch v Hayling United

Hampshire Cup quarter final

Match Result: 4 - 0

Goal Scorers: Kingsley White, Sam Griffin, Ben Dickenson (2)

A hastily rearranged venue allowed our long awaited Hants Cup game v Hayling United to finally go ahead at Chapel gate( thanks to John Spalding) and we started very brightly with Dickenson,Griffin & Horder all missing good chances in the first 5mins, so it came as no suprise when we took the lead through a fine finish by Kingsley White after good work from Ben Dickenson.
We continued to pressurise the Hayling defence throughout the half but somehow reached half time with only the one goal lead after creating over 20 clear chances.

HT Christchurch 1 Hayling 0

After our half time 'motivational chat' we intended to go out and 'put the game to bed' but we almost conceded when Hayling, who to their credit never stopped trying to play football, broke down our left flank and delivered a good cross to an unmarked player, who fortunately (for us anyway) miskicked with the goal at his mercy.
We then continued to create more chances and more misses! when, finally we got the breakthrough in the 75min when Sam Griffin finished off a threaded pass by rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into the net.Ben Dickenson then netted with a fierce left foot shot two mins later and finished off the scoring with a rare right foot (toe poke!) after a mazy run into the area.

FT Christchurch 4 Hayling 0

All in all it was a richly deserved win against a spirited Hayling team which now see us in the semi final of the Hant's Cup and pitched away in Portsmouth against the unbeaten United Services next Sunday (14th).

Tony

BASINGSTOKE TOWN V CHRISTCHURCH

HANTS FLOODLIT UNDER 18'S CUP QUARTER FINAL

MATCH RESULT 4 - 3

Team. G Hicks, S Leonard, H Jeffries, D Thorpe, K James, K White, S Griffin, J Bernard, J Frewin, B Dickinson, L Horder Subs E Peck, B Hill, G Lee, M Horne.

After a 5 week winter break and being unable to have a proper training session we travelled up the M3 to play against the unbeaten Conference South Academy team, who “on paper” should have brushed us aside, but we had other plans and if we could have converted just a _ of our chances we would have been home & dry! As it happened we lost 4-3 but credit must go to our youngsters who controlled large swathes of the game, played the better football & created 27 chances to the hosts 11,(thanks to our stat’s man!), but as so regularly happens when you play a so called bigger club you do not seem to get the rub of the green or get the important calls off the officials.

Right from the off we put Stoke under pressure with good efforts from Bernard, Dickinson, Griffin & Horder . Sam Griffin opened the scoring in the 8th min netting from close range after the keeper could only parry Bernard’s free-kick. Lewis Horder, who along with Ben Dickinson gave their backline a torrid time, missed a simple header from Leonards cross. Bernard & Dickinson again missed chances before Jordie Frewin latched on to a delightful through ball and finished with aplomb on 28mins.On 34mins Basingstoke pulled a goal back when out of the blue Dunn set up Powell to finish neatly with their 1st shot on target, this spurred Stoke on to have some good possession but without seriously testing Hicks in goal. Just before half time Ben Dickinson spurned a glorious chance when he put the ball agonizingly wide when clean through on goal.

Half time: Basingstoke 1 Christchurch 2

Basingstoke came out more determined in the 2nd half with Dunn making good inroads on our right side and proceeded to set up Hobden with a simple equaliser from 2 yards out. This was to be Stokes best spell of the game and it came as no surprise when Foyle gave them the lead on 60mins when he was allowed to advance unchallenged in the box to score with a low shot into the corner.
Having seen themselves give up a comfortable lead Church rolled up their sleeves and battled their way back into the game when on 72mins Lewis Horder scored a well deserved equaliser when he put a fine left foot shot past Burton following good work by Bernard.
Church then threw on some fresh legs with Hill & Peck replacing White & Frewin and this upped the tempo of the game with 2 efforts from Griffin being saved by the increasingly overworked Stoke keeper but I think ‘cow’s bottom & banjo’ started to spring to mind when chance after chance went begging for xchurch and then, out of the blue, a long ball out from Powell saw Sheedy put the hosts 4-3 up against the run of play on 80mins.
The last 10 minutes saw Xchurch throw everything at the Basingstoke defence who to be fair withstood this bombardment although they had some good fortune with the referee missing a wipe out from Burton on Peck when he knocked the ball past the keeper also with 2 goal line clearances, numerous scrambles, 2 fantastics saves and the woodwork stopping an effort from Griffin before the referee brought the proceedings to an end.
So although Xchurch lost on the night I think they maintained their high standards of football and the Basingstoke players’ reactions at the end told us how relieved they were at winning this pulsating tie.
The bottom line is that some of these players are destined to play for our 1st team if, and only if they start to train more regularly and work hard with Neil and Tony.

