Dorset County Youth League Division 1

Sunday 19th August 2007

Bournemouth Poppies v Christchurch

Well, an early start to the season could have gone a lot better!! From a squad of about 22 only had 12 players available!! But still we kicked off and although were under the cosh from the outset, handled ourselves quite well.

It was 15mins in when the deadlock was broken, scrappy defending left us exposed and Joe was left to pick the ball out of the net.

Then the circumstances went from bad to worse, Dom appeared to get slapped from one of their players and so decided he’d kick him!! You can guess what happened, he got sent off!! Great so we’re now down to 10 players!!

It wasn’t long before they grabbed a 2nd goal and as halt-time approached, things got even worse. Ollie pulled up with what seemed like cramp, but ended up concluding he’d pulled/twinged his calf muscle. So had to make a change in the first half and use my only sub!!

Half time: 2-0

Received some good news at the break, Tony was on his way from his family do, so checked with the Referee and the manager of B’mth Poppies to plead whether I could name him late. Both parties agreed!!

Second half started just like the 1st and Poppies grabbed a 3rd goal with a cheeky flick at the near post.

Tony arrived and was kitted up ready to go. Max was struggling from playing in the morning and was about to replace him when Lee pulled up with a tight quad!! So Tony went on for Lee, but that couldn’t stop them from scoring.

Chris Billam-Smith (ex Christchurch player) took the mick out of our defence, with his trickery and quick feet before smashing the ball past Joe for no4.

No.5 followed shortly after, and unfortunately for Ricko, it was an OG!! The ball got put into the box and hit him on the chest rebounding into the net!!

With only injury time to play, Poppies were reduced to 10 men, when one of they’re players (Ben Hatch – a summer target of mine) went into a tackle with Dan with his studs showing. Personally didn’t see it as a straight Red, but nether the less, that was the outcome. Mind you saying to the ref “F*** O** Harry Potter” is not gonna help the situation!!

Final whistle blew and saw the end to a disastrous start to the season!! Lets hope we can bounce back from this!!

Man of the Match: Joe Prodomo

Final Score: Bournemouth Poppies 5-0 Christchurch

Match report by Pete Old