FA CARLSBERG VASE THIRD ROUND

BITTON AFC v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 3 - 0


1. STEWART KEARN
2. JON GRACE
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. SHAUN BRIAN
6. CALLUM BURT
7. MARK SMITH
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. JAMES BURDEN
11 SAM GRIFFIN

SUBS USED:

JOE KITTLE
PAUL ROBERTS
ADAM COSTELLO

The dream of a Wembley appearance for Christchurch disappeared for this season at least on a difficult pitch against opponents with a pedigree in recent seasons in this competition.
The hosts started the better of the two teams but it was Church who had the first effort on goal after 4 minutes when a Mark Smith pass put birthday boy Sam Griffin in the clear on the right hand side of the penalty area and his fierce first time shot was just wide. However disaster struck in the next minute when after a harmless ball into the penalty area a mix up between keeper Stewart Kearn and Jon Grace resulted in the ball running free and a Bitton player walking the ball into an empty net. The home side should have increased their lead on 18 minutes with a free header that went straight to Kearn. Church were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men on the half hour mark when a late challenge by James Burden resulted in a yellow card when it could have been much worse. The nearest to a goal for Church came on 36 minutes when an intended Grace cross hit the bar but nobody was on hand to take advantage of the rebound. The half time whistle arrived with Church only one goal behind and with the advantage of the slope in their favour for the second half they could be optimistic that the score line could be turned round.

Indeed Church started the second half pushing forward and on 48 minutes the home keeper was forced to save with his feet. However as the visitors went in search of the equaliser they were caught out when a break resulted in a left wing cross being allowed to enter the six yard box and an easy goal from close range. All three substitutes were introduced but despite numerous free kicks and corners the home defence stood solid and once again against the run of play a third goal was scored by Bitton after 77 minutes.

Whilst obviously being disappointed with the result and performance manager Graham Kemp can take heart from the eleven consecutive victories and can now concentrate on the league and the league cup. Finally and this is not sour grapes but I will have great sympathy for any side having to play at Bitton in the next round as it is a great advantage for the home side.

Donners