The alternative version of this report can be seen by following the link below. Perhaps the author had forgotten to take off this 3-D specs after watching Avatar……something had clearly blurred his vision! J

The Official Website Of Basingstoke Town Football Club - Basingstoke Town Yth 4 Christchurch Yth 3

Tony

Match report : AFC Totton v Christchurch U18’s
16th November 2008

Result 1-3
scorers J Bernard, K White, L Horder.

In only our 2nd league game of the season Xchurch recorded a fine 3-1 victory after a goalless 1st half.
We started the game with a crisp flowing 5 man movement straight from the kick off which left Sam Griffin through on the keeper but his shot was safely gathered by the Stags keeper.
Totton then forced 2 good openings one of which resulted in an excellent save from the impressive Joe Prodomo.
In a game that was going from end to end we went very close to opening the scoring with good efforts from Lewis Horder & Elliot Peck who were giving Totton’s backline a torrid time with their pace and power.
Joe Proctor then tested the keeper with a rasping drive and a towering header in the 41st minute.

HT 0-0

We again opened the half with us pressing hard to open the scoring and our persistence paid off when after 3 goal bound shots had been blocked in quick succession we won a corner from which Jacques Bernard scored curling the ball into the net after Harry Jeffries distracted the keeper with a near post dart!
We then added a 2nd goal with Kingsley White finishing from 6 yards after a sweeping move which involved 7 players in the build up play.
Sensing a rout Lewis Horder then finished with aplomb after Ben Dickenson had hit the bar from 25 yards.
Totton however, to their credit refused to lie down and were rewarded with a goal from a good passage of play.
Both teams continued to play good attacking football without either side adding to the final score line.

FT AFC Totton 1 Christchurch 3

Sunday 30th March
AFC Portchester U18’s v Christchurch U18’s Reserves


Manager’s Tony Bernard & Neil Magookin selected the following line up…

James Collins, Karl James, Harry Jeffries, Joe Proctor, Frank Rollins, Callum Palfrey, Jacques Bernard, Kieran Goldrick, Lewis Horder, Dean Robertson, Elliot Peck

We arrived at AFC Portchester after three weeks without a game to try and strengthen our position for runners up in the league. As we made our way towards the changing rooms we could see that the pitch was clearly unplayable, with masses of water and mud filling much of the pitch. After more than a thirty-minute delay, the referee and managers had decided that the parks pitch opposite was the only solution to being able to play our match. Eventually we got underway, and in the 1st minute Harry Jeffries had a header cleared off the line from a Karl James corner. Christchurch then put a lot of pressure onto the Portchester goal and had another header cleared off the line, this time Lewis Horder was the unlucky player. It was surely only a matter of time before Christchurch took the lead, and in the 9th minute Elliot Peck took on two players and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom left hand corner. The game was still being played at a high tempo and each team had their fair share of possession. Jeffries and Frank Rollins both had free kicks, the keeper touching one over the bar and the following going well wide. Then in the 20th minute AFC Portchester, with basically their first chance scored from a free kick just outside the box which James Collins could only palm into the net. The game was all level and soon afterwards Horder had a goal disallowed for a foul. Christchurch had the best of the half, but to no avail.

Half time: AFC Portchester U18 1 – 1 Christchurch Reserves U18

In the second half Christchurch came out strong, looking for the goal to take the lead, and in the opening few minutes of the half Jacques Bernard went close with two shots over the bar, and Peck also with a shot over. Peck again hit a right-footed shot over the bar, and at this point Christchurch couldn’t turn their dominance into a goal. Bernard connected with a Jeffries free kick but headed a yard wide of the goal, and from another Jeffries free kick Horder volleyed over from close range. Just as it seemed as though it wasn’t going to be Christchurch’s day Horder collected the ball on the edge of the area and on the turn drilled the ball into the right hand corner of the net to make it 2-1 Christchurch!! The relief on the Christchurch players’ faces was clear to see as they had made that break through. The game had calmed down now as Christchurch eased off the pressure, but with the game still in the balance AFC Portchester were only one goal away from an equaliser. So when Peck linked onto a through ball, took the ball around the goalkeeper and walked the ball into the empty net, it seemed as though, with 10 minutes to go the game had been tied up. Christchurch squandered another couple of chances in the next five minutes, but in the 85th minute, from a Jeffries back pass, James Collins hesitance to clear the ball lead to the Portchester player to intercept the ball and touch the ball into the net. Portchester grew in confidence from this opportunity to snatch a point from the game and missed a good chance from a header a minute later. Dean Robertson then went close, until Horder put the game to bed in the 89th minute after a goalmouth scramble, when the ball popped out to Horder just to touch the ball into the net. The full time whistle went and Christchurch were delighted with their hard fought victory and their chances of runners up are still very strong with a game to go!

