SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

CHRISTCHURCH v ALRESFORD TOWN

MATCH RESULT: 2 – 0

GOAL SCORER: SAM GRIFFIN (2)

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

SUBS USED:

COLIN DAND
JOE KITTLE
RUSSELL COOK

A goal in each half from the lively Sam Griffin gave Church the 3 points they required to finish in their highest ever league position and also amass 85 points which is 7 more than they have ever achieved but it was far from straightforward against an energetic and youthful Alresford side.

Church started nervously and it was the visitors who had the first effort on goal on 6 minutes when a cross shot was tipped over the bar by Jason Collins. Shortly after Church should have taken the lead when Sam Griffin set up James Burden who was denied when the keeper saved with his legs. Alresford were passing the ball neatly and had pace a plenty but lacked in the final third and it was Church who took the lead on the half hour mark when Griffin headed home a Mark Smith corner. This should have settled Church down but it was still the visitors who had the majority of possession and manager Graham Kemp must have been grateful to hear the half time whistle.

Again Church started the second period slowly but on 50 minutes Griffin was denied a second goal by a brilliant save by the keeper who injured himself in the process but Griffin was not be denied and in the very next minute he was put through by a superb Mark Smith pass and he finished sweetly. Alresford continued to play their part but with Adam Costello in impressive form there was no way through and it looked only a matter of time before further goals came but the nearest was a turn and shot from substitute Russell Cook that rattled the crossbar.

Well what more can be said. From all at the club many congratulations to Graham Kemp, his assistants, the players and lets hope that the season is ended in some style with bringing back the Sydenhams League (Wessex) cup to Hurn Bridge on Monday.

Donners

RUSSELL COTES CUP FINAL (SPONSORED BY HAROLD G WALKER SOLICITORS)

CHRISTCHURCH v BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS

MATCH RESULT: 0 – 2

Christchurch started the brighter of the two sides that were attempting to see their names engraved on the Hampshire Football Association Russell Cotes Cup for the first time. Bemerton were competing in their second successive final having lost to Newport last season whilst Christchurch were in their first final for ten years.

Christchurch almost opened the scoring in the first ninety seconds Russell Cook seeing a long range effort dipping just over the bar. Despite having started the brighter though Bemerton were the first side to find the back of the net on six minutes. Skipper Jack Slade arriving at the near post to divert a header from Joe Sanger corner past Christchurch goalkeeper Jason Collins.

Adam Costello went close to equalising for Christchurch on fifteen minutes seeing a header saved by Bemerton goalkeeper Fred Toomer, whilst a minute later Collins was quickly off his line to deny Neil Williams. Christchurch’s Callum Burt saw a half volley go narrowly wide on nineteen minutes, then a low driven shot from James Burden saw his effort beat Toomer but rebound back off the upright on twenty three minutes.

Two minutes later Christchurch hit the woodwork again when Ben Osborne saw a shot strike the top of the bar. Bemerton had a breakaway attack on twenty six minutes Danny Young slipping the ball past Collins who was adjudged to have impeded the onrushing Bemerton player, Collins received a caution whilst the resultant free kick from Slade was blocked by the Christchurch defensive wall.

The last chance of the first half was a left foot drive from Christchurch’s Dan Taylor that was just wide of the target.

Christchurch also produced the first attempt in the second period, Mark Smith firing a shot wide of the target on fifty-one minutes, Smith then turned provider two minutes later when his flighted cross into the area was missed by everybody trying to add the finishing touch.

Cook saw a curling shot pushed away by Toomer on fifty-seven minutes as Christchurch tried to get their equaliser. On sixty-two minutes Bemerton Joe Sanger turned inside his defender but Collins was again quickly off his line to thwart the striker with Costello covering for his keeper.

On sixty four minutes James Burden set up Cook, but the striker could not get the ball out from under his feet and only managed to drag his shot wide of the target.

Bemerton then added a second goal on seventy minutes. Again Slade was the scorer and as Christchurch failed to clear their lines, Slade’s shot with the help of a deflection nestled in the corner of the Christchurch net.

Smith saw a shot saved by Toomer on seventy two minutes after being set up by Cook, Marc Fairbrother and Ben Osborne, the rebound from Toomer’s save was met by a shot from Burden that went wide.

Sanger hit the post for Bemerton on eighty one minutes as they tried for a third goal the final chance of the evening falling for Christchurch substitute Harry Cornick who saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by Toomer.

Bemerton ended the evening victorious for their first Russell Cotes Cup trophy.

