CHRISTCHURCH V WIMBORNE TOWN

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

MATCH RESULT: 2 - 1

Goal Scorer: Ben Osborne (2)

1. STEWART KEARN
2. ADAM COSTELLO
3. DAN TAYLOR
4. BEN LUCAS
5. STEVE LINPOW
6. MARTIN LAWRENCE
7. MARC SMITH
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. TOM PRICE
11. JAMES BURDEN

SUBS

12.BEN HATCH
14.COLIN DAND
15.SIMON KEATES
16.JACQUES BERNARD

In front of a healthy Hurn Bridge crowd of 198 Christchurch completed a rare double over their local rivals. This was even more remarkable as Church were short of 6 regular players and shows the strength of Graham Kemps squad.

The first few minutes were tentative with both sides testing each other out but with the first real attack of the game the visitors took the lead on 14 minutes. A superb pass from ex Christchurch youngster Liam Green split the home defence down the left hand side resulting in a cross being easily converted by another ex Christchurch player prolific scorer Scott Joyce. In fact Joyce should have netted again in the following minute when he headed over from a left wing cross.
On 25 minutes only a superb challenge by Ben Lucas in the home defence denied Joyce again and at this stage Church were finding it difficult to play with the wind at their backs often over hitting passes and their only real effort on goal in the opening period was a Mark Smith 25 yard drive that was easily saved by Hutchins in the Wimborne goal.
At half time the score reflected the state of the game although the visitors may have thought the lead should have been greater.

The second half started with Ben Lucas who had been a tower of strength in The Church defence clearing off the line but after this the home side began to start passing the ball to feet with Mark Smith beginning to dominate matters in midfield and the lively Tom Price causing problems to the tall Wimborne defence. It came as no surprise when on 58 minutes from an Adam Costello cross and a Marc Faibrother deflection that Ben Osborne hammered in the equaliser from close range. Church continued to look the more dangerous side but they had a fortunate escape on 66 minutes when Joyce put through on the right hand side of the penalty area beat Kearn with a neat chip with the ball going narrowly wide of the far post.

The defining moment of the game came on 75 minutes when a dreadful error by Hutchins in the visitors goal resulted in his clearance being charged down by Tom Price and the ball being deflected to Ben Osborne who with some authority slammed the ball into the empty net from 15 yards for his 2nd goal of the game. Wimborne pushed forward in search of the equaliser and the nearest they came was on 82 minutes when the hard working Martin Lawrence produced a stunning challenge in the penalty area to deter a clear effort on goal.

MAN OF THE MATCH MARK SMITH (BUT THE WHOLE SIDE COULD HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE AWARD FOR THEIR SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE)

This result means that Christchurch are now undefeated in 13 matches and also retain their unbeaten home record.

On a personal note and I am sure I speak for the chairman and all of the Christchurch committee I would like to congratulate the manager and all the players ( not only the ones involved yesterday) for their efforts so far this season as it is far from easy to compete in this league being one of the few teams with no budget. It just goes to show you how far you can go with team spirit and a manager with good contacts.

Donners

CHRISTCHURCH V ROMSEY TOWN

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

MATCH RESULT: 0 - 0

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Adam Costello
3. David Legg
4. Dan Crutchley (c)
5. Steve Linpow
6. Martin Lawrence
7. Simon Keates
8. Danny Taylor
9. Ben Osborne
10. Tom Price
11. Marc Fairbrother

12. Colin Dand
14. Robbie Woolner
15. Ben Hatch
16. Ben Lucas
17. Jacques Bernard

Christchurch stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games and also maintained their home record but these were the only positive points to come out of a dull game devoid of goalmouth action. The visitors had done their homework and had learnt lessons from their home defeat 2 weeks earlier and played a system that the home side were unable to break down.
The game started positively for Church and on 2 minutes from a corner Steve Linpow blazed well over the bar when well placed and Tom Price was causing havoc with his pace despite being constantly fouled. However it was the visitors who looked more likely to score in the opening half as on 10 minutes Kearn saved well when the home defence failed to clear a corner but the keeper was at fault when on 29 minutes he came and failed to collect a ball with the result that a shot went narrowly wide. A further mistake by Legg on 35 minutes again resulted in a poor finish and the half time whistle could not come early enough for Church.
Matters improved in the second half but despite having the majority of the possession the home side were unable to penetrate a solid hard working visitors defence and the best and probably only chance of the half came deep into injury time when only a superb save from Hookaway in the Romsey goal denied substitute Ben Lucas from scoring with a header.
A draw was a fair result as Christchurch were obviously tired after 3 extra time games in 2 weeks and on the positive side a clean sheet was kept due to a solid defensive performance.


