HAMPSHIRE COUNTY WOMENS LEAGUE CUP

CHRISTCHURCH v SHANKLIN LADIES RESERVES

MATCH RESULT: 0 – 2

Christchurch were a bit short on numbers for this game as originally we did not have a match scheduled so could only name one substitute on the bench.

For the first time in a few games Christchurch were switched on from the off and enjoyed the majority of the possession in the opening ten minutes with good movement and telling crosses from both flanks and a few shots going past the posts. The majority of the opening 30 minutes was shared between the teams with neither side creating any clear cut chances, then Shanklin started to put pressure on the home team with four or five telling corners within a couple of minutes, however the defence and midfield held firm until the fifth corner. It was curled high in the air and went straight in the top right hand corner of the Christchurch goal with no one getting a touch.

This was an unfortunate goal but did knock Christchurch’s confidence and the lead was doubled within five minutes. Shanklin’s no.7 winning the ball in midfield, gaining a yard on the defence and firing a fierce shot from 30 yards out into the bottom right hand corner giving keeper Amy Mason no chance.

The second half was more positive from Christchurch, we knew if we could get one back we were right back in the game. Our midfielders of Hayley Devlin and Charlotte Taylor were immense, winning all the 50/50 challenges and trying to feed the strikers. Christchurch narrowly missed out on pulling one back from our own corner, the ball bobbled about the box and was struck by Hayley Devlin but went just past the post. Through the rest of the half there was plenty of endeavour from Christchurch but just no telling pass to test Shanklin’s goalkeeper.

Shanklin did look threatening on the break and could have added to their lead if it was not for a number of saves and clearances from Amy.

Overall it was a fair result, Shanklin were the better team.

Liz Toal CFC

New Forest Ladies v Christchurch Ladies

Match Result: 1 – 2

Goal Scorers: Payne, Warne

Christchurch’s last game of their league season was a trip to Lyndhurst to face New Forest. Having beaten New Forest earlier in the year 4-0 Christchurch had been looking to put the double over them for the season. However due to a few injuries and a number of players being away on holiday Christchurch were only able to field 9 players. The absence of so many players left Christchurch with no centre backs leading to Awdas dropping back into the middle of a 3 man defence from her normal centre mid position and Warne and Madkour occupying the centre midfield positions for the first time this season. The game started with New Forest dominating the territory and possession for the first 10 mins before Christchurch started to get into the game. Madkour and Warne were linking up well in the middle each having numerous runs beating a few New Forest players before releasing the ball or testing the keeper with shots from the edge of the area. Christchurch increasingly dominated with Gomez and Weir working hard on the wings providing a number of crosses. Christchurch came very close to opening the scoring after 20 mins when a Weir cross to the far post was met by Gomez only for the New Forest keeper to save well and the subsequent shot by Warne being scrambled clear by the New Forest defence. New Forest had been limited to playing long balls over the top that Mason in goal had been sweeping up efficiently. However New Forest took the lead against the run of play after 25 mins when they finally got in behind the Christchurch defence for the first time and beating Mason with a well placed shot just inside her right hand post. Christchurch continued to create chances for the rest of the half without converting any.

Half Time 0-1

The second half saw Christchurch start with a high tempo in the belief that the game was still there to be taken. This led to both Payne and Gossling pushing up form their wide defensive positions whenever possible to help the now tiring midfield. Christchurch continued to play the ball to feet having success with Weir and Gossling combing well down the right flank. It was from one of these attacks that an over hit cross cleared by New Forest but only as far as Payne who was 25 yards out, who taking one touch to get it under control shot and found the top right hand corner of the goal (her second goal of the season, her first against New Forest and again from outside the box) to draw Christchurch level after 66 mins. The goal lifted Christchurch and added extra energy to tiring legs as New Forest made a double substitute to try take advantage of their numerate advantage. Christchurch returned Warne to her normal centre forward position to try exploit New Forests high defensive line. This nearly paid off immediately when Stickley played a ball over the top that Warne ran onto and lobbed over the on rushing New Forest keeper only to see the ball bounce and then land on top of the crossbar before going out for a goal kick. Having come so close to taking the lead Christchurch kept looking for Warne and got their reward in the 86th minute. Awdas played the ball through the New Forest defence that was collected by Warne who outpaced the last New Forest defender before finding the bottom left corner of the New Forest goal. Christchurch then maintained their work rate and concentration for the remaining few minutes to seal a great win and end their league season on a high.