Final score: AFC Portchester U18 2 - 4 Christchurch U18 Reserves 4

Report by Jacques Bernard

CHURCH UNDER 18’s IN CUP FINAL AS TOTTON SELF-DESTRUCT
10th February 2008


On a warm still afternoon with Hurn Bridge bathed in spring sunshine the Under 18s and their counterparts from AFC Totton met for a place in the Hampshire FA County Cup final to be held on 30th March 2008 at Fareham FC. Totton playing in their away kit of mellow pink were no doubt still smarting from their league defeat by Church seven days before and were in no mood to play second fiddle and began the game at a terrific pace. Totton were consistently first to every ball and every second ball and Church was decidedly second best. Built round the muscular uncompromising defence with both power and pace in midfield and speed and guile upfront Totton spent the first half giving a footballing lesson in passing and movement with Church chasing shadows. Clear cut chances were few and came all from Totton as the Church defence repelled wave after wave of attack. Totton were in no mood to give an inch in midfield and their raw and physical approach for a time unsettled the Church team. A dreadfully late tackle saw Harry Rolph hobble off just before half time with a serious ankle injury to take no further part in the game and the referee allowed a number of cynical lunges from both sides to go unpunished. No score at half time flattered Church and they were grateful to go in at the break on even terms. Nothing in the first half however prepared the decent crowd for the incident packed second half.

Whatever magical managerial words were said by Andy and Tim at half time clearly had no effect as within ten minutes of the restart Church fell behind to a well worked goal. Totton passed and developed the play down the left-hand side and a deep cross eluded the Church defence to fall at the feet of the Totton number 7 who tapped in from four yards. Cue scenes of Totton joy as they no doubt sensed they would go on and win the match. Worse was to follow as Totton continued to dominate and Adam Costello left the game with a recurrence of a rib injury. With twenty minutes to go there seemed no way back for Church who had no answer to the speed, tempo and combative Totton style. Totton attacked at will and only a combination of last ditch defending and wasteful chances kept the score to one. Totton were not pretty but were effective.

With fifteen minutes to go at last Church produced a move of quality, which had been so lacking up to that point. A long angled clearance from Chris Dillon found Russell Cooke’s head and his deft flick into the path of Tom Price and beyond the last defender allowed Tom to close in on goal and coolly finish low past the goalie to bring the scores level.

Totton’s concentration and discipline faltered and they began to argue with the referee whose patience to that point with the most disgraceful language directed at him from Totton players seemed endless. They began to argue with each other and argue with their management team and once their concentration began to falter their play suddenly began to look ragged and the passing movements which were so effective in the first half started to go astray. Church sensed that the tide was beginning to turn in their favour.

Church pressed forward and a series of corners put Totton under pressure. From one such corner the assistant referee spotted illegal holding in the area and called the referee over. After a short deliberation the referee pointed to the spot for a Church penalty.

Whatever semblance of discipline and self-control Totton had immediately evaporated into a tirade of disgraceful abuse towards the match officials. Players crowded round the referee and assistant referee in a disgraceful display. The management team of Totton exacerbated the problem by abusing the match officials and the referee was called over on two occasions to the Totton dug out to try and restore calm. The delay between the penalty award and the spot kick being taken was a disgraceful ten minutes of uproar. The referee to his credit remained calm and could easily have shown several red cards given the totally unacceptable conduct. Managers have a responsibility to control their players and to exercise discipline but the Totton management team seemed unwilling or unable to exert any influence over their players.

