Tuesday 29th September 2009

Sydenhams Wessex League Cup 1st Round

DOWNTON V CHRISTCHURCH FC

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Colin Dand
3. Dave Legg
4. Dan Crutchley
5. Steve Linpow
6. Dan Taylor
7. Mark Smith
8. Dan J Taylor
9. Robbie Woolner
10. Tom Jeffes
11. Paul Rideout

SUBS

12. Ben Osborne
14. Marc Fairbrother
15. Adam Costello
16. Ben Hatch
17. Paul Manning


A dramatic finale resulted in Christchurch progressing into the next round of the league cup by virtue of holding their nerve in a tense penalty shoot out.

There was no sign of the drama to come as for the first 10 minutes the visitors passed the ball around with good movement and it was no surprise when Tom Jeffes scored what is now becoming his customary goal on 11 minutes from a Colin Dand through ball.
For the next 15 minutes Church came close to increasing their lead on a number of occasions the nearest being a Robbie Woolner cross shot from the left that narrowly missed the post.
However the second goal was not forthcoming and the home side grew on confidence and on the half hour mark equalised when the dangerous Thick scored from 20 yards having been denied in the previous minute by a fine save by Kearn in the visitors goal.
For the remainder of the half Downton looked the more dangerous side with the visitors having lost their influential midfielder Mark Smith due to an injury resulting in a re-shuffle.

Half Time: 1 - 1

The first of many baffling decisions by the referee came on 55 minutes when the home side scored with a header from a corner but this was disallowed and then in the next minute Jeffes netted from close range and the referee awarded a goal, the linesman was on his way back to the half way line when a Downton player asked the referee to speak to his assistant and then promptly awarded a free kick!!
For the remainder of normal time Church were camped in the Downton half but good solid defending kept them at bay and it came as a surprise when in a rare home side attack the referee awarded a penalty for what appeared to be a fair challenge by Linpow, justice was done though when Kearn saved the resulting spot kick.

Full Time 1 - 1

Again in extra time the visitors dominated but failed to make the break through and in the resulting penalty shoot out the normally reliable Rideout missed with the first kick and it was not until their 4th penalty that Downton missed to even matters. Churchs remaining penalties were struck firmly and the game was decided when the home side shot wide with their 7th.
At the end a good win for Church against determined opponents and a poor referee but they will need to find their shooting boots in the next few weeks to maintain their league position.

Extra Time 1 - 1 (Christchurch won 6 - 5 on penalties)

Donners

Saturday 26th September 2009

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

ROMSEY TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH FC ko 3:00pm

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

SUBSTITUTES

12. Robbie Woolner
14. Tom Price
15. Paul Rideout
16. James Burden
17. Gareth Barnes


The visitors playing their ninth away league game of the season were slow to start with the home side having 2 early corners. However when Christchurch settled down they took the lead on 14 minutes when Tom Jeffes for the 2nd week running chased down a lost cause and scored from the edge of the penalty area.
This gave Church confidence and on 18 minutes a neat passing movement between Smith and Fairbrother resulted in another chance for Jeffes but he finished weakly.
It therefore came as a surprise when Romsey equalised on 23 minutes. They were given a disputed free kick which was superbly delivered into the penalty area for Lewis Wyeth to head into the net. Stung by this Christchurch restored their lead straight from the kick off with midfield maestro Smith netting from close range at the 2nd attempt.
Romsey who were relying on a long ball game compared to Churchs passing game came close to equalising again on the half hour when only a superb tackle from Costello saved a clean run on goal.
The half finished with the visitors in control but unable to score the important 3rd goal.

Half Time: 1 - 2

The second half was a dull scrappy affair with the only incident of note in the 50th minute when a superb Marc Fairbrother 60 yard run into the penalty area resulting in what appeared to be a foul on Jeffes but no penalty was given.
After this both defences dominated and the only danger from the home side came from corners and free kicks.
A good result from the Church who can now look forward to a number of games at Hurn Bridge and hopefully maintain their unbeatean home record.

Full Time: 1 - 2

Goal Scorers: Tom Jeffes, Mark Smith.

Tuesday 22nd September kick off 7:45pm

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

CHRISTCHURCH FC v HAMWORTHY UNITED

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

Subs:

12. Paul Rideout
14. Simon Keates
15. Robbie Woolner
16. Colin Dand
17. Ben Hatch

Christchurch made a number of changes due to injury and unavailability from the team that drew at Winchester on Saturday.

