Saturday 11th April 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier league
CHRISTCHURCH v WIMBORNE TOWN
Skipper Dan Crutchley and defender Steve Linpow returned for Christchurch:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Andy Borthwick
7 Mark Smith
8 Marc Fairbrother
9 Ben Osborne
10 Tom Price
11 Michael Green
12 Ben Osborne
14 Martin Lawrence
15 Paul Manning
16 Colin Dand
17 Adam Costello
This game was overall a poor advert for Wessex League football. Over officious refereeing and with both teams indulging in seeing if they could put the ball into orbit led to one of the worse spectacles seen at Hurn Bridge this season. Any football came in the first half with Wimborne having the first attempt when Christchurch defender Chris Dillon cleared a shot off the line in the 4th minute. At the other end Tom Price was using his pace to trouble the giant Wimborne centre backs and on 7 minutes Mark Smith slipped a ball to Price out on the left. The young striker cut inside and struck his shot against the Wimborne post with Alan Walker-Harris well beaten. On 23 minutes Christchurch should have opened the scoring when a Chris Dillon throw caused panic in the Wimborne box. The ball came out to Smith whose miss kicked shot found its way through to Gareth Barnes all alone in front of goal. Sadly for Christchurch Barnes shot went the wrong side of the post with Wimborne appealing in vain for offside. Four minutes later it and was Christchurch who were appealing in vain for an offside decision which never came. Dan Cann on the Wimborne left crossed for ex Christchurch player Liam Green to slot the ball past Stewart Kearn in the Christchurch goal and give the away side the lead. Ten minutes later and Christchurch had a golden opportunity to level the score. Tom Price again used his pace to get beyond Michael Walker but this time the last defender pulled Price to the ground and the penalty was awarded. Unusually the referee deemed the penalty enough punishment and despite Christchurch expecting the appearance of a red card none was forthcoming. Ex Wimborne player Mark Smith stepped up to the spot and drove the ball high, wide and not very handsome at all to spurn the chance of an equaliser.
Half time: Christchurch 0 Wimborne Town 1
The second half was truly a non-event with Christchurch unable to create any real chances and Wimborne content to sit back and absorb any attacks that Christchurch could muster. The only bright spot of a stop, start second period was when Wimborne midfielder Tommy McCormick crashed a twenty-yard shot against the post midway through the half.
Final score: Christchurch 0 Wimborne Town 1
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” GARETH BARNES
The Bridgeman

Tuesday 7th April 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex League Premier Division
CHRISTCHURCH FC v V.T. FC
Both teams were without key players for this match. Christchurch line up:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Adam Costello
3 Dan Taylor
4 Colin Dand
5 Chris Dillon
6 Andy Borthwick
7 Mark Smith (Capt)
8 Marc Fairbrother
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Tom Price
11 Michael Green
12 Ben Osborne
14 Paul Rideout
15 Paul Manning
16 Martin Lawrence
17 David Legg
Christchurch played with two 18 year old centre backs, Chris Dillon and Adam Costello while Colin Dand took the right back position. Dan Taylor had been sent off in the cup game at VT earlier in the season but he started at left back. V.T. FC opened the scoring with a soft but neatly taken goal. With just 7 minutes played Barry Mason headed on a long diagonal cross, as Stewart Kearn came to collect Kevin Gibbens beat the keeper to the ball and headed home from an almost impossible angle. Just 4 minutes later another Gibbens header found the back of the Christchurch net but this was disallowed for offside. With the Christchurch defenders unable to come to terms with the many long diagonals that VT were playing it looked only a matter of time before the Boatmen increased their lead. Stewart Kearn saved a dangerous free kick and shortly afterwards Christchurch got back on level terms. A Chris Dillon long throw caught the VT defence by surprise and Gareth Barnes nodded it on to Marc Fairbrother who headed home from close range. VT were still creating decent chances and Barry Mason shot over when well placed, but Christchurch were now winning some of the individual battles and making inroads into the VT half.
Half time: Christchurch 1 V.T. FC 1
Manager Graham Kemp made a tactical substitution at half time bringing on Martin Lawrence to replace Andy Borthwick.