Full Time 2 – 1

Christchurch: Mason, Gossling, Weir, Madkour, A, Gomez, Stickley, Awdas, Warne, Payne

By Iain Bowker

Christchurch v Winchester City

Match Result: 1 – 2

Goal Scorer: Stickley

Christchurch entered the game with a couple of players away and injured, this left Christchurch just being able to make a team with 12 players.
The game started with both teams having a few chances within the first 5 minutes with end to end stuff. Winchester from nowhere had a long shot from just outside the box that stand in keeper Maierhofer saved calmly. A few minutes went by with the ball being played in the middle of the pitch a lot before Winchester pass the ball around and cross a ball high from the right to just outside the penalty area where a Winchester striker controls it and volleys it into the top left hand corner. Christchurch restart with some nice football, stringing passes together, Mason plays a great ball through the middle of the park looking to respond straight away splitting the Winchester defence, Stickley is quickly on the end of it side footing it around the keeper, bottom left corner, however the flag goes up for a dubious offside. Christchurch keep the pressure on with a long range shot from Madkour testing the Winchester keeper. However Winchester responds by increasing the tempo and with another shot to keep the pressure on Christchurch. Christchurch improve as the half progresses stringing passes together they manage to squeeze another ball through the middle after 40 minutes, this time from Devlin, which again Stickley runs onto the end of and fires the ball into the net into the bottom left hand corner pulling one back for Christchurch and making it 1-1 at half time.

Half Time 1-1
The second half starts slower than the first both teams looking tired early on, after 52 minutes Madkour. A is taken off with a hamstring injury and replaced by Curtin. Mason playing in centre midfield rather than in goal due to a wrist injury receives the ball from Devlin before taking a touch just on the edge of the area shooting inches wide of the left post. Christchurch continue creating lots of chances and with lots of pressure looking for a late winner. Christchurch get a corner, it’s played in my Madkour J, however again Winchester clear their lines and are being reduced to infrequent counter attacks. With only 7 minutes left to play with both teams looking for the winner Winchester string some nice passes together switching the ball from left to right with Christchurch still pressing. The ball is played in behind the Christchurch defence where a Winchester player takes a touch looks up and sees a chance to test the keeper before shooting from outside the area, straight into the bottom right of the goal, 2-1 Winchester leading with only a few minutes to go. Both teams now looking tired just play the ball in the middle of the park without any further chances being created. The final whistle goes the final score being 2-1 to Winchester and Christchurch disappointed that they were unable to get even a point out of the game.

Full Time 1 – 2
Christchurch: Mason, Gossling, Weir, Madkour. J, Madkour. A, Toal, Devlin, Gomez, Stickley, Curtin, Vincent, Maierhofer

