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