Match Result: Christchurch 3 v Bournemouth Poppies 3

Goal Scorers: Bradley, Edward (2)

Man of the Match: Luke

This was the second match of the season and the first at home. It was good to see not only the parents but other members of the team, Angus and Joel, who turned out to support the players on what turned out to be a cold September evening. Ben will have to put those shorts away for the rest of the season!!!!

The team carried forward their enthusiasm from the first match and the game started very lively, initially it was all Christchurch with Brad and Cam having a number of shots on target, the pressure continued which resulted in a penalty being awarded for hand ball, unfortunately it could not be converted and the game remained 0 - 0. The pace of the game was fast and furious and opportunities fell to both sides as Poppies came more into the game; the manager made some tactical changes to combat this. Stephen and Ollie in defence held the Poppies at bay and along with our keeper Jamie making some great saves it remained level to nearly half time when Poppies eventually made the breakthrough.

Half Time 0 - 1

At the start of the second half we switched Jamie to outfield and placed Ollie in goal but the game continued at a great pace but the Poppies extended their lead after some goal mouth confusion and an unlucky rebound, 0 - 2. The attitude of the boys was brilliant and they continued to battle, Aidan and Mac making some decisive tackles which prevented any further goals. Five minutes into the half we pegged one goal back through Brad, this seemed to give Christchurch a new lease of life and ten minutes later after continued pressure and many shots on target from Cam, we scored an equaliser through Ed.

The last five minutes of the game were nail biting with both teams striving for the winner, all the boys really playing as a team, defending and attacking. With what seemed only minutes to go Poppies got their third goal, but this seemed to drive the boys on, Luke made a decisive intervention in midfield to prevent Poppies scoring a fourth goal, then a short time later he passed to Cam who found Ed to tuck the ball away for the equaliser.

Full Time 3 - 3

This was truly an exciting match and everybody concerned I am sure will look forward to the return game at Poppies later in the season. Well done to all the boys a good start to the season, lets keep it up.