By Abbie Awdas

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY WOMENS FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1
CHRISTCHURCH v NEW FOREST LADIES
MATCH RESULT: 4 – 0
GOAL SCORERS: WARNE (2), PAYNE, STICKLEY
Christchurch entered the game feeling confident given their performance the week before and facing a New Forest side that is having a difficult season. However having had all the team attending a club fundraising event the night before which they all enjoyed there was some concern over the energy levels. The game started as Christchurch expected based on the local rivalry that has developed over the past few seasons that normally leads to physical and closely contested fixtures, while still remaining good natured. New Forest started the brighter of the two teams working hard and controlling the possession and territory but without threatening Mason in goal. However after 15mins Christchurch started to string a few passes together and with their second true attack of the game Devlin played a ball from 15 yards inside her own half through to Warne beating the New Forest offside trap. Warne took the ball on before cooling slipping it past the onrushing New Forest keeper on the edge of the box with the ball finding the bottom right hand corner. New Forest responded by upping their game again and gaining a penalty after 25 mins through Vincent mistiming a sliding tackle. Masson diving to her right saved the penalty along with the subsequent rebound to keep Christchurch in the lead. Having had a lucky escape Christchurch started to concentrate and up their work rate with Madkour.A making numerous runs down the right and linking up well with Gossling. Christchurch’s 2nd started on the right touch line in the middle of the pitch before being quickly switched to Gomez on the left via Devlin and Awdas who then played the ball back into the centre just behind the New Forest defence for Warne to run onto and finish from just inside the box for her second. Christchurch saw out the rest of the half slowly dominating more of the play.
Christchurch knew that New Forest would feel they were still in the game and unlucky to be 2-0 down and so would have to start quick and try get a 3rd as soon as possible. Christchurch started with a high tempo and were soon dominating the game and got the 3rd after 52 mins with Devlin again the provider this time finding Stickley who rounded the keeper and passing the ball into the empty net. Christchurch continued knocking the ball around well spreading the play while Vincent and Wier were solid in the middle of defence nullifying the New Forest attacks. Christchurch were forced into a substitute after 62 mins with Madkour. A playing in her first game in 10 weeks due to injury, picking up a knock and being replaced by her sister, Madkour.J making her first appearance of the season. Payne picked the 4th for Christchurch, her first goal in senior football and for the club, hitting a pass from Warne first time while under pressure from 25yars out that rocketed in just inside the right hand post giving the New Forest keeper no chance. The reminder of the game saw Christchurch dominate though a few chances for New Forest remind the Christchurch players of what New Forest were capable off and the need to concentrate for the entire 90 minutes. The win sees Christchurch move up to 4th in the table.
Christchurch: Mason, Gossling, Vincent, Weir, Payne, Madkour. A, Awdas, Devlin, Gomez, Warne, Stickley, Madkour. J
Iain Bowker

HAMPSHIRE CUP 1ST ROUND
GOSPORT BOROUGH v CHRISTCHURCH
MATCH RESULT: 4 – 2
Christchurch entered the game on the back of 2 wins and hoping to make it 3 in a row. However right from the whistle Gosport took the game to Christchurch creating a few chances within the first 5 mins. Saves from Mason, especially one low to her right ensured that Gosport did not get off to a flyer. Christchurch responded with Warne breaking the offside trap to run onto a through ball form Stickley but shooting wide. Gosport broke the deadlock after 15 mins and maintained the pressure to score 2 more in the next 15 mins. Christchurch were struggling to maintain possession or put pressure on the Gosport players, but with 8 minutes left in the first half Christchurch raised their work rate created a few chances that saw a through ball from Devlin to Madkour who rounded the Gosport keeper to draw one back. Christchurch came out after half time 3-1 down and realising that they had to up their work rate to get themselves back into the game. Improved performances from Devlin and Awdas in the middle of midfield saw Christchurch increase their possession and create a number of chances. None though that caused the Gosport keeper much trouble. Christchurch kept pushing and finally were rewarded when Awdas combing well Devlin was able to play a ball in behind the Gosport defence for Stickley to beat the keeper and pass into an empty net. With the score at 3-2 Christchurch were looking the more likely of the teams to score again so taking the tie into extra time, but a Gosport counter attack in the final 5 mins extended the margin to 2 goals again taking the game out of Christchurch’s reach.
Christchurch were disappointed with exiting the cup in the first round but recognising that they had left themselves too much to do in the second half.
Christchurch: Mason, Gossling, Vincent, Toal, Payne, Madkour, Awdas, Devlin, Curtin, Stickley, Warne, Weir, Maierhofer
By Iain Bowker