The game started at a lively pace and the visitors were denied taking an early lead in the 4th minute when Kearn in the home goal made a superb double save firstly from a fiercely struck free kick from 25 yards and then from the rebound when Hamworthy should have scored.
The home side responded and nearly scored twice firstly after a neat build up down the left Osborne shot weakly at the keeper and then Legg headed narrowly over the bar from a Fairbrother cross.
Christchurch took the lead on 17 minutes when again fine play down the left hand side resulted in Dan Taylor netting with a fine left shot. Hamworthy responded and twice came near to equalising when Legg nearly put through his own net and from another free kick Langrish hit the post.
The home side increased their lead on 30 minutes when Ben Lucas was left with a free header from a Mark Smith corner and scored again 6 minutes later when Marc Fairbrother deflected a Dan Taylor shot into the net.
The half time score of 3-0 was harsh on the visitors but the difference between the 2 sides was the ability to finish.
The second half started were the first finished with a neat build up this time between Fairbrother and Jeffes resulted in the latter unselfishly laying the ball back to Dan Taylor to blast home again left footed from 10 yards. These were Taylor’s first league goals for the club in 2 years.
The game continued at a lively pace with the visitors pushing forward and being denied a goal by a combination of poor finishing and fine keeping from the home custodian.
There was still time at the end of the game for young substitute Ben Hatch to blast over the bar when clean through.
This result should give Christchurch the confidence they require to strengthen their league position which currently stands at 5th as at times when they played the ball on the ground at pace they were outstanding.
Finally due to his 2 goals Dan Taylor was asked to talk to the local radio station but they had mysteriously left when he went to speak to them.


Match result: Christchurch FC 4 v Hamworthy United 0

Goal Scorers: Dan Taylor (2), Ben Lucas, Marc Fairbrother

CHRISTCHURCH MAN OF THE MATCH: BEN LUCAS

Donners

Saturday 19th September kick off 3:00pm

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

WINCHESTER CITY v CHRISTCHURCH FC

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

A goal from substitute Robbie Woolner in injury time gave Church a point in a game that they only really performed in the last 25 minutes.
The home side without a win so far this season took the lead on 14 minutes when the dangerous Danny Cox slotted home when put through and it came as no real surprise when ex Christchurch player Billy Puckett increased the lead on 35 minutes again exposing the weakness on the ground in the visitors defence. At this stage the score reflected the state of the game as Cox and Puckett were proving to be a threat.
Christchurch were given a lifeline just before halftime when a mix up between the home keeper and the centre half resulted in Tom Jeffes netting for the fourth game in a row. This goal came out of the blue as at this stage the visitors had barely mounted a serious attack.

Half time 2 - 1

The start of the second half was delayed due to an injury to one of the linesman and the home side increased their lead on 55 minutes when after a superb save from Kearn from a Cox shot, Puckett was on hand to put the rebound into the net.
On the hour the Winchester keeper was substituted due to an injury which could not have been caused by him being busy and it was from this point and the introduction of Woolner that Christchurch began to perform in a manner in which we know they are capable of.
On 71 minutes after the pass of the match from Mark Smith to Tom Price the latter was brought down in the box resulting in a penalty. However this did not result in much confidence from the visiting supporters in view of events in recent weeks but they need not have worried as after a considerable delay due to the referee moving the ball a number of times Woolner coolly blasted the ball into the roof of the net.
The play was now all in the homes side half and after this constant pressure it came as no surprise when Woolner after a mazy run hammered the ball home from 18 yards.
There was still time for another ex Church player Adam George to be sent off after 2 bookable offences.

Full time 3 - 3

Overall a fair result which in the end Christchurch were grateful for a point.

Donners

Tuesday 15th September 2009 - KO 19:45
Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

CHRISTCHURCH V HAYLING UNITED

CHRISTCHURCH TEAM:

1. Stewart Kearn
2. Steve Linpow
3. Dan Taylor
4. Dan Crutchley (capt)
5. Ben Lucas
6. Martin Lawrence
7. Mark Smith
8. Dan J. Taylor
9. Ben Osborne
10. Tom Jeffes
11. Marc Fairbrother

Subs:
12. Paul Rideout
14. Paul Manning
15. Adam Costello
16. David Legg
17. Robbie Woolner



On a wet evening at Hurn Bridge the home side were looking for their third home win inside a week.

