Match Result: Redhill Rangers 4 v Christchurch 3

Goal scorers were: Lewis, Miles and OG

The team went into the first game of the season in positive fashion on the back of winning the Ringwood tournament the previous week against Highcliffe Rangers.

A new look line up for this season included Callum (ex Redhill Rangers) in centre midfield and a new look back four including Marley and Stu, the game was always going to be a strong encounter against a team that won the league and cup double last year.

The start of the game saw some neat passing from both sides but without any real chances being created, however, after 15 minutes Redhill started to gain the ascendancy and started to apply sustained pressure to the Christchurch goal, which saw them taking the lead after 20 minutes when failure to clear a through ball saw it being cut back and shot into the emopty net. More pressure saw Finn making some superb saves to keep Christchurch in the match and with the defence of Marley, Paul, Jack J and Stu battling well we ended the first half only 1 - 0 down.

Half time 1 - 0

The second half started in the same vein as the latter half of the first with Redhill pressing forward and creating chances and they duly doubled their lead after a defensive mix up. Christchurch battled back with the midfield of Sam, Calum, Bradley and Miles linking well and the resultant pressure forced an own goal, we were now back in the match, 2 - 1. However, disappointingly straight from the kick off Redhill restored their two goal lead which they then duly increased making it now 4 - 1 after a defensive error. Christchurch continued to battle and with just 10 minutes to play we had our best period of the match, Marley was acting as sweeper stopping any further Redhill goal attempts, the midfield and attack started to click and a move down the right saw Miles win the ball and shoot from the edge of the penalty area to score and make it 4 - 2. Suddenly the boys had belief and created more chances, from the left Marley and Sam worked the ball through to Lewis who did well to slot it past the goalkeeper, 4 -3. Redhill were hanging on but time ran out for us and it was the home team who were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Man of the Match - Marley.