Christchurch Football Club

Match Reports for Christchurch Football Club

JohnW — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:43:58 +0000

This section of the site has the match reports for all teams associated with Christchurch Football Club.

Individual team reports are available from the menu on the left. The current/latest reports are usually kept under the main 'Match Reports' section for a few days immediately following submission.

Match Reports can be submitted by email to the web editor.

Click here to go directly to the main Match Report page

Christchurch v Fawley AFC Saturday 21st January 2012

Mark Duffy — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:55:48 +0000

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE (WESSEX) PREMIER DIVISION

CHRISTCHURCH v FAWLEY AFC

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 0

GOAL SCORER: DAN CRUTCHLEY

1. DAN LOADER
2. ADAM COSTELLO
3. DAN TAYLOR
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. COLIN DAND
6. JAMES BURDEN
7. MARK SMITH
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. CALLUM BURT
11. SAM GRIFFIN

SUBS:

DAVID LEGG
JACK LOVELL
CHRIS SMITH
HARRY COOPER
JON GRACE

On a difficult windy day a solitary goal by inspirational skipper Dan Crutchley was sufficient to put Church back on their winning ways against a Fawley side who played neat attractive football and who in the last ten minutes came close to taking something from the game.

It was evident from the start that in view of the wind it would be a difficult afternoon and the visitors with the conditions in their favour for the first 45 minutes whilst passing the ball well did not really test Dan Loader with any shots and indeed it was Church who had the best chance of the half when on 43 minutes Sam Griffin was put through on goal after a neat passing movement but his effort was well saved.

Early in the second period a Callum Burt header from a Mark Smith corner was well saved and on 68 minutes a fierce Marc Faibrother shot from 25 yards hit the bar. Church were getting up a good head of steam and after 76 minutes nearly scored courtesy of a Fawley defender but the goal was not long coming. On 77 minutes an Adam Costello header from a Smith corner was well saved but Crutchley was quickly on hand to drive the ball into the net. Little had been seen of the visitors attack in the second period but they came close to scoring 3 times in the final ten minutes. Firstly Colin Dand, who had a fine game in the centre of defence, cleared off the line, injuring himself in the process, and then Dan Loader twice bravely had to dive at opponents feet to deny goals.

It was evident from the players celebrations following the goal of the relief at scoring and to get back to winning ways and now 2 difficult away games at Totton & Lymington follow.

MAN OF THE MATCH: DAN CRUTCHLEY

Donners

Christchurch v Winchester City Tuesday 17th January 2012

Mark Duffy — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:01:42 +0000

HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAl

CHRISTCHURCH v WINCHESTER CITY

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 3

GOAL SCORER: SAM GRIFFIN

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

SUBS USED:

COLIN DAND
JACK LOVELL
HARRY COOPER

Church finally exited the Hampshire Cup this time but not until they had put in a spirited effort against a lively Winchester side who on this showing must be firm favourites to win the Wessex league.

With keeper Kearn departed and his replacement Dan Loader cup tied youngster Tom Brown was in goal and he was quickly into the action saving well twice in the first 4 minutes. The visitors were showing their pedigree passing the ball well but Church began to use the flanks to good affect with Sam Griffin and Marc Fairbrother showing off their skills and forced 3 corners in quick succession around the 25 minute mark. However it was the visitors who were showing more threat in front of goal and Brown had to be at his best on a number of occasions to keep his goal intact. It came as a surprise when on 33 minutes Church took the lead when clever play by Ben Osborne set up Griffin who netted with a superb curled right foot shot. The lead did not last till half time though as after 41 minutes the leagues top scorer Jamie Wright netted from close range and Winchester were denied once again by Brown shortly before the break.

The visitors missed a golden chance to take the lead early in the second period when a free header went well wide and on the hour mark Church had their real only opportunity of the second half when Osborne was unable to get any real power on a Fairbrother cross with the ball going straight to the keeper. It was that man Wright again who put Winchester ahead on 70 minutes when he controlled a long clearance from his goalie and from fully 25 yards hit a shot into the net. This was quickly followed by a third goal from Lilley but Church did not give up the fight and youngsters Lovell and Cooper coming on as substitutes showed plenty of promise.

Manager Graham Kemp can take great heart from this performance after the Hamworthy result and can take great pride in the fact that this was the first defeat in all games at Hurn Bridge this season.

MAN OF THE MATCH CALLUM BURT CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY TOM BROWN.

Donners

Hamworthy United v Christchurch Saturday 14th January 2012

Mark Duffy — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:49:35 +0000

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

HAMWORTHY UNITED v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 2 - 0

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

SUBS USED:

JACK LOVELL
HARRY CORNICK

Church's long unbeaten run ended with a whimper rather than a roar when they were soundly beaten by a hard working Hamworthy side who were anything like a side who had lost their last six games.