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

CHRISTCHURCH v MONEYFIELDS

MATCH RESULT: 3 – 0

GOAL SCORERS: BEN OSBORNE (2), SAM GRIFFIN

1. JASON COLLINS
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAN TAYLOR
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. JAMES BURDEN
7. MARK SMITH
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. RUSSELL COOK
11. SAM GRIFFIN

SUBS USED:

PAUL ROBERTS
HARRY CORNICK

A feisty match which at times threatened to get out of control was effectively decided just before half time when the visitors had their goalkeeper sent off and in addition a penalty awarded and converted by Church.

Moneyfields had the better of the opening exchanges but it was Church who had the first two efforts on goal on 5 and 7 minutes when firstly from a Mark Smith corner skipper Dan Crutchley headed back across goal and Adam Costello headed over the bar and then Ben Osborne from a Sam Griffin cross put his shot over the bar. The game settled down with both sides cancelling each other out but then on 36 minutes Griffin played a major part in the opening goal as his shot was saved by the keeper and then just after this he set up Osborne who netted from 15 yards with a neat right foot shot. Four minutes later came the sending off and the penalty. A series of errors by the visitors defence resulted in the keeper fouling/pulling the shirt of Russell Cook when they both went up for a bouncing ball and whilst seeming harsh acting by the strict rules once the referee awarded a penalty he had no alternative but to dismiss the custodian. There then followed a lengthy delay with much arguing and a substitution being made before Osborne stepped up to neatly convert the spot kick and in the process much to the delight of the writer scored his 30th goal of the season.

It was Moneyfields who started the second period brightly and might have scored on a couple of occasions but weak finishing let them down and it was not until the 81 st minute that Jason Collins had a save to make. In the interim Church were using the flanks to attack to good affect and could have increased their lead on a number of occasions as both Marc Fairbrother and James Burden came close. The introduction of the lively Harry Cornick and the much travelled Paul Roberts brought both pace and skill to the game and it came as no surprise when Griffin netted in injury time with a curling shot.

So the 4th position is in our hands but 3rd is in GE Hambles but where ever we finish manager Graham Kemp and his team can be proud of their efforts setting a new points record and also the small matter of TWO cup finals. Well done indeed!!

MAN OF THE MATCH: BEN OSBORNE

Donners

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

ALTON TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 0 – 5

GOAL SCORERS: DAN TAYLOR(3), DAN CRUTCHLEY, JAMES BURDEN

1. JASON COLLINS
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. CALLUM BURT
7. JAMES BURDEN
8. SAM GRIFFIN
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. RUSSELL COOK
11. DAN TAYLOR

SUBS:

COLIN DAND
HARRY CORNICK

On a grey drizzly day the Christchurch men travelled to Alton hoping to carry on their current great form with Mark Smith and Marc Fairbrother unavailable Kempy moved David Legg back to left back and club captain Dan Crutchley was back in at centre back, Dan Taylor moved up to left midfield and Sam Griffin went right midfield.
Church got off to a good start putting Alton under pressure from the kick off, in the first 10 mins Sam Griffin crossed a few great balls beating the Alton left back easily, chances were coming thick and fast but as we have seen too many times this season great chances were not taken but on 20 minutes in a break from an Alton corner, James Burden passed the ball to Sam Griffin again beating the defender and crossing a great ball for Dan Taylor to run onto and score

Half Time: 0 – 1

The second half saw Alton come out fighting and in the first 10 minutes they put Church under some pressure, but again Christchurch showed their quality soaking up pressure and then attacking in force, a corner was the result and another good delivery from Sam Griffin was met by a great header from Dan Taylor. Taylor without doubt had a taste for goals now and it wasn’t long before his sheer determination showed as he battle through two players and the Alton keeper to gain his hat-trick by tapping the ball pass them and into the net. The Church men now knew more goals were there to be had and Dan Crutchley’s goal came from another corner flicked on by Osborne to give the Church captain an easy tap in 4-0 ! The goal of the game came from James Burden, hit from 25 yards out he drilled the ball into the corner of the Alton net, the keeper had no chance. These goals were much needed to help with our goal difference tally.