The first 15 minutes produced nothing of note from either side but then Marc Fairbrother sped down the right wing and his cross was met with a superb header from Tom Jeffes to give Christchurch an early lead.
The visitors whilst producing some neat passing barely threatened up front and it took a misunderstanding on 27 minutes between the home keeper Stewart Kearn and skipper Dan Crutchley to nearly provide them with an equaliser the ball eventually being scrambled away for a corner.
Christchurch continued to look the better side but were restricted to half chances and as the half came to a close they were grateful firstly to Kearn making an excellent save and secondly to the referee for not awarding a penalty to Hayling United instead giving a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.

Half Time 1 - 0

As the weather got worse in the second half the home side had chances to increase their lead with both Jeffes and Ben Osborne going close and defender Steve Linpow hitting the post with a shot from 18 yards. It was Linpow who provided the cross on 64 minutes for Osborne to increase the lead with a clinical finish from 10 yards out and after constant pressure Jeffes added the third and his second of the night after a dreadful error by the visiting custodian.
There was still time for substitute Robbie Woolner making a return to the Bridge to come close to scoring and also to get booked for a reckless challenge.
Overall a good solid performance from Christchurch who are improving with every game now that their difficult run of away games is behind them.

Full Time 3 - 0

CHRISTCHURCH MAN OF THE MATCH - MARK SMITH

Donners

Saturday 12th September 2009 - KO 3:00pm
Sydenhams Wessex Premier League

The majority of the action at a sun drenched Hurn Bridge was in the last 10 minutes of the second half when all three goals were scored and a penalty was missed by the home team.

Prior to this the first 80 minutes was a dull affair with the home side having the better of the first half but only threatening the Alton goal once on 30 minutes when skipper Dan Crutchley hit the bar from close range.

Half Time - Christchurch FC 0 v Alton Town 0

The start of the second half saw Christchurch in the ascendancy but on the hour mark they looked as if the hot weather had taken its toll on them and the visitors created chances, but thanks to good goalkeeping from the home custodian, Stewart Kearn (back from his Wembley debut), the game remained goalless.
This changed on 81 minutes when after a fine run and cross down the right by Marc Fairbrother saw Tom Jeffes score from close range for his 1st league goal for the club. This lead was short lived however as in their next attack Alton equalised with a fine header from their substitute.
Stung by this and led by Mark Smith, Christchurch put on the pressure and on 86 minutes were awarded a penalty, however, for the second week in succession the opportunity was missed as Tom Jeffes blazed it well over the bar. This was not the end of the action though, as in the 89th minute from Smith's cleverly flighted free kick substitute Tom Price headed in the winner.

Full Time - Christchurch FC 2 v Alton Town 1

Christchurch Man of the Match - STEWART KEARN.

Saturday 11th April 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier league

CHRISTCHURCH v WIMBORNE TOWN

Skipper Dan Crutchley and defender Steve Linpow returned for Christchurch:

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Andy Borthwick
7 Mark Smith
8 Marc Fairbrother
9 Ben Osborne
10 Tom Price
11 Michael Green

12 Ben Osborne
14 Martin Lawrence
15 Paul Manning
16 Colin Dand
17 Adam Costello

This game was overall a poor advert for Wessex League football. Over officious refereeing and with both teams indulging in seeing if they could put the ball into orbit led to one of the worse spectacles seen at Hurn Bridge this season. Any football came in the first half with Wimborne having the first attempt when Christchurch defender Chris Dillon cleared a shot off the line in the 4th minute. At the other end Tom Price was using his pace to trouble the giant Wimborne centre backs and on 7 minutes Mark Smith slipped a ball to Price out on the left. The young striker cut inside and struck his shot against the Wimborne post with Alan Walker-Harris well beaten. On 23 minutes Christchurch should have opened the scoring when a Chris Dillon throw caused panic in the Wimborne box. The ball came out to Smith whose miss kicked shot found its way through to Gareth Barnes all alone in front of goal. Sadly for Christchurch Barnes shot went the wrong side of the post with Wimborne appealing in vain for offside. Four minutes later it and was Christchurch who were appealing in vain for an offside decision which never came. Dan Cann on the Wimborne left crossed for ex Christchurch player Liam Green to slot the ball past Stewart Kearn in the Christchurch goal and give the away side the lead. Ten minutes later and Christchurch had a golden opportunity to level the score. Tom Price again used his pace to get beyond Michael Walker but this time the last defender pulled Price to the ground and the penalty was awarded. Unusually the referee deemed the penalty enough punishment and despite Christchurch expecting the appearance of a red card none was forthcoming. Ex Wimborne player Mark Smith stepped up to the spot and drove the ball high, wide and not very handsome at all to spurn the chance of an equaliser.