The visitors started brightly enough with Sam Griffin on the right flank looking as if he had the beating of his opponent and Church had the first and as it turned out their last until injury time chance on 15 minutes when from a Mark Smith corner Shaun Brian had a header blocked by a packed defence.

However it was the home side who looked more threatening especially their centre forward Luke Burbridge and it was this player who gave Hamworthy the lead after 27 minutes when after a brave Dan Crutchley block the ball fell kindly for him to finish from an acute angle giving debutant keeper Dan Loader no chance. Church were fortunate to be only one goal behind at half time as Hamworthy squandered a number of chances created by Church not pressing the ball. One hoped manager Graham Kemp would resolve the problems during the break.

This was not to be as the home side had a number of chances to increase their lead before they did from the penalty spot after 63 minutes. The penalty was the result of a poor challenge and was dispatched by Burbridge for his second goal of the game. Church had their best spell in the last ten minutes of the game after the introduction of substitutes Jack Lovell and Harry Cornick and in injury time Callum Burt hit the bar with a header from their first corner of the second half.

Manager Graham Kemp must again be concerned with the lack of fire power in the final third but also with the fact that they were outmuscled and outfought by their opponents.

Donners

Alresford Town v Christchurch Saturday 7th January 2012

Mark Duffy — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:16:33 +0000

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

ALRESFORD TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 1

GOAL SCORER: SHAUN BRIAN

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

SUBS USED:

JACK LOVELL
HARRY COOPER

Playing at their bogey side Church dominated the game for long periods but in the end were indebted to a superb goal from defender Shaun Brian to come away with a share of the spoils.

Church started confidently passing the ball well but without really troubling the home keeper and their first real threat on goal came on 20 minutes with a move involving Mark Smith, Adam Costello and Sam Griffin resulting in a corner. Little had been seen of the home attack but they should have taken the lead after 28 minutes when a fine right wing run ended with a pass into the penalty area but from 10 yards and with a clear sight of goal the shot was well wide. Church continued to play some good football and nearly took the lead on the stroke of half time but only some fine defending denied James Burden a free header from a Ben Osborne cross.

Alresford started the second period by forcing a good save from Stewart Kearn from a 20 yard shot but Church then settled down and again began to dominate possession but it was not until the 71st minute that a real attempt on goal was made when Osborne turned and shot and his effort hit the post before finally being cleared. In the very next minute Griffin who was becoming a real threat was denied by the keeper after a fine Smith pass and youngster Jack Lovell was unlucky with his first touch after coming on as substitute with his shot being straight at the keeper. It looked as if it was only a matter of time before Church scored but as so often happens, especially at this venue , the home side scored on 83 minutes. However this Church side has plenty of character which it has shown on a number of occasions this season and this was no exception as 2 minutes after conceding the home side failed to clear a corner and from 20 yards Shaun Brian, who had been outstanding throughout, fired a superb volley into the roof of the net. Alresford came closing to snatching all 3 points but were denied by a fine save from Kearn and despite more Church pressure for the remainder of the game no real further attempts on goal were forthcoming.

Manager Graham Kemp can be pleased with the performance but must be a little concerned about the lack of fire power in the final third.

Donners

Christchurch v New Milton Town Saturday 2nd January 2012

Mark Duffy — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:43:11 +0000

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

CHRISTCHURCH v NEW MILTON TOWN

MATCH RESULT: 2 - 2

GOAL SCORER: BEN OSBORNE (2)

1. STEWART KEARN
2. ADAM COSTELLO
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:

PAUL ROBERTS
JACK LOVELL

Whilst not being the best of starts for 2012 for Church this was an entertaining game that could have gone either way against a youthful New Milton side that included a splattering of AFC Bournemouth youngsters and on this display there is no way that they will be in a relegation battle.

The visitors started the better of the two teams and came close to opening the scoring after 14 minutes with a shot just off target and it came as no surprise when they took the lead 2 minutes later when a deflected left wing cross left keeper Stewart Kearn stranded and a close range header found its way into the net with very little challenge from the home defence. This brought Church to life and shortly after Ben Osborne was unlucky with a shot that was saved. It looked as if it was not be Church's day when in quick succession Mark Smith hit the underside of the bar with a fierce left foot shot and then from a Smith free kick Shaun Brian saw the keeper in the right place to save. However they were not to be denied an equaliser and this duly arrived on 28 minutes when the keeper tripped Crutchley and Osborne stepped up and duly hammered the resulting penalty into the roof of the net. It was New Milton though who came the closest to taking the lead as just before half time skipper Dan Crutchley cleared a goal bound effort off the line.

