Excellent Evens Bags 4

CFY 7-1 Lee Rangers

Mid Solent U14 B League – 29th September 2007

Two back to back big wins for Chandlers Ford now sees the club up to 3rd in the table.

Today was the perfect performance to build on the 8-2 win over Stubbington last weekend, and it was all about one young striker – Alex Evens.

Alex played his heart out for the team this morning with four tremendous goals to set his side on their way to a dominant victory.

CFY went 1-0 up through Evens who beat the offside trap to fire past the keeper from the edge of the area with a powerful strike into the bottom left hand corner.

It was soon to be 2-0 as Josh Harrigan stroked home a free kick from range into the top corner with a floated right foot effort. A quality strike.

With Lee rarely troubled and the defence in control, Ford were able to push forward in numbers to control the game and keep Rangers inside their own half.

Netting his second of the day, Evens volleyed home with an excellent finish, a real strikers goal inside the penalty box to punish some wayward defending from the visitors.

To cap off a brilliant start to the game, Michael Sawbridge finally got the goal that his performance merited as he bundled home a parry from his left foot blast that the keeper initially kept out.

HALF TIME: CFY 4-0 Lee Rangers

Michael Sawbridge was given a rest in the second half due to his Tyro Rep trials which took place in the afternoon. Richard was grateful for the way the effort he gave and for putting in a half for him.

This led to Josh Harrigan being pushed up front from defence in order to continue the aerial presence in attack.

The game continued in the same pattern with Chandlers Ford always threatening and looking likely to extending their lead.

Despite several chances and lovely one and two touch passing football to create opportunities, Ford had to wait until ten minutes into the half before they made it four.

Liam Godfrey’s excellent driven corner from the right went all the way through a crowded penalty area before Harrigan kept the ball in to direct the ball goalwards and into the net with the help of a deflection. There was no taking this away from the Josh though!

Continuing his fine form, Alex Evens put in a blistering second half performance to net two superb headers to seal his hattrick goal and then his fourth much to the delight of the home side.

The way the little man took his headers were incredible, to get so much power behind them was amazing, yet alone the finishes. Alex now has seven goals in seven appearances. A superb effort.

Josh probably should have had a hattrick himself with his powerful running through on goal with only the finishes letting him down.

Yet again a top performance and effort from all the boys to send Richard and Neil’s team to a new high.

The passing work in training is paying off. Keep up the good work everyone and lets hope for another win next weekend.

FULL TIME: CFY 7-1 Lee Rangers

Match Photos by Jozef Montigue

Back To Their Best - Up to 4th

Stubbington 2-8 CFY

Mid Solent U14 B League – 22nd September 2007

Chandlers Ford were back to their best, thoroughly outplaying their opponents away from home to help see them rise to fourth in the table.

The first half was fairly even to begin with as Stubbington caused a few problems down the right, however CFY fought for every ball and won their battles extremely well across the park with the kind of hunger and determination that deserves to win football matches.

Getting their just rewards, Michael Sawbridge opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area following impressive short passing.

Michael Wall, who was playing on the left of midfield put in a classy performance tormenting the Stubbington right back all morning and whipping in some dangerous crosses. Wall came close from the edge of the area more than once but snatched at the chances and both flew narrowly wide of the mark.

The Blues were full of energy and seemed to benefit from the two-touch passing worked on in training on Thursday night. David Bromhead a classic example of this with his simple method of getting the ball down and picking the right option.

Alongside him, David Smith looked equally at home in the centre of midfield and did his best for the cause to create his fair share of opportunities for the front men.

Deservedly, Chandlers Ford went 2-0 up through a pumped-up Michael Sawbridge who seemed to thrive on the occasion bursting the net once more with a typical stylish finish.

On the rare occasions that Stubbington did come forward, solid defending from Jake Beattie and Josh Harrigan was more than enough to protect Lee Robertson, ably supported by the two full backs, Liam Godfrey and the superb James Parsonage.

HALF TIME: Stubbington 0-2 CFY

You could not have scripted the next five or so minutes as Michael Sawbridge capped a blistering opening to the second half with three of the best goals you are likely to see in a while. Saying that, Michael seems to finish the same way every time!

Adding to his collection of beautiful strikes from distance, I think his fourth goal was the most special for the composure he showed in front of goal to chip the keeper with real confidence.