The second period saw Christchurch start with a bang and 3 minutes in Colin Dand found Michael Green wide on the left with a superb pass. Green showed the ball to his marker and then walked round him before delivering a truly excellent cross to the head of Gareth Barnes. Barnes made no mistake with his thundering header to give Christchurch the lead. Just three minutes later and the Priory scored again. Once more Michael Green crossed but this time VT keeper Lee Webber attempted to cut it out. Webber could only take the pace off the ball and it dropped to Marc Smith who intelligently played the ball back to Martin Lawrence who drove it home first time from the edge of the penalty area. On 55 minutes VT pulled a goal back with some great football as Barry Mason scored from close in. Kevin Gibbens had another goal wiped out for offside as VT pressed hard for the equaliser but the pace of Tom Price was troubling VT in Christchurch breakaways and Price twice went close to adding to Priory’s total. Stewart Kearn had to be alert in a one on one late in the game as Christchurch battled to hold on to their lead in this pulsating match.
Final score: Christchurch 3 V.T. FC 2
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner:” GARETH BARNES
The Bridgeman

Saturday 14th March 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier league
CHRISTCHURCH v LAVERSTOCK & FORD
With Simon Keates injured and Russell Cook transferring to Poole Town manager Graham Kemp gave a debut to Marc Fairbrother.
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Adam Costello
3 Michael Green
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Steve Linpow
6 Chris Dillon
7 Mark Smith
8 Marc Fairbrother
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Ben Osborne
11 Paul Rideout
12 Martin Lawrence
14 Dan Taylor
15 James Burden
16 Paul Manning
The first half saw Christchurch open very brightly and as early as the third minute there was a huge shout for a penalty. Dan Crutchley was fouled and from Mark Smith’s shot a Laverstock defender appeared to jump and get both hands to the ball. But Christchurch didn’t have long to wait until they opened the scoring. In the 6th minute Michael Green chipped a pass over the Laverstock central defender and Ben Osborne got to the bouncing ball before the keeper and found the back of the net. Just one minute later and debutant Marc Fairbrother collected a pass and beat two men before crossing to the far post where Gareth Barnes scored with a textbook header back across the keeper. Shortly after this Mark Smith crashed a free kick against the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. With 19 minutes gone a great move down the left flank saw Christchurch score their third. Michael Green, Mark Smith and Paul Rideout were all involved before Gareth Barnes rolled a left footed shot past the opposition goalie. Five minutes later and Barnes had the ball in the net but this was disallowed for offside. With the half time approaching Marc Fairbrother fed Ben Osborne whose first time right footed shot found the corner of the net for Christchurch’s fourth.
Half time: Christchurch 4 Laverstock & Ford 0
The second half started with Laverstock substituting their goalkeeper and their striker. It certainly worked for Laverstock played much better in this half and, following sloppy play all over the park by Christchurch, Laverstock scored their consolation goal through substitute Leigh Kirby. With several Christchurch chances going begging it was in the 81st minute that Ben Osborne completed his hatrick. Gareth Barnes headed the ball onto Mark Smith who passed for Osborne to finish by lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. Not to be outdone Barnes went on to complete his own hatrick when Paul Manning’s inch perfect cross was met by the head of Barnes to complete the afternoon’s scoring.
Final score: Christchurch 6 Laverstock & Ford 1
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” BEN OSBORNE
The Bridgeman

Saturday 24th January 2009
F.A. Vase 4th round
CHRISTCHURCH v FC CLACTON
A fine warm Saturday afternoon was the setting for this important match. After last weeks postponement and a week of poor weather all were pleased to see the referee give the OK to play. The Christchurch line up:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Michael Green
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Russell Cook
11 Paul Rideout
12 Ben Osborne
14 Dan Taylor
15 Martin Lawrence
16 Paul Manning
17 Colin Dand
Clacton began at a fast pace and in the second minute Gregg Heighway shot against the post. In the 14th minute Christchurch broke away to take the lead against the run of play. Russell Cook advanced down the right and pulled the ball back for Paul Rideout to find the back of the net with a cool right foot strike. The best goal of the match came 10 minutes later when James Burden fed Cook who crossed first time for Gareth Barnes to swivel and fire home. The remainder of the first half belonged to Clacton as they pressurised the home defence with numerous high balls and long throws.