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY WOMEN'S FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1
PORTSMOUTH UNIVERSITY RESERVES v CHRISTCHURCH
MATCH RESULT: 3 – 0
Christchurch started off well considering a number of injuries meant some players were not in their preferred positions. Portsmouth scored an early goal from a through ball with their striker running onto the ball and beating Mason in goal in a 1 on 1. Christchurch kept battling with good build up play through Payne down the left along with Kretz, Nilson, and Awdas in midfield meant Christchurch started to create a number of chances. Awdas had a good shot on goal but was denied by a good save by the Portsmouth keeper. Further shots by Bailey and Weir tested the keeper further. Portsmouth Uni scored their second with a good strike form the edge of the area that found the top right corner. Christchurch kept their heads up and great defending from Gossling and some fine saves by Mason meant the score was only 2-0 at half time. In the 2nd half Stickley and Weir kept good pressure up front and Christchurch started to pass the ball around well and having more of the possession but without being able to really test the Portsmouth Uni keeper further. Portsmouth Uni then scored a 3rd from a speculative 35 yard shot that dropped just under the crossbar to kill of the win and take all 3 points.
Christchurch: Mason, Gossling, Vincent, Toal, Payne, Kretz, Awda, Nilson, Bailey, Stickley, Weir
By Demi Curtin

HAMPSHIRE LADIES CUP ROUND 2
CHRISTCHURCH v MUDEFORD PHOENIX
MATCH RESULT: 5 – 4
GOAL SCORERS: ROBINSON (2), WARNE (3)
A fantastic day for football and a fantastic match for everyone involved. Christchurch started brightly and played good football with the forwards looking to get on the end of good through balls, however Robinson scored an excellent goal going round two defenders to slot home for Church. Nine minutes later Charlotte Warne intercepted a backpass and finished well. Things were looking good for Christchurch in this derby game. However a spirited Mudeford had their chances with the wind at their backs and a couple of quick goals from defensive lapses made the score level. Christchurch failed to awaken from their malaise and despite having several chances to clear Mudeford added a third very quickly. A rather flat finish to the half followed.
Only two minutes in to the second half and Phoenix poked in a fourth as Christchurch started sluggishly. Time for a change and the excellent Laura Gilbert came on for her first game after injury and produced an exhilerating display. A rejuvenated Church cut the deficit as Robinson rounded the keeper to tap in. A few minutes later and Warne rounds the keeper as well to get her second of the game as well. 4-4 and over 30 mintes to play. Stickley was added up front and held the ball up well and linked the play. However Warne later followed a through ball and charged down the keeper with the rebound going in for her hat trick. It was one way traffic now and Christchurch could have had a hatful with Gosling and Devlin terrorising the right hand side of the field. Resolute defending and great goalkeeping from the reserve keeper after the starting goalie was sent off for bringing down Warne after she skipped past her kept the score respectable.
Christchurch Mason, Weir, Vincent, Toal, Gosling, Devlin, Robinson, Gilbert, Nilsen, Warne, Awdas, Stickley, Madkour
By Mark Lowe

Friendly
Christchurch v AECC
Match Result: 3 – 3
Christchurch playing good quick two touch football in an around AECC half however on counter attacks AECC also look dangerous. Hard work paid off when Christchurch got off the mark after 20 minutes through Madkour. A few wide shots from Christchurch came in before the half time whistle but nothing else to beat the AECC keeper.
Second half and Christchurch were caught on the back foot with AECC scoring twice in the first 10 minutes after the break to go 2-1 up. Just as Christchurch started to get on top AECC scored again against the run of play to make it 3-1. Christchurch kept calm and were rewarded with a goal in the 80th minute again from Madkour to make it 3-2 to AECC with 10 minutes to go. Christchurch kept pressing and their hard work paid off as they pulled one back to make through a headed finish from Stickley. With five minutes to go it was anyone's game. Christchurch continued to work hard and with AECC tiring looked like they may pinch it but AECC were able to hold on for a draw. Both teams work hard and both played some fantastic football.
Christchurch: Weir, Payne, Mason, Gossling, Gomez, Devlin, Curtin, Madkour, Awdas, Stickley, Maierhofer, Robinson
Abbie Awdas

