Christchurch v Aldershot

Hampshire Cup Semi-final

Match Result: 5 - 2

Goal Scorers: Oliver B (4), Harry C

Wow where do you start with a match report for this game. 5 - 2 doesn't
quite make it a Valentine's Day massacre but in terms of what we
achieved it just as well had been. Aldershot are the holders and as a
club are becoming a Centre of Excellence next season. We had requested
a postponement given we were missing Dec, Ollie G and Brandon. Despite
all the efforts of Mark, Mary and some at BYFL we had to play and
managed to register Jordi in time to bring us up to ten.

I think the origin of 'cometh the hour cometh the man' is unknown but it
should be rewritten as 'cometh the hour cometh 9 boys and a girl'.
Every single one of them performed at their absolute best. It would be
unfair to single any one child out as they all played so well. Playing
on his own up front Olly Balmer ran and harried defenders and most
importantly for us he held onto the ball when we got it up to him.
Ethan and Bubba ran and tackled everything in midfield, on the wings
Oliver Davis and Harry were creative going forward and gave such
protection to our full backs that particularly in the second half we
were put under little pressure. Tom and Max just look as solid as any
centre-half pairing you can think of. Livs and Jordi at full backs
worked as hard as they could and fed Harry and Oliver. And Jeremy in
goal was solid and commanding and came out to clear when he needed to.

So, the game; We started well (not like us) and Olly Balmer put us ahead
within 5 minutes but they equalised almost immediately. We kept at it
though and Olly scored a second but again they equalised; this time with
a long rang shot that no 'keeper could do anything about. The character
our players show is awesome and Harry put us 3 - 2 up about 4 minutes
before the break.

In the second half we were prepared for an onslaught but instead Olly
Balmer completed his hat-trick following a quick throw. At this point
some of their parents created quite an intimidating atmosphere by
complaining loudly but yet again our character shone through and Olly
added a 5th.

I truly hope all the players are proud of themselves because as parents
we could not be more proud of them no matter what happens against
Salisbury in the final.

A special thanks too for others from the club who have given us such
support: Mary, Mark, Craig and Tris.

Michael

A superb result for the ten players of Christchurch who outplayed their opponents to rightfully earn their place in the Final of this age group Hampshire Cup. The Club are extremely proud of the result achieved by this team, whom despite playing the whole match being one player down due to holidays, showed true fight and team spirit to defeat their fancied opponents. Every player, parent and supporter should applaud the determination of this team to win against all the odds, those involved with the Club will know what is meant.

Mark Duffy (Chairman CYFC)