Half time: Christchurch 2 FC Clacton 0
The second half saw Christchurch at their best as attack followed attack and two more goals were the deserved result. Paul Rideout was tripped in the penalty area and he picked himself up to score his second from the spot kick. Gareth Barnes also scored his second with a delicate header following a great cross from James Burden.
Final score: Christchurch 4 FC Clacton 0
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” MARK SMITH
The Bridgeman

ROMSEY TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH FC – 20th January 2009
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier League
Manager Graham Kemp and his squad arrived at Romsey before the home team knowing that a victory would take them above Romsey in the league. With Colin Dand taken ill on arrival, and Simon Keates suffering a set back with his injury, the line up for this important game was as follows:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Gareth Barnes
10 Russell Cook
11 Michael Green
12 Ben Osborne
14 Paul Rideout
15 Martin Lawrence
16 Paul Manning
17 Adam Costello
On a heavy pitch and with the temperature dropping every minute both teams found it difficult to carve out any real chances in the opening exchanges. In fact it was almost on the half hour mark when Christchurch played a ball out to Russell Cook on the left flank. Cook’s pass found the advancing Mark Smith through on goal. Smith rounded the keeper but just as he was about to put the ball into the empty net he was brought down from behind. The guilty Romsey defender was walking off the pitch even before the referee could show him the red card. Mark Smith got up and coolly slotted home the spot kick to give Christchurch the lead. Both teams had tried to play passing football and both sides had looked well organised during an evenly matched first half.
Half time: Romsey Town 0 Christchurch 1
The second half was barely 2 minutes old when Mark Smith intercepted a Romsey pass. Smith fed Russell Cook on the left and the young striker rounded a defender and crossed for Gareth Barnes to finish with ease. Two minutes later Christchurch effectively wrapped the game up when Smith played Barnes through the middle and the big centre forward side stepped his marker and found the back of the net in a clinical finish. Christchurch were now rampant and they passed the ball around the entire pitch to take full advantage of the extra man. Ben Osborne then sent Barnes away and his cross was put into the net by James Burden to make it four. Mark Smith then chipped a pass to Ben Osborne who delightfully lifted the ball over the advancing keeper for the best finish of the evening. The final goal started with Michael Green setting Osborne free down the left and his unselfish cross found Paul Manning steaming in to finish with aplomb.
Final score: Romsey Town 0 Christchurch 6
The Bridgeman

Saturday 27th December 2008
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier League
NEW MILTON TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH
Manager Graham Kemp turned up at New Milton with 18 players and selected this squad:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Steve Linpow
3 Michael Green
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Ben Osborne
10 Russell Cook
11 Paul Rideout
12 Gareth Barnes
14 Dan Taylor
15 Colin Dand
16 Martin Lawrence
17 Elliott Peck
Christchurch started slowly in this Christmas local derby game and New Milton were soon testing Stewart Kearn in the Christchurch goal. Twice in quick succession Callum Burt made Kearn stretch to keep fine shots out and New Milton applied pressure with several corners. Christchurch skipper Dan Crutchley was booked for giving away a foul on the edge of the penalty area but when the free kick was taken the Christchurch defensive wall did their job to keep the strike away from goal. The half ended in controversy when following a Christchurch short corner Mark Smith burst into the area. It appeared to the Christchurch camp that Smith was brought down but the referee booked the midfielder for diving. New Milton were definitely the better team in the first half and perhaps Christchurch were fortunate to go into the break on level terms.