Half time: Christchurch 0 Wimborne Town 1

The second half was truly a non-event with Christchurch unable to create any real chances and Wimborne content to sit back and absorb any attacks that Christchurch could muster. The only bright spot of a stop, start second period was when Wimborne midfielder Tommy McCormick crashed a twenty-yard shot against the post midway through the half.


Final score: Christchurch 0 Wimborne Town 1

Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” GARETH BARNES


The Bridgeman

Tuesday 7th April 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex League Premier Division

CHRISTCHURCH FC v V.T. FC

Both teams were without key players for this match. Christchurch line up:

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Adam Costello
3 Dan Taylor
4 Colin Dand
5 Chris Dillon
6 Andy Borthwick
7 Mark Smith (Capt)
8 Marc Fairbrother
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Tom Price
11 Michael Green

12 Ben Osborne
14 Paul Rideout
15 Paul Manning
16 Martin Lawrence
17 David Legg

Christchurch played with two 18 year old centre backs, Chris Dillon and Adam Costello while Colin Dand took the right back position. Dan Taylor had been sent off in the cup game at VT earlier in the season but he started at left back. V.T. FC opened the scoring with a soft but neatly taken goal. With just 7 minutes played Barry Mason headed on a long diagonal cross, as Stewart Kearn came to collect Kevin Gibbens beat the keeper to the ball and headed home from an almost impossible angle. Just 4 minutes later another Gibbens header found the back of the Christchurch net but this was disallowed for offside. With the Christchurch defenders unable to come to terms with the many long diagonals that VT were playing it looked only a matter of time before the Boatmen increased their lead. Stewart Kearn saved a dangerous free kick and shortly afterwards Christchurch got back on level terms. A Chris Dillon long throw caught the VT defence by surprise and Gareth Barnes nodded it on to Marc Fairbrother who headed home from close range. VT were still creating decent chances and Barry Mason shot over when well placed, but Christchurch were now winning some of the individual battles and making inroads into the VT half.

Half time: Christchurch 1 V.T. FC 1

Manager Graham Kemp made a tactical substitution at half time bringing on Martin Lawrence to replace Andy Borthwick.

The second period saw Christchurch start with a bang and 3 minutes in Colin Dand found Michael Green wide on the left with a superb pass. Green showed the ball to his marker and then walked round him before delivering a truly excellent cross to the head of Gareth Barnes. Barnes made no mistake with his thundering header to give Christchurch the lead. Just three minutes later and the Priory scored again. Once more Michael Green crossed but this time VT keeper Lee Webber attempted to cut it out. Webber could only take the pace off the ball and it dropped to Marc Smith who intelligently played the ball back to Martin Lawrence who drove it home first time from the edge of the penalty area. On 55 minutes VT pulled a goal back with some great football as Barry Mason scored from close in. Kevin Gibbens had another goal wiped out for offside as VT pressed hard for the equaliser but the pace of Tom Price was troubling VT in Christchurch breakaways and Price twice went close to adding to Priory’s total. Stewart Kearn had to be alert in a one on one late in the game as Christchurch battled to hold on to their lead in this pulsating match.


Final score: Christchurch 3 V.T. FC 2

Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner:” GARETH BARNES

The Bridgeman

Saturday 14th March 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier league

CHRISTCHURCH v LAVERSTOCK & FORD

With Simon Keates injured and Russell Cook transferring to Poole Town manager Graham Kemp gave a debut to Marc Fairbrother.

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Adam Costello
3 Michael Green
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Steve Linpow
6 Chris Dillon
7 Mark Smith
8 Marc Fairbrother
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Ben Osborne
11 Paul Rideout

12 Martin Lawrence
14 Dan Taylor
15 James Burden
16 Paul Manning

The first half saw Christchurch open very brightly and as early as the third minute there was a huge shout for a penalty. Dan Crutchley was fouled and from Mark Smith’s shot a Laverstock defender appeared to jump and get both hands to the ball. But Christchurch didn’t have long to wait until they opened the scoring. In the 6th minute Michael Green chipped a pass over the Laverstock central defender and Ben Osborne got to the bouncing ball before the keeper and found the back of the net. Just one minute later and debutant Marc Fairbrother collected a pass and beat two men before crossing to the far post where Gareth Barnes scored with a textbook header back across the keeper. Shortly after this Mark Smith crashed a free kick against the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. With 19 minutes gone a great move down the left flank saw Christchurch score their third. Michael Green, Mark Smith and Paul Rideout were all involved before Gareth Barnes rolled a left footed shot past the opposition goalie. Five minutes later and Barnes had the ball in the net but this was disallowed for offside. With the half time approaching Marc Fairbrother fed Ben Osborne whose first time right footed shot found the corner of the net for Christchurch’s fourth.

