Tuesday 13th January 2009
Russell Cotes cup 1st round

CHRISTCHURCH v MONEYFIELDS

With this coming Saturday’s FR.A. vase match very much in mind Christchurch manager Graham Kemp started with a this line up:

1 Stewart Kearn
2 Colin Dand
3 Dan Taylor
4 Steve Linpow
5 Chris Dillon
6 Martin Lawrence
7 Mark Smith (Capt)
8 James Burden
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Ben Osborne
11 Paul Rideout

12 Russell Cook
14 Michael Green
15 Adam Wiltshire
16 Dan Crutchley
17 Paul Manning

The game kicked off on a soft Hurn Bridge surface and the temperature dropped steadily throughout the evening. The strong Moneyfields line up started brightly and were passing the ball around well but Christchurch drew first blood when a Mark Smith corner was fumbled by the Moneyfields young ‘keeper and James Burden reacted quickest to thrash the ball home. Throughout the first half Christchurch were frequently giving the ball away and one such occasion led to a fine tackle by Dan Taylor to avert the danger. With 27 minutes gone Colin Dand advanced down the Christchurch right and his fine forward ball was well taken by Ben Osborne who turned his marker and got in a powerful left footed shot which resulted in a terrific save from Tom Boyle in the Monefields goal. Shortly after this, once again Christchurch gave the ball away too easily and this time Moneyfields made them pay as Jamie Laidlaw equalised with a smart finish.

Half time: Christchurch 1 Moneyfields 1

Both sides made substitutions at half time with Dean Harris replacing Tom Boyle in the Moneyfields goal and Christchurch bringing on teenager Adam Wiltshire for Paul Rideout in midfield. Moneyfields played some attractive football and they are truly a good side as they displayed frequently as they pressurised the Christchurch rearguard. Against the run of play Christchurch took the lead. James Burden threaded a pass through to centre forward Gareth Barnes and just as Barnes was about to shoot he was pulled down in the penalty area. The referee pointed and his assistant signalled for a penalty kick and not one Moneyfields player protested against the decision.
Up stepped skipper for the night Mark Smith to take the kick and despite the unlucky keeper getting a good hand to the ball it ended in the back of the Moneyfields net. Following this setback Moneyfields attacked in numbers and wave after wave of attacking football was admirably held at bay by the Christchurch defence as they recorded their second victory over Moneyfields this season.


Final score: Christchurch 2 Moneyfields 1



The Bridgeman