Half time: New Milton Town 0 Christchurch 0
The second half was a different game as Christchurch got the ball down and started to play their passing game. New Milton were reduced to breakaways as Christchurch applied the pressure with James Burden now on the Christchurch right providing several good crosses into the box. One move in particular saw Paul Rideout thread a gem of a pass through to Russell Cook who was thwarted by a brave save from New Milton keeper Rory Anderson. Steve Linpow, Russell Cook and Mark Smith all tried their luck with no success when suddenly New Milton broke out and a fine move ended with Warren Kenna driving home a terrific shot from the edge of the area to give the home side the lead. With less than 15 minutes left Christchurch soon got on level terms. Russell Cook had a good run down the right and as he beat the defender he pulled the cross back to Paul Rideout to strike home from 12 yards. Manager Graham Kemp made his substitutions to look for the win and it was 17-year-old debutant Elliott Peck who had a hand in Christchurch’s second goal. Again down the Christchurch right Peck used his pace to get behind the New Milton defence but his cross was cut out by the use of a defenders hand for a free kick. Up stepped Mark Smith and his expert delivery was met by the head of stooping Chris Dillon to win the game for Christchurch. Although New Milton will surely feel aggrieved to have lost this game Christchurch will believe that their second half performance deserved all three points.
Final score: New Milton Town 1 Christchurch 2
The Bridgeman

Saturday 6th December 2008
F.A. Vase 3rd round
CHRISTCHURCH v NEW MILTON TOWN
Christchurch manager Graham Kemp had Gareth Barnes and Steve Linpow suspended and Jon Brock injured so he selected the following line up:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Colin Dand
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Russell Cook
10 Mark Burrows
11 Michael Green
12 Ben Osborne
14 Paul Rideout
15 Simon Keates
16 Sam Longman
17 Paul Manning
GK Jason Collins
With the rain persistently falling during the week the Hurn Bridge ground staff performed wonders in getting the pitch fit for play. However the top half of the pitch was extremely soft. Christchurch were attacking this end in the first half and the first real strike on goal came after 10 minutes when James Burden crossed from the right for Marc Burrows to shoot straight at the keeper. New Milton were winning several free kicks in dangerous positions but Stewart Kearn in the Christchurch goal dealt comfortably with the crosses. Russell Cook had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring but put his shot just wide of the goal. After 16 minutes Chris Dillon launched one of his long throws into the New Milton penalty area where skipper Dan Crutchley nodded the ball on for Marc Burrows to flick a header just inside the far post to give Christchurch the early lead they wanted. In the next Christchurch attack Burrows had a long range shot which took a wicked bounce just in front of Tom Clifton-Moore in the New Milton goal resulting in a difficult save for the stopper. At the other end ex Christchurch striker Robbie Woolner struck a vicious shot over the bar but New Milton’s main threat came from the free kicks that they gained but couldn’t make them count.
Half time: Christchurch 1 New Milton Town 0
The second half was barely two minutes old when Marc Burrows struck again for Christchurch. Mark Smith won a midfield tussle and played a glorious through ball for the speedy Burrows to chase. As the New Milton keeper advanced Burrows calmly lifted the ball over him and into the net to double the home sides lead. Try as they did New Milton created few chances but Stewart Kearn did have to tip one shot over the bar. With 15 minutes left to play Christchurch sealed their victory in an emphatic way. Michael Green won a ball just inside his own half and went on a run where he left several New Milton defenders in his wake. As Green scorched the turf with his pace down the left wing Russell Cook was advancing into the penalty area. Greens inch perfect low driven cross was met by the young centre forward and despite the close attention of the defender Cook found the back of the New Milton net to complete the afternoons scoring.