CHRISTCHURCH MAN OF THE MATCH: STEVE LINPOW

NEW MILTON TOWN V CHRISTCHURCH

SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE CUP - ROUND TWO

Match result: 1 - 1 (AET) Christchurch won 5 - 4 on penalties

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Adam Costello
3. Dan Taylor
4. Dan Crutchley
5. Steve Linpow
6. Martin Lawrence
7. Mark Smith
8. Marc Fairbrother
9. Robbie Woolner
10. Tom Price
11. James Burden

12. Paul Rideout
14. David Legg
15. Tom Jeffes
16. Ben Lucas
17. Ben Hatch

Christchurch won their second game on penalties in the last 2 weeks and also the third time they have played extra time in this period. The game should in reality not have gone this far as the hosts equalising goal came in the 4th minute of injury time with their last attack so once again the hero was keeper Stewart Kearn with the one penalty save and also some superb penalty taking.

Church started the game at a fast pace and for the first 5 minutes were camped in the New Milton half with good passing and movement especially on the right hand side. However there was no end result and the home side gradually came more into the game with their midfield moving the ball around well and they were unlucky not to take the lead firstly on 32 minutes when after a fine save from Kearn the resulting corner was headed off the line by Burden and then secondly 2 minutes later from another corner Fairbrother did the same. this was the end of a ten minute spell of attacking football from the home side which but for some stout defending by Church could well have resulted in them taking the lead. Just before the half-time break a Church attack down the right involving Costello and Fairbrother resulted in Price heading just wide.

Half time: New Milton Town 0 - Christchurch 0

The second half started with the hosts pushing forward and Kearn again saving well from a 20 yard effort whilst at the other end Mark Smith narrowly cleared the bar with a free kick on the edge of the area. The opening goal came on 73 minutes when Costello again pushing forward crossed and the ball spinning in the air was met by James Burden who out jumped the keeper to score with a header. It looked as if this would be the final score as the visitors kept the ball well but were caught out in New Milton's last foray into their penalty area when a cross was stabbed home from close range.

Full time: New Milton Town 1 - Christchurch 1

In extra time both sides had the chances to kill the game off but they were not taken resulting in the dreaded penalty shoot out. As previously stated the Church penalties were excellent (so were the first four from New Milton), but special mention of Ben Hatch with the fifth nearly breaking the net with its ferocity. So to the fifth from New Milton a weak effort straight at Kearn who saved easily. Next round home to Poole!!

A good solid performance from Christchurch who showed plenty of character and fight once again against opponents who have produced some good results.

Final score: Christchurch won 5 -4 on penalties.

Donners

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

Saturday 10th October 2009 KO 3:00pm

CHRISTCHURCH V LAVERSTOCK & FORD

MATCH RESULT 2 - 1

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Adam Costello
3. Dan Taylor
4. Dan Crutchley
5. Steve Linpow
6. Dan J Taylor
7. Mark Smith
8. Marc Fairbrother
9. Ben Osborne
10. Tom Price
11. Paul Rideout

12. Robbie Woolner
14.James Burden
15. David Legg
16. Ben Lucas
17. Tom Jeffes

At a sun drenched Hurn Bridge Christchurch were fortunate to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games with a narrow win against opponents who could well cause some surprises for the remainder of the season.
The home side started strongly and nearly opened the scoring as early as the 2nd minute when the pace of Tom Price resulted in him chasing a long ball and lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper only to see it go narrowly wide.Two minutes after this both Rideout and Osborne had good chances but delayed shooting resulting in the away defence being able to clear their lines.
Laverstock then came into the game with their pacey wingers causing problems to the home defence but again the home side should have opened the scoring on 9 minutes when a fierce shot from Price hit the post & Osborne following up missed an open goal.
At the other end Kearn had to be alert to turn a shot round the post and from the resulting corner was grateful to see Rideout clear an effort off the line.
It looked as if both sides had left their scoring boots at home as Dan Crutchley then hit the bar with a header from a Mark Smith corner but then on 25 minutes Price again used his pace to good effect breaking the offside trap and crossing for Osborne to net from close range.
This had the result of spurring on the visitors and it came as no real surprise when following another left wing run to the byline and fine cross resulted in Adam Heath applying a neat finish from 10 yards for the equaliser.
It looked as if this would be the half time score but after 43 minutes with the best move of the match a long ball out of defence to Price resulted in him speeding away from the defence and feeding Mark Smith who scored with some aplomb.
This had certainly been an entertaining half which surely could not continue in the second half.
This proved to be the case and it was Laverstock who looked the livelier side in the second period and Church were grateful firstly to Kearn on two occasions with good saves and secondly to the referee who blew for a free kick to the visitors on the edge of the area when if he had allowed play to continue a goal would have resulted and also denying them a penalty from a clear case of handball.
In the last ten minutes Church should have increased their lead as with the visitors pushing men forward Smith twice and Osborne were clean through on goal but wanted too much time to apply the finishing touch.
After their mid week extra time a good 3 points but to continue their good run the defence will require to tighten up and the forwards to make more of the opportunities that come their way.