Eventually, ten minutes later, the calmest player on the pitch, Dan, put the ball on the spot and despite as much gamesmanship as Totton could muster struck the ball high to the goalkeeper’s right to give Church the lead. The kick off immediately showed that the Totton players had lost the plot and all discipline and concentration on the game had gone. Totton’s quality passing football gave way to long aimless route one football interspersed with a succession of crude fouls and yellow cards. Church did not need to play Totton any more as Totton were clearly beating themselves with their lack of discipline and concentration. A long diagonal ball into the Totton box saw Jamie jump with the goalkeeper and as the ball squirmed out of the keeper’s hands it dropped at Jamie’s feet to tap in from two yards. Totton cried foul on the goalkeeper but the assistant referee and referee waved away the further abusive protests and the goal stood.

At that point Totton were a totally different team to the slick impressive outfit that had started the game. They now kicked the ball forwards aimlessly at every opportunity and tried to press in the twelve minutes of added on time allowed by the referee for the penalty stoppage.

All Church had to do was to keep their head, retain their discipline and carry on playing and a place in the Cup Final was theirs. As gaps developed at the back for Totton another pinpoint accurate cross-field ball was played into Tom Price’s path and he skipped past the lunge of the defender to coolly slot home his second goal and Church’s fourth of the afternoon.

The real irony of the game was that Totton were by far the better team up to the equaliser and could, and probably should, have gone on to win the tie if they had kept their head and concentrated on playing football. It was so disappointing to see a total lack of discipline on the pitch destroy their chances on a day when Church were below par but had the team spirit to never give up.

The Totton management and players felt aggrieved that decisions made by the match officials had cost them the game but they were wrong. What cost them the game was their own lack of discipline, lack of team spirit, lack of concentration, lack of respect to the match officials and ultimately the players’ lack of respect for their managers. What cost them the game was their attitude.

By contrast Church weathered a number of setbacks, used the excellent team spirit that had been built up by Andy and Tim over more than one season and gritted their teeth and carried on playing even when they were far from at their best. Even when the goal went in the boys encouraged each other and increased their effort to try and get back into the game. They listen and take on board what they are told by their managers and they concentrate on playing football even when decisions go against them. I know which team I would prefer to be associated with.

The Under 18s now move for the first time into the Hampshire FA County Cup Final on 30th March 2008 at Fareham Town and I hope that everybody associated with the club will turn out to cheer the boys on in what for many of them will be their final season at Under 18 level.

Final score: Christchurch 4 – AFC Totton 1

Dorset County Youth League Division 1

Sunday 26th August 2007

Westland Sports v Christchurch

After a poor 1st game to the season, it was important to see us bounce back and start playing football. Ok we are a new team, but still, being on the end of a 5-0 thumping doesn’t do your confidence any good.

So Bank holiday weekend and we travel to Yeovil!! We got stuck in traffic, so our warm-up was limited. Nether the less it took us 17mins to net our first goal of the season. Alex Mason (playing in a new striker role) muscled his way through to slot past the keeper. Our lead didn’t last long as within a minute they had a free kick that caught us napping for them to equalise.

With about 5mins to go in the first half, the ball got passed through their defence to the on-running Max, who was shut down and clattered by their keeper (fairly done in the eyes of the Ref). He could take no further part, so was replaced by Dom.

Half-time 1-1

The second half started promisingly with James Wright (on his debut) causing their defence trouble down the wing, and it only took us 8mins of the second half to take the lead. Again muscling his way past the defence, Alex manage to slot his no.2 past the approaching keeper, much to the anger of their defence. However he was soon caught up in a tussle, which saw him booked, then in another where he was lucky not to be sent off. I decided to take him off and bring on out other sub.

Chances then came and went, with Olly proving to be too much for their defenders, and kept winning free kicks.

We tested our nerve constantly throughout the 2nd half, only for our skipper Dan to come to the rescue whenever called upon.

However it was with 6mins to go, the drama started. James whipped in a corner to be met by the head of Brad which found its way into the back of the net to make it 3-1! Two minutes later, they clawed one back after we failed to clear the ball.

But in injury time, James beat the left back to provide a cross that was met by Olly who (in the style of Thierry Henry), neatly slotted into the bottom corner with a tidy flick.

So on this tiring bank holiday journey, the coach trip home would be a happy one, coming away with 3 well-deserved points!! Our season has begun!!!!

Man of the Match: Dan Houghton

Final Score: Westland Sports 2 – 4 Christchurch

Match report by Pete Old

Dorset County Youth League Division 1

Sunday 19th August 2007

Bournemouth Poppies v Christchurch

Well, an early start to the season....   more »