Final score: Christchurch 3 New Milton Town 0
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” MARC BURROWS
The Bridgeman

Saturday 29th November 2008
Sydenham’s Wessex Premier league
CHRISTCHURCH v HORNDEAN
With Paul Rideout and Gareth Barnes unavailable, Adam Costello, Steve Linpow and Jon Brock injured manager Graham Kemp selected a young side, giving 2 young teenagers, Sam Longman and Adam Wiltshire their starting place this afternoon. The full Christchurch line up:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Sam Longman
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Adam Wiltshire
7 Mark Smith
8 James Burden
9 Ben Osborne
10 Russell Cook
11 Michael Green
12 Mark Burrows
14 Colin Dand
15 Simon Keates
16 Paul Manning
The first half saw Christchurch start with a kind of lethargic attitude as if they only had to turn up to win and fortunately Stewart Kearn in the home goal was awake to deal with a dangerous cross from the visitors. With a lot off huff & puff going on in midfield it was not until the 20th minute that the first real chance was created when Russell Cook turned on the half way line and ran with the ball until he struck a left foot shot wide of the Horndean keepers right hand post. Horndean however had a few attacks, which led to a chipped shot going just over and another shot being well saved by Stewart Kearn, yet with 23 minutes gone Horndean almost took the lead with a low shot which went inches wide of the far post. This seemed to wake Christchurch up and Russell Cook nodded on a long ball to Michael Green who shot through a defender and low into the Horndean net to give the home side the lead. From here on it was one-way traffic with the only doubt being how many goals would Christchurch score? Dan Taylor and Michael Green combined in a move which ended with the ball being played into Russell Cook. The teenage striker turned his marker and placed his shot into the far corner of the net to double Christchurch’s lead. Right on half time Mark Smith played a one two with Russell Cook, which ended with Smith driving the ball low into the net for the midfielder’s third goal in two games.
Half time: Christchurch 3 Horndean 0
Horndean tried to get back into the game but after 19 minutes of the second half Sam Longman was fouled and from the Mark Smith free kick Russell Cook volleyed home spectacularly. Following this goal the game opened up dramatically with Christchurch pouring forward time after time. With 15 minutes left keeper Stewart Kearn fed skipper Dan Crutchley at the back. Crutchley sent a long ball forward that speedy substitute Marc Burrows chased and hammered through the keeper’s legs to make it five – nil. With some of the Christchurch passing moves being a joy to watch it was perhaps ironic that the final goal was a somewhat scrappy affair with Russell Cook scoring from close range following a goalmouth scramble.
Final score: Christchurch 6 Horndean 0
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” RUSSELL COOK
The Bridgeman

Tuesday 25th November 2008
Sydenham’s Wessex League Cup 3rd round
CHRISTCHURCH v BOURNEMOUTH POPPIES
For this important cup game Christchurch manager Graham Kemp started with a strong line up:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Colin Dand
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Steve Linpow
7 Mark Smith
8 Michael Green
9 Russell Cooke
10 Marc Burrows
11 Paul Rideout
12 Ben Osborne
14 James Burden
15 Gareth Barnes
16 Simon Keates
17 Paul Manning
Christchurch started this game brightly and soon put the Poppies goal under pressure. Several corners were gained and the ball swung menacingly into the danger area. It came as little surprise when Christchurch took the lead in the 10th minute. Colin Dand fed Marc Burrows wide on the right, and the quick striker crossed for midfielder Dan Crutchley to thrash the ball past Kenny Vaughan in the Poppies goal. The Christchurch attacks continued and at times the Poppies defending was bordering on desperate however the away side did break away and a shot cannoned back off Stewart Kearn’s bar. Towards the end of the first half Chris Dillon doubled Christchurch’s lead. Mark Smith crossed the ball and as it passed over several heads Dillon reacted quickly to fire home. Still time for Marc Burrows and Paul Rideout to combine and prize open the Poppies defence again but the chance was wasted.
Half time: Christchurch 2 Bournemouth Poppies 0
As the temperature dropped still further little did we expect the second half goal rush. In the first minute following the break Paul Rideout lobbed the ball goalwards but with the Poppies defence desperately covering the ball dropped just over the crossbar. A few minutes later Michael Green’s determination resulted in a corner on the left. A short corner routine involving Paul Rideout and Mark Smith ended when Smith hit a low near post drive which put Christchurch three goals up. With Christchurch skipper Dan Crutchley off the pitch having treatment for a head injury Poppies got their only goal of the night. Paul Roberts sent a glorious through ball to the lightening fast Kabba Jack who struck a good finish to pull a goal back. Almost immediately at the other end Russell Cook turned and slipped the ball through for Mark Smith to hit his second of the night. With 19 minutes of the second half gone Cook again turned his marker but this time was brought down and a penalty awarded. Paul Rideout easily made it 5 – 1 with the spot kick. As the Christchurch side relaxed Stewart Kearn had to make a couple of smart saves before substitute Ben Osborne notched two late goals. Mark Smith put the forward through and Osborne’s finish was pure class as he lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and then Smith again played a great ball across for Osborne to slide the ball home to finish the scoring.