CHRISTCHURCH MAN OF THE MATCH: TOM PRICE

Donners

HANTS SENIOR CUP

Christchurch v Eastleigh

Tuesday October 6th 2009 ko 7:45pm

Match Result: 2 - 1 (After extra-time)

TEAM

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Colin Dand
3. Dave Legg
4. Dan Crutchley
5. Adam Costello
6. Dan Taylor
7. Mark Smith
8. Marc Fairbrother
9. Ben Osborne
10. Ton Jeffes
11. Paul Rideout

SUBS:

Robbie Woolner
Martin Lawrence
Ben Hatch


After a nervous start Christchurch progressed to the next round of the Hampshire Senior cup against a youthful Eastleigh side.
The away side made a bright side and after a fine save by Kearn in the home goal on 3 minutes they opened the scoring on 4 minutes with a sublime finish by Jason Brockett after a defence splitting pass.
It took Church 20 minutes before they had their first effort on goal which was a header from Jeffes that went narrowly wide whilst at the other end player manager Ian Baird hit the bar with a header from a corner.
As Church came more into the game Dan Taylor had an effort kicked off the line with ex Christchurch keeper Dan Loader well beaten and the impressive Marc Fairbrother shot narrowly wide after a fine run. The first half ended with both sides nearly scoring with Kearn tipping a snap shot over the bar and Fairbrother being denied by fine defending at the other end.
Due to an injury to Legg, Martin Lawrence made his comeback from injury and he was instrumental in setting up Osborne on 46 minutes who delayed too long when he should really have scored and in the next minute Mark Smith hit the post with a fine effort.
The home side were now on top with Smith in charge in midfield and following superb interplay down the left Mark Smith equalised with an 18 yard shot.
This gave the home side further confidence and after a period of sustained pressure only an excellent save by Loader denied Jeffes scoring on 88 minutes with the result that the game went into extra time.
The defining moment in extra time came with the introduction of prolific Reserve goal scorer Ben Hatch who had an immediate impact on the game when he was introduced at the start of the second period and he chased down a defenders clearance and with Loader out of his goal the ball fell kindly to Martin Lawrence to net from 20 yards with fierce drive.
The remainder of the game saw the visitors pushing forward but the Church defence with Costello and Crutchley outstanding held firm.
A fine result for Church which saw them maintain their unbeaten home record and also extend their undefeated run but they need to be careful in forthcoming games to start games as well as they finish them.


CHRISTCHURCH MAN OF THE MATCH: MARC FAIRBROTHER

Donners

Saturday 3rd October 2009

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

CHRISTCHURCH FC V NEWPORT (IOW)

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Adam Costello
3. David Legg
4. Dan Crutchley
5. Steve Linpow
6. Dan Taylor
7. Mark Smith (capt)
8. Danny J Taylor
9. Ben Osborne
10. Tom Jeffes
11. Marc Fairbrother

Subs:
12. Paul Rideout
14. Robbie Woolner
15. James Burden
16. Tom Price
17. Colin Dand

Match Result: 2 - 2

Goal Scorers: Ben Osborne, Tom Jeffes

This was a vastly enjoyable game between the teams that came 6th & 7th last season and was a credit to the Wessex League. At the end the home side were grateful for a point as for long periods they had been outplayed.
Newport were denied a goal as early as the 4th minute when only a last ditch tackle from Steve Linpow saved the situation but at the other end Daniel J Taylor shot narrowly wide and Mark Smith had a shot blocked from a Fairbrother cross.
On 15 minutes Kearn in the home goal had to be alert to turn a 20yard drive for a corner and within 2 minutes the visitors had a golden opportunity to open the scoring when a header from 2 yards following a corner went over the bar.
It came as a surprise when Church opened the scoring on 36 minutes when following a superb passing movement between Fairbrother and Costello resulted in Tom Jeffes netting with a smart header. However they were unable to hold onto the lead until the half time break as a left wing cross found the home defence all at sea and Charlie Smeeton headed in from close range.
Christchurch had the ideal start to the second half when on 48 minutes Ben Osborne netted after a fine run and cross from Jeffes but this did not inspire the home side but had a positive affect on Newport who with neat passing looked dangerous every time they attacked and it came as no surprise when they equalised on 68 minutes with Darren Powell applying a neat finish from 12 yards following another cross which Church failed to cut out.
Both sides made positive substitutions looking for the winning goal and came close on a number of occasions with Tom Price looking very sharp for the home side, but no further goals were forthcoming.
On a personal note and I am sure the Chairman will agree these games are the type for which all the time we give up makes it all worthwhile as the pitch was superb, the officials excellent, the football of a high standard and the after match hospitality with the opposition most enjoyable.

CHRISTCHURCH MAN OF THE MATCH: TOM JEFFES

Donners