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY WOMENS LEAGUE 1
QK SOUTHAMPTON v CHRISTCHURCH
MATCH RESULT: 7 – 1
A visit to QK Southampton is always eagerly anticipated and this one didn’t disappoint, physical opponents, plenty of goals and the sunshine always makes things better.
QK started off quickly and caught Christchurch off guard with a goal in the first 2 minutes via a long ball and a finish into the bottom right corner. QK continued to press and keep the pressure on Christchurch threatening goal on a few more occasions. After a few minutes the game started to even out and Christchurch build up pressure, with Warne, Nilsen and Awdas all threatening the goal. QK then stepped up another gear and scored 4 goals one being a tap in, one a penalty and the third and fourth finished into the top right corner from balls played over the top. Christchurch pushed before half time and were rewarded with a well deserved goal from Weir shooting from the edge of the area and finding the bottom left corner.
HALF TIME 5-1
Half time substitution saw Weir replaced by Toal
QK came out strong after the break and were rewarded when the ref awarded a free kick and a goal was scored directly from this. At 56 minutes Christchurch came close again, a corner came in from Stickley and Warne climbed high and headed just wide. Minutes later Madkour went on a mazy run passing 4 QK players and got a shot off which was saved by the Goal keeper. QK were pressing and Christchurch was really being tested. Second half goal keeper Mason made several vital saves but was unable to do anything about QK 7th when they beat the offside trap to go through and score. For the last quarter of the game Christchurch deserved a goal or two creating numerous chances and looking the more energetic with the introduction of Kretz on 65 mins for Warne and Gomez on 70 mins for Nilsen. The score line was not reflective of the game, a valiant effort by the Christchurch girls!
Christchurch: Stickley, Payne, Mason, Weir, Gossling, Madkour, Devlin, Awdas, Curtin, Warne, Nilsen, Toal, Kretz, Gomez
Hannah Vincent

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY WOMENS DIVISION 1
CHRISTCHURCH v PORSTMOUTH UNIVERSITY
MATCH RESULT: 3 – 2
After a friendly game last week against the AECC team Christchurch were looking to develop the positive aspects of last week’s draw.
Christchurch continued their upbeat play with high tempo from the start against the Portsmouth University side, Christchurch dominated much of the possession and the hard work quickly paid off in the 23rd minute with a crossed ball from Madkour and a goal finished with precision by Warne. Christchurch then took their foot off the pedal, enabling Portsmouth to fight back. Portsmouth then started to move the ball around quickly in the middle of the pitch and then playing wide, this tactic eventually paid off with the university side drawing one back.
Warne and Stickley nearly got lucky on several inaccurate quickly taken short goal kicks from the opposition and were unlucky not to convert these opportunities. Portsmouth still playing with confidence scored a second goal just before half time.
After half time Christchurch knew that the game was there for them to win but they would need to pick up the tempo and play as they had been before Portsmouth scored their first goal. The university side continued to use their wide players but Gossling and Payne remained solid in defence putting in many successful tackles to cut off the runs down the line. Warne then made a run which saw her take the ball around four members of the opposition before beating the keeper and scoring a well deserved goal for Chistchurch in the 70th minute.
This goal further boosted playing confidence for Christchurch and the ball rarely crossed into their own half. In the 85th minute Awdas seized the opportunity to secure a goal from 25 yards leaving the Portsmouth’s goalkeeper unable to save the ball as it powered into the top left corner. Christchurch were able to hold onto the lead in the remaining 5 minutes for a well deserved win.
Christchurch: Weir, Gossling, Mason, Toal, Payne, Madkour, Gomez, Awdas, Curtin, Warne, Stickley
Amber Madkour