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

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