Church had the ideal start to the second period when from an Adam Costello cross leading scorer Osborne netted with a neat header and it then appeared that they would press home this advantage and score further goals. However this was not the case and the visitors had a 10 minute spell of pressure which eventually resulted in a second goal after 70 minutes. The remainder of the game saw both sides pushing forward looking for a winner with perhaps Church having more of the play but despite a number of corners and free kicks they were unable to score.

Manager Graham Kemp may be disappointed not to have won this game but as stated previously the opposition have vastly improved in recent weeks and will cause problems for sides for the remainder of the season.

One final point and a fond farewell to Paul Roberts for the next 3 months or so whilst he goes away to Australia. Due to injuries we have not seen the best of Paul but I am sure on his return he will be endeavour to rectify this.

Donners

Bournemouth Poppies v Christchurch Tuesday 27th December 2011

Mark Duffy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:28:46 +0000

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

BOURNEMOUTH POPPIES v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 0 - 0

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

SUBS USED:

PAUL ROBERTS
JACK SWANN
JOE KITTLE

A dour scrappy local derby on a difficult playing surface ended in stalemate and extended Church's unbeaten league run to 11 games ( 8 wins 3 draws ) but they were perhaps a little fortunate to come away with a point as the hosts missed a penalty late in the game.

Church started well and had the best of the first 15 minutes, indeed it was their best spell of the game, and came close to taking the lead on 5 minutes when a Sam Griffin cross shot hit the bar with keeper Max Frampton well beaten and when the ball was returned to the penalty area nobody was able to get a final touch. Also on 15 minutes Mark Smith released Marc Fairbrother on the right wing and after a fine run his cross caused panic in the home defence. However for the remainder of the half the hosts gradually took control and their aerial supremacy caused some concern for the Church back four but only resulted in some routine saves for Stewart Kearn in the visitors goal. The best chance for Poppies was after 25 minutes when the ball arrived in the penalty area but from 12 yards and with a clear sight at goal the shot was well wide.

The second half started in similar style as to how the first ended with Poppies in the ascendancy but the Church back four with centre backs Shaun Brian and skipper Dan Crutchley in good form stood firm and keeper Kearn dealt confidentially with any balls that escaped their attention. After 73 minutes a Sam Griffin shot was narrowly wide but in the next minute at the other end poor defending resulted in a foul and a penalty for the home side. However the penalty went well over the bar and ended up in the town centre!!

The remainder of the game passed without any further action in either penalty area.

Manager Graham Kemp and his team can be pleased with a point gained and must be congratulated on 2011 as a whole as this has probably been the most successful year in the history of Christchurch FC and may this continue into 2012. Happy New Year.

Donners

Christchurch v Newport (IOW) Saturday 17th December 2011

Mark Duffy — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:41:00 +0000

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

CHRISTCHURCH v NEWPORT IoW

MATCH RESULT: 2 - 1

GOAL SCORERS: BEN OSBORNE (2)

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

SUBS USED:

COLIN DAND
JACK SWANN

Newport must be sick and tired of Hurn Bridge this season as this was their third visit and their third defeat but they must be wondering how they left this time with nothing to show for their efforts.

Church had the ideal start in the third minute when after a short corner played by Mark Smith to Marc Fairbrother his cross fell kindly for leading scorer Ben Osborne to swivel and shoot left footed into the net. Shortly after this the visitors had to substitute goalkeepers due to an injury which led to the introduction into the game of an old favourite Gary Streeter.

The remainder of the half saw Newport having plenty of possession but the Church back four were in solid form restricting them to long range shots which were off target but Streeter at the other end was not unduly bothered either.
Kicking down the slope to their favoured end in the second half it was hoped Church would add to their goal tally but the visitors looked the more dangerous and on 65 minutes keeper Kearn was lucky to escape when he overstretched but the ball fell kindly to a home defender who cleared the ball. However Newport were not to be denied and two minutes later a defensive mistake allowed them to draw level when Vale netted from close range.

Almost immediately though Church came close to taking the lead again but Fairbrother was denied by a superb save by the substitute keeper but he was given no chance 3 minutes later when the deciding goal arrived on 74 minutes. The influential Mark Smith won a challenge and played the ball wide to Sam Griffin who was having a Jekyll and Hyde afternoon but this time it was the latter as he beat three opponents and played the ball across the goal to Osborne who had the simple task of putting the ball into the net. Newport pushed forward and twice came close to netting at the end of the game when firstly a header went narrowly wide and then a deflected shot went into the side netting.

