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 »