Full Time: 0 – 5

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

CHRISTCHURCH v WINCHESTER CITY

MATCH RESULT: 1 – 1

GOAL SCORER: DAN THOMPSON

1. Jason Collins
2. Dan Thompson
3. Dan Taylor
4. David Legg
5. Adam Costello
6. Callum Burt
7. Mark Smith (Capt)
8. Marc Fairbrother
9. Ben Osborne
10. Russell Cook
11. Sam Griffin

Subs:

Dan Crutchley
James Burden
Martin Harris
Harry Cornick
Colin Dand

In a game that was a superb advertisement for the Sydenhams Premier League honours were even and both sides can be pleased with the point. The players from both sides should take credit for wanting to only play football, there were no histrionics, there was little berating of the referee, nobody was making rash challenges, though there were plenty of full blooded tackles and the respect from both teams was impeccable. It was the quickest 90 minutes of football I have watched all season; you could not take your eyes off the game as both sides went after the win, if only it was always this way!!!!

As with many games the early exchanges were nothing more than sparring and despite a penalty appeal from Winchester after ten minutes, which was declined, the defences and midfield were snuffing out any real attempts on goal from either side. Church had the first real attempt on goal after 22 minutes when Cook manoeuvred himself some space on the edge of the area and his low right foot shot beat the goalkeeper, hit the post, came back and hit the goalkeeper on his back and somehow he managed to claw the ball into his body before Osborne could follow up. It was on the 37th minute that Winchester took the lead, Church could not clear the ball from around the edge of their area, it fell to the number 10 Allen who cut the ball back onto his left foot and found the bottom left hand corner of the net with a low curling shot, giving Collins no chance in goal.

Half Time 0 – 1

The second half started out like the first though with Church playing to their favourite end they were now starting to press more in search of an equaliser but it was Winchester who had the first meaningful chances, on the 54th minute Przespolewski shot wide from a good position and then on the 57th minute Collins had to be alert at a corner and made a good punch to clear the ball away from danger. Church came straight back at Winchester and in the space of five minutes Fairbrother put in two great balls into the box which just evaded the Church strikers but is was a sign of things to come. Church got a corner on the right in the 66th minute which Smith sent over to the far post, the ball landed at Thompson’s feet and he hit the ball into the net from 8 yards, it was no more than Church deserved. The game was very even again until the last five minutes when both sides had a great chance to win the game, firstly Winchester caused some anxiety in the Church area which led to the ball being superbly cleared off the line by Legg and then almost with the last kick of the game Osborne headed back across the edge of the Winchester penalty area to Griffin who hit a first time volley so sweetly but it went straight at their keeper Anderson who saved well.

Full Time: 1 – 1

Winchester could not get the three points they needed to win the league and Church got a valuable point in their quest to record their highest league position and points total. Winchester will be hoping they can clinch their title at home against Hamble and Church will be hoping they can take points off one of their closest challengers.

Man of the Match: David Legg

Mark Duffy

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

FAREHAM TOWN v CHRISTCHURCH

MATCH RESULT: 0 – 2

GOAL SCORERS: BEN OSBORNE, RUSSELL COOK

1. JASON COLLINS
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAN TAYLOR
4. DAVID LEGG
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. CALLUM BURT
7. MARK SMITH (CAPT)
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. RUSSELL COOK
11. SAM GRIFFIN

SUBS:

MARTIN HARRIS
JOE KITTLE
HARRY CORNICK

Kempy can be proud of his Men yet again after another gritty performance!

With their captain away Dan Crutchley , Christchurch lined up with a defence which must have been the smallest back four in the league, only in stature but as was proved to be the case not in heart. David Legg moved inside to partner Adam Costello with Dan Thompson and Dan Taylor as full backs!

Church got off to a great start with a goal coming on five minutes from Cook, who having received the ball from a throw in neatly turned his man and got his shot off from the edge of the area, which went through plenty of legs before hitting the net.
Fareham came back at Church but the defence stood firm with good talking between each other and some great covering. The concern was always going to be set pieces as Fareham were a big team but Jason Colins was outstanding and he made some great saves, however, Church were the better side in difficult conditions with a swirling wind and a hard bobbly pitch .

Half time 0-1

The second half saw Fareham starting brightly Collins again proving why he has the Church No. 1 shirt with some fantastic goal keeping, but Christchurch battled on and soaked up the pressure and around the 70th minute a great cross from Dan Taylor was finished by Ben Osborne to make it 2-0 Church. All three substitutes were introduced over the following 10 minutes and with the introduction of Harry Cornick to the game gave the Christchurch side no less than seven players that have progressed through the Christchurch youth set up!
The Church men have become a versatile side and their growing belief in their own ability is showing in every performance, with a big game on Tuesday against the league leaders, Winchester City, it is great to see the team spirit is very positive and we can approach the game with confidence and belief. A record points haul is very much within our grasp and with the defeats at the weekend for Hamble and Bemerton Heath Harlequins, a positive result against Winchester could lead to a final league position that we thought we could only dream about. Keep it going lads you all deserve the rewards waiting for you!
Management and players alike