Half time: Christchurch 4 Laverstock & Ford 0


The second half started with Laverstock substituting their goalkeeper and their striker. It certainly worked for Laverstock played much better in this half and, following sloppy play all over the park by Christchurch, Laverstock scored their consolation goal through substitute Leigh Kirby. With several Christchurch chances going begging it was in the 81st minute that Ben Osborne completed his hatrick. Gareth Barnes headed the ball onto Mark Smith who passed for Osborne to finish by lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. Not to be outdone Barnes went on to complete his own hatrick when Paul Manning’s inch perfect cross was met by the head of Barnes to complete the afternoon’s scoring.

Final score: Christchurch 6 Laverstock & Ford 1

Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” BEN OSBORNE


The Bridgeman

Saturday 24th January 2009
F.A. vase 4th round

CHRISTCHURCH v FC CLACTON

A fine warm Saturday afternoon was the setting for this important match. After last weeks postponement and a week of poor weather all were pleased to see the referee give the OK to play. The Christchurch line up:

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Michael Green
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Russell Cook
11 Paul Rideout

12 Ben Osborne
14 Dan Taylor
15 Martin Lawrence
16 Paul Manning
17 Colin Dand

Clacton began at a fast pace and in the second minute Gregg Heighway shot against the post. In the 14th minute Christchurch broke away to take the lead against the run of play. Russell Cook advanced down the right and pulled the ball back for Paul Rideout to find the back of the net with a cool right foot strike. The best goal of the match came 10 minutes later when James Burden fed Cook who crossed first time for Gareth Barnes to swivel and fire home. The remainder of the first half belonged to Clacton as they pressurised the home defence with numerous high balls and long throws.

Half time: Christchurch 2 FC Clacton 0

The second half saw Christchurch at their best as attack followed attack and two more goals were the deserved result. Paul Rideout was tripped in the penalty area and he picked himself up to score his second from the spot kick. Gareth Barnes also scored his second with a delicate header following a great cross from James Burden.

Final score: Christchurch 4 FC Clacton 0

Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” MARK SMITH

The Bridgeman

ROMSEY TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH FC – 20th January 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier League


Manager Graham Kemp and his squad arrived at Romsey before the home team knowing that a victory would take them above Romsey in the league. With Colin Dand taken ill on arrival, and Simon Keates suffering a set back with his injury, the line up for this important game was as follows:

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Russell Cook
11 Michael Green

12 Ben Osborne
14 Paul Rideout
15 Martin Lawrence
16 Paul Manning
17 Adam Costello

On a heavy pitch and with the temperature dropping every minute both teams found it difficult to carve out any real chances in the opening exchanges. In fact it was almost on the half hour mark when Christchurch played a ball out to Russell Cook on the left flank. Cook’s pass found the advancing Mark Smith through on goal. Smith rounded the keeper but just as he was about to put the ball into the empty net he was brought down from behind. The guilty Romsey defender was walking off the pitch even before the referee could show him the red card. Mark Smith got up and coolly slotted home the spot kick to give Christchurch the lead. Both teams had tried to play passing football and both sides had looked well organised during an evenly matched first half.

Half time: Romsey Town 0 Christchurch 1

The second half was barely 2 minutes old when Mark Smith intercepted a Romsey pass. Smith fed Russell Cook on the left and the young striker rounded a defender and crossed for Gareth Barnes to finish with ease. Two minutes later Christchurch effectively wrapped the game up when Smith played Barnes through the middle and the big centre forward side stepped his marker and found the back of the net in a clinical finish. Christchurch were now rampant and they passed the ball around the entire pitch to take full advantage of the extra man. Ben Osborne then sent Barnes away and his cross was put into the net by James Burden to make it four. Mark Smith then chipped a pass to Ben Osborne who delightfully lifted the ball over the advancing keeper for the best finish of the evening. The final goal started with Michael Green setting Osborne free down the left and his unselfish cross found Paul Manning steaming in to finish with aplomb.

Final score: Romsey Town 0 Christchurch 6

The Bridgeman