Christchurch v New Milton Eagles

Match Result: 5 - 2

Goal Scorers: Bradley (3), Lewis, OG

New Milton were one place above us in the league table, we were bottom, losing all 4 previous league games (plus 2 cup matches), New Milton had only drawn 1 match to date. We knew it was do or die time, we had to get off the bottom of the table and restore a bit of confidence.

As the 1st half kicked off New Milton Eagles mounted a quick attack, which our defence broke down, giving us time to settle in. Christchurch looked the stronger team, but we were making the match hard work, and it didn’t flow as well and easily as last weeks match against Gurnard. Despite numerous chances, the Eagles Keeper kept them in the game, making some excellent saves. After about 15mins, Eagles broke through, with a ball over the top, Finn came to collect a bouncing ball to the far right of his box, but spilled it and the attacker was quick to punish him for the error, putting us 0-1 down. About 10mins later, Eagles won a corner, which was lofted in over the goal line, Finn reached up and got hands to it, but couldn’t get a firm grip as it went in to put us 0-2 down. This was starting to look all too familiar, performing well but still losing!! Our luck changed though, as Miles supplied Lewis with a ball up the right wing. Lewis skinned his marker, to give himself plenty of space as he ran in on goal, & unleashed a well placed strike, in at the near post from 15 yards out. This put some light back at the end of our tunnel.

Half time score 1-2.

A few changes at half time saw Bradley playing upfront, Marley to left wing and Sam back into defence. Only minutes into the second half, Callum crossed a ball in from the right wing, which Bradley converted with a right foot volley and drilled it past the Keeper, to equalize at 2-2. Five minutes later, a dangerous ball in from the left wing was deflected in for an own goal by an Eagles defender, putting us 3-2 up. This lead lifted our spirits, as we started playing higher up the field. Our defence were clearing the majority of the counter attacks, but one of these broke through to 1on1 with our Keeper, Finn closed him down and made himself big as the shot was stuck. The goal-bound strike was denied by Finn’s out-stretched hand, to keep us in the lead.
Back in centre midfield, Philip played a ball though to Bradley who held off his marker and placed a tidy strike in at the left post, to see us 2 goals clear. The Eagles Keeper denied us chance after chance all game and although he spilled most shots, he cleared up swiftly. Another well placed ball in from the right wing, this time from Miles, found Bradley again, who was more than happy to volley in his hatrick.

Full time score 5-2.

A much needed win & confidence booster!

Man of the Match: Bradley