WELL DONE

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

CHRISTCHURCH v HAYLING UNITED

MATCH RESULT: 2 – 1

GOAL SCORERS: BEN OSBORNE, RUSSELL COOK

1. JASON COLLINS
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. CALLUM BURT
7. MARK SMITH
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. RUSSELL COOK
11. SAM GRIFFIN

SUBS:

DAN TAYLOR
MARTIN HARRIS
JOE KITTLE

It was another 3 points for Church as they recorded their 5th straight league win against a tough and determined Hayling side who belied their lowly league position by playing neat football on a firm but flat playing surface at the Bridge.

Church were quickly into their stride and after 12 minutes a Sam Griffin run and cross, Mark Smith chipped the ball into the area where leading scorer Ben Osborne ended his baren spell with a neat header to put the home side in the lead. It was very nearly two in the next minute when from 5 yards Russell Cook was unable to get sufficient power in his shot which was saved by the keeper. Osborne was now brimming with confidence and after a neat build up down the left hand side his curled shot from 18 yards was narrowly over the bar. Little was seen of the visitors attack at this stage but they were passing the ball well in midfield but Church were in the ascendancy and in the space of a minute they came close twice to increasing their lead. Firstly the lively Griffin nearly forced an own goal and then a Smith free kick went just over the bar. It looked as if Church would rue their missed chances as after 41 Hayling equalised when a 20 yard shot took a deflection leaving Jason Collins with no chance of a save. The very next minute Church nearly re took the lead when Russell Cook had a shot saved at the foot of the post.

For the first 25/30 minutes of the second half Church were camped in the visitors half but time after time they tried to take one pass too many but after 75 minutes a Smith left foot shot was brilliantly saved by the keeper and the winning goal came from the resulting Smith corner. The ball went in low to the near post where Cook got the final touch although Smith was of the opinion it went straight in and even Osborne was claiming the goal!! This being Church though this was not the end of the excitement as although little had been seen of the Hayling as an attacking force in the second period they nearly equalised on 82 minutes due to a defensive mix up but the ball was scrambled away. The play then became quite physical with a number of bookings for the visitors and they also had a player sent off 5 minutes from the end, though on that occasion they could count themselves a little unlucky.

Manager Graham Kemp would be pleased with the performance but with difficult games to follow he must be a little concerned with the over elaboration near to goal but three points is what counts at the business end of the season and more of the same will be very welcome as the season nears its climx.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

MARK SMITH

Donners

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)

CHRISTCHURCH v BRADING TOWN

MATCH RESULT: 1 – 0

GOAL SCORER: DAN CRUTCHLEY

1. JASON COLLINS
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. CALLUM BURT
7. MARK SMITH
8. SAM GRIFFIN
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. RUSSELL COOK
11. JAMES BURDEN

SUBS:

JOE KITTLE
MARC FAIRBROTHER
MARTIN HARRIS
DAN TAYLOR

A solitary first half goal by inspirational skipper Dan Crutchley was sufficient to give Church all 3 points against a dogged and at times physical Island side.

Church started brightly and on seven minutes a Russell Cook cross was pushed out by the keeper and Mark Smith following up was denied by a defender blocking his shot. James Burden then had a shot saved and the inevitable goal arrived after 18 minutes when a Smith free kick was headed in by CRUTCHLEY. This was really the last action of note in the first half as whilst the visitors had good possession they did not really trouble Jason Collins in the home goal and Church were also lacking in the final third.

Early in the second half it looked as if Cook was to increase the Church lead but trying to lob the keeper resulted in a save and then around the hour mark on three occasions Church came close to scoring. Firstly from an excellent Smith free kick Adam Costello missed the ball completely and then twice Cook showed his pace and strength getting away from the visitors defence but unable to apply the finishing touch. Little was seen of Brading as an attacking force but as so often happens their one big chance arrived on 65 minutes when a cross from the left went straight across the goal and a despairing lunge just missed the ball. Brading had a player sent off after 74 minutes for 2 yellow cards and the introduction of Joe Kittle for Church brought some physicality to their game and he was unlucky not to net on 86 minutes when his header was well saved. Brading did force two corners in injury time but these were well defended.

Not the best of performances but at this stage of the season its all about three points and manager Graham Kemp can be pleased with keeping a clean sheet for the second game on the trot and the solid way his defence performed.