A valuable 3 points for Graham Kemp and his men who showed fighting qualities to keep right up there in the championship chase and also maintaining their unbeaten home record and I am sure that the visitors will cause problems to the other sides at the top of the table.

MAN OF THE MATCH: BEN OSBORNE

Donners

Christchurch v Fareham Town Saturday 10th December 2011

Mark Duffy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:05:35 +0000

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER LEAGUE

CHRISTCHURCH v FAREHAM TOWN

MATCH RESULT: 3 - 1

GOAL SCORERS: MARK SMITH (2), BEN OSBORNE

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

SUBS USED:

JAMES BURDEN
JACK SWANN

Church returned to league action for the first time in two weeks after their cup exploits and it was business as usual at Hurn Bridge retaining their unbeaten home record but it was far from easy against a Fareham side who belied their league position and were unfortunate to find home keeper Stewart Kearn in superb form.

Church came close to netting in the first minute when Ben Osborne was denied an effort on goal by a desperate last ditch challenge and from the rebound Mark Smith curled his left foot shot just wide. The next 25 minutes were fairly even with the visitors showing plenty of threat and it took a fine save from Kearn after 26 minutes to deny them taking the lead. The opening goal came 3 minutes later when Osborne broke the offside trap and his fine chip was well saved by the Fareham keeper but Smith following up walked the ball into the net. It looked as if Fareham had equalised on the half hour mark but Kearn made a superb save from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.

Kearn was again at his best in the first minute of the second half saving one handed from a twelve yard shot and whilst Church provided some neat passing movements the final pass was lacking and once again they were thankful for Kearn for preserving their lead after 66 minutes when a defensive slip up let in the visitors centre forward who was denied by the keeper pushing his shot round the post. Shortly after this though Church had a two goal cushion when leading scorer Osborne returned on the goal trail netting with a free kick from the edge of the penalty area. It was soon a three goal advantage with their best move of the match ending with Marc Fairbrother passing to the influential Mark Smith who netted with a fierce right foot shot from a difficult angle. This did not deter the visitors though and they got the goal they deserved finally beating Kearn when the impressive Wayne Bould was allowed to run across the field and netting from a difficult angle. Fareham continued to push forward but thanks to a couple of contentious offside decisions did not trouble Kearn again.

Manager Graham Kemp can be pleased of the return to winning ways whilst not at their best and climbing a place in the league table to fourth with games in hand and if these games are won second place will be attained.

MAN OF THE MATCH STEWART KEARN

Donners

Gosport Borough v Christchurch Monday 5th December 2011

Mark Duffy — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:26:25 +0000

HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CUP

GOSPORT BOROUGH v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 1 - 0

1. STEWART KEARN
2. JON GRACE
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. COLIN DAND
6. ADAM COSTELLO
7. CALLUM BURT
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. PAUL ROBERTS
11. SAM GRIFFIN

SUBS USED:

JOE KITTLE
JACK SWANN

Church exited their second cup in three days but can be proud of their performance against higher level opponents and also the fact that they played 78 minutes with 10 men.

There was a slow opening and the first real action which was to have a significant effect on the result came on 12 minutes with the dismissal of Jon Grace for an off the ball incident which was spotted by the referees assistant. This resulted in Adam Costello being removed from his midfield role to full back but the first 45 minutes action was mostly confined to midfield and due to the hard work of all the Church players Stewart Kearn in goal had a relatively quiet opening half.

The team talk given to the hosts at the interval obviously had the desired affect as Kearn was in early action making fine saves on 53 and 57 minutes but mainly the hosts despite having the majority of possession were woeful in their shooting and Church came close to opening the scoring on 65 minutes when Marc Fairbrother tricked his way into the penalty area and was denied by the Gosport custodian tipping his shot round the post. Kearn was again at his best after 74 making an outstanding save and the home side should have taken the lead on 78 when their centre forward shot wide when through on goal. However it was only desperate defending that denied Church on 80 minutes when Sam Griffin set up substitute Joe Kittle whose goal bound effort was charged down and Callum Burt shot just wide from the rebound. The only goal when it came was heartbreaking for two reasons as firstly it came after 89 minutes and secondly it was scored by an ex Christchurch player Tom Price but he must be commended on his left foot shot from 18 yards as Kearn had no chance in saving it.

Manager Graham Kemp can be very pleased with the performance and if the same pitch could have been used at Bitton on Saturday we could well have been expecting a visit from West Auckland. One final point and Gosport must be complimented on their ground and facilities as vast improvements have been carried out in the 3/ 4 years that they departed the Wessex League and it just goes to show you what can be achieved with the help of the local council.

Donners