Saturday 26th July 2008 pre season friendly

PORTLAND UNITED v CHRISTCHURCH

Another blistering hot afternoon in July, another pre season friendly. Manager Graham Kemp gave several players the day off and took a small and very young squad to Portland:

1 Jason Collins
2 Adam Costello (capt)
3 Chris Dillon
4 Steve Linpow
5 John Brock
6 Martin Lawrence
7 Simon Keates
8 Harry Rolph
9 Mike Carroll (debut)
10 Russell Cooke
11 Paul Manning

12 Colin Dand
14 Michael Green


The game started at a quick pace despite the red hot conditions, and play went from end to end as both teams passed the ball around on the excellent surface. Early on Jason Collins had to be alert in the Christchurch goal as he got down well to his left to push a low shot out for a corner. Just before the half hour mark Christchurch took the lead. The build up down the right ended with the ball being played into Mike Carroll who controlled and then shot right footed past the keeper from about 20 yards out. A fine goal for the debut boy.

Half time: Portland United 0 Christchurch 1

The second half saw the breeze increasing but the temperature was still extremely hot. Quite soon after the restart Christchurch extended their lead. Simon Keates worked himself space on the right wing and his superb far post cross was met by Chris Dillon who scored with a thumping header. Ten minutes later and Portland pulled a goal back. A corner was assisted by the wind and caught everyone out as it ended in the back of the net. Portland came close to equalising a couple of times but all in all another fine performance from this very young Christchurch line up.

Final score: Portland United 1 Christchurch 2



The Bridgeman