MAN OF THE MATCH: DAN THOMPSON

Donners

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)
CHRISTCHURCH v BLACKFIELD AND LANGLEY
MATCH RESULT: 1 – 0

GOAL SCORER: CALLUM BURT

1. JASON COLLINS
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. CALLUM BURT
7. MARK SMITH
8. MARTIN HARRIS
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. JAMES BURDEN
11. SAM GRIFFIN
SUBS USED:
JOE KITTLE
JACK LOVELL

Christchurch showed all their battling spirit to come away with all 3 points against a home side who on this display it is hard to understand their lowly league position thanks to an early goal of the highest quality.
Blackfield had the first effort on goal on three minutes forcing Jason Collins to concede a corner but it was Church who opened the scoring after nine minutes with a superb goal in their first attack. Mark Smith played a ball into the penalty area which was headed on by Ben Osborne to Callum Burt who still had a lot to do but he fired an excellent dipping shot into the net from an acute angle. This was more or less the last effort Church had on goal in the first 45 minutes as they had to endure a torrid spell that lasted to half time. Shortly after the goal Collins was forced into another save again conceding a corner but it was after 25 minutes when they came closest to equalising. A snap shot from some 35 yards hit the post with Collins beaten and five minutes after this after a strong run left an attacker with a clear sight of goal but he shot well wide. But survive to half time Church did thanks to a concerted effort by everybody.
The second 45 minutes was a much closer contest with Blackfield having Warren Hunt sent off on 65 minutes for a bad challenge on Mark Smith but despite the home side's
physical advantage in the air Church stood firm with Adam Costello and the injured David Legg shining and when called into action Jason Collins did all that was expected of him . Action in both penalty areas was minimal due to the strength of both defences but in injury time Costello showed remarkable coolness under pressure to ensure the win.
Church have come through a difficult last 4 games with 4 wins to their name against Downton, Bemerton, Romsey and Blackfield and in each of these games they have had to show different qualities to ensure these victories and manager Graham Kemp and his back room boys must be congratulated on this. A top 4 place in the league is still achievable and also there are the 2 cup finals to look forward to. Well done indeed.

Donners

SYDENHAMS PREMIER LEAGUE (WESSEX)
CHRISTCHURCH v ROMSEY TOWN

MATCH RESULT: 2 – 1
GOAL SCORERS: DAN CRUTCHLEY, SAM GRIFFIN

1. JOE PRODOMO
2. DAN THOMPSON
3. DAVID LEGG
4. DAN CRUTCHLEY (CAPT)
5. ADAM COSTELLO
6. CALLUM BURT
7. DAN TAYLOR
8. MARC FAIRBROTHER
9. BEN OSBORNE
10. JAMES BURDEN
11. SAM GRIFFIN
SUBS:
JASON COLLINS (G/K)
COLIN DAND
HARRY CORNICK
MARTIN HARRIS
JACK LOVELL

Whilst not being as impressive as the performance at Bemerton on the weekend the result was all that mattered and the 3 points gained put Church in a strong position to challenge for a top four finish.

The visitors started well and could have opened the scoring without a Church player having touched the ball but it was the home side who took the lead against the run of play on 13 minutes with their first real meaningful attack. A Marc Fairbrother shot was deflected by a Romsey defender into the path of skipper Dan Crutchley who finished like a seasoned striker from 6 yards. However the lead did not last long as 3 minutes later the lively Ryan Long netted for Romsey after being put through on goal. It was the visitors who looked more likely to take the lead as they were passing the ball well as after 32 minutes a shot was deflected just wide and then on 38 minutes following a free kick a shot went over the Church bar.
At half time due to an injury to Church keeper Joe Prodomo, Jason Collins took over in goal for Church but the writer and the chairman did not notice this for at least 15 minutes – apologies all round!! – but this does go to show you how well the Church back four were playing. The winning goal when it came on 62 minutes was well worth waiting for as it was the result of the pass of the match by the hard working Ben Osborne which set Sam Griffin free on a run to goal. He still had a lot to do but he kept his cool and beat the keeper with ease. The remainder of the game was dominated by the defences as neither keeper was unduly troubled although in injury time the visitors forced 2 corners in quick succession but both of these were stoutly defended.
So with just over a month remaining of the season Church are involved in 2 Cup finals and in with a fighting chance of a top 4 finish. Well done to the management team and all the players, a superb achievement.

MAN OF THE MATCH: ADAM COSTELLO.

Donners