Final score: Christchurch 7 Bournemouth Poppies 1
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner:” MARK SMITH
The Bridgeman

Saturday 15th November 2008
F.A. vase 2nd Round
CHRISTCHURCH FC v TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Christchurch faced their visitors from Kent with the following line up:
1 Stewart Kearn
2 Colin Dand
3 Dan Taylor
4 Dan Crutchley (capt)
5 Chris Dillon
6 Steve Linpow
7 Paul Rideout
8 James Burden
9 Russell Cook
10 Mark Burrows
11 Michael Green
12 Ben Osborne
14 Gareth Barnes
15 Adam Wiltshire
16 Sam Longman
17 Paul Manning
GK Jason Collins
As is the norm lately, Christchurch started slowly and improved as the match went on. Tunbridge Wells were by far the best side in the first half hour and went close to taking the lead several times. The movement of the Tunbridge forwards was proving difficult for the Christchurch defence to cope with and only the heroics of Stewart Kearn in goal kept the Priory in the game. One double save in particular drew massive applause from the appreciative crowd. As Christchurch gradually clawed their way into the game it became obvious that in this very tight contest the first goal would be massively important. Just before half time a Tunbridge free kick whistled just over the bar.
Half time: Christchurch 0 Tunbridge Wells 0
The second half saw a much improved Christchurch performance as they attacked with much more menace and 6 minutes in the Tunbridge keeper thoughtlessly picked up a back pass to concede an indirect free kick just 9 yards from goal. Christchurch took the kick quickly and Paul Rideout put the ball in the back of the net but the referee deemed that it had been taken too quickly and disallowed the goal. With the bizarre sight of all 11 Tunbridge players on the goal line the eventually retaken free kick was deflected for a corner to cheers from the large section of away supporters. A Russell Cook run was saved by the legs of the keeper and Marc Burrows just lost out in the contest to win the ball from the rebound. Tunbridge had their chances as well and one particular attack proved to be very dangerous. The attack down the right wing ended when a cross ran threateningly across the Christchurch goalmouth when a touch could have resulted in a goal. Russell Cook went on another great run and with three defenders chasing him he was brought down just outside the penalty area and from the resulting free kick Michael Green struck a thunderous shot just over the bar. With 15 minutes remaining of this pulsating contest it was Marc Burrows who finally broke the deadlock. Dan Taylor played a delightful ball out of defence and into the Tunbridge area where Dan Crutchley rose like a salmon to nod the ball down to Burrows. The diminutive forward made no mistake with his right foot finish to send Hurn Bridge into raptures of delight. Christchurch were now playing with confidence and a superb move started when Paul Rideout fed the ball through to the quicksilver Burrows who crossed for Green to shoot first time just past the wrong side of the post. Cook was now causing all sorts of problems to the Tunbridge defence with his surging runs but still Tunbridge had chances at the other end. A shot from outside the penalty area went through a mass of bodies and curled wide of Kearn’s far post and then the giant stopper saved comfortably as another Tunbridge attack came to nothing. Cook again left defenders in his wake and forced the keeper to save at his feet. The ball ran loose and Cook recovered first to stroke the ball into the net, however the referee again disallowed the goal for an alleged foul on the keeper. Ben Osborne who had come on as a late substitute shot and the ball hit the keeper’s legs and rolled agonisingly wide of the goal. Christchurch then played out the last few minutes to record a fine victory against a good Tunbridge Wells outfit.
Final score: Christchurch 1 Tunbridge Wells 0
Christchurch Man of the Match sponsored by “Den’s Diner” STEVE LINPOW
The Bridgeman