One person in particular was sweating each time Michael brought the ball forward as he got nearer and nearer to his double hattrick!

Liam Godfrey was the next to mark his name on the scoresheet to make it 6-0 as he chested down and volleyed home from close range to finish off another well worked move.

It was at this point in the game that the dominance got to CFY a little, as they dropped off the pace and allowed the hosts to get the better of their defence.

With what was probably Lee’s first action in the game, he was unable to stop a red shirt finding the net to make the most of poor defending. The ball bobbled around in the Ford area and with more than three chances to clear the ball, Stubbington came out on top from this scramble.

Following a shot in off the post, proving concentration is needed at all times no matter how many you might be winning by.

Ford restored their six goal lead through Alex Evens who was in the right place at the right time to turn Michael Sawbridge’s effort over the line for his first competitive goal for the club.

Stubbington went on to have a spell of pressure and as a result pulled a second goal back from a throw in, with Lee well beaten from an excellent strike which sailed over Robertson and into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

The best moment was yet to come however as Tom Pope capped an excellent performance with his first ever league goal. David Bromhead raced through on goal but was denied by a smart stop from the keeper who came to the edge of his area to save. Tom followed up with a 30-yard cracker from the right wing, one which he will remember for a long, long time.

This bringing to an end a very positive match from Chandlers Ford Youth. One, which saw every single player make a real difference.

James Parsonage received the man of the match award for a wonderful display at right back, where he was also very positive coming forward with skillful dribbling as he continues to progress at an amazing rate.

Had Richard not been told to substitute Michael for kicking the ball away, who knows how many this young man might have ended up with?

There were too many positives from this performance; it was unreal – now we must build on this to prove we can do it consistently. Well done all.

FULL TIME: Stubbington 2-8 CFY

Match Photos by Jozef Montigue

Joe In Plaster

A little over a week ago now, Chandlers Ford forward Jozef Montigue jumped off the trampoline in his garden over the fence but landed badly and it was later found out that it would prove to be costly.

The next day at school, the pain was unbearable and after a trip to the local A&E it was discovered there was indeed a fracture following the x-rays.

CFY will be without their captain for roughly five weeks, one of these has thankfully already gone as Joe already sat out the Warsash defeat on the first game of the new league season.

It remains to be seen how this injury might effect the opening few games. That said, we are confident in the likes of David Smith, Alex Evens and others stepping up to take their opportunity whilst Joe is out.


Meanwhile, the club have been drawn against AFC Portchester B Under 15's in the second round of the Hampshire Cup on Saturday 13th October 2007.

League Season Begins With Defeat

CFY 1-5 Warsash Wasps

Mid Solent U14 B League – 15th September 2007

This, the first league game of the new season saw Chandlers Ford punished by the Wasps once more. The same match a year ago ended in a similar scoreline.

Chandlers Ford were probably the better team to begin with, with both David Smith and Liam Godfrey coming close in the opening stages. Liam, operating as a centre forward due to Joe breaking his arm last Tuesday, which will keep him out for around five weeks.

However, failing to make the chances count, Warsash were allowed to come into the game and take the lead against the run of play.

Under little pressure, the visitors’ left winger was allowed time and space as CFY defender’s stood off. This proved to be costly as the ball was soon thumped into the roof of the net from way out by the touchline from a hit and hope strike.

Right at the end Liam Godfrey appeared to have found the equaliser, a goal that Ford thoroughly deserved for the way they responded to conceding. However, as Liam broke free into the area holding off his marker and rounding the keeper cleverly to stroke the ball home; the Warsash linesman was determined he saw a hand ball earlier as the ball was brought down.

On the grounds that the linesman had a better view of the incident than the referee, the goal never stood and CFY will perhaps feel a little hard done by. Clearly if the goal was given Ford would have had all the momentum they needed to go on further and kill the game off.

HALF TIME: CFY 0-1 Warsash Wasps

The setback at the end of the first half worked against the home side as they struggled to find their feet in a below par 35 minutes that followed.

It could have been so much better for Ford had David Smith finished the golden opportunity that came his way literally seconds into the second half. Alex Evens played the ball through to his strike partner but with David clean through on goal, it looking easier to score; Smith got it all wrong with a wayward effort.

From here Warsash took full advantage of these couple of missed opportunities from the Blues, as they did the simple things well with short, sharp passing and quick movement.

They were soon 2-0 in front when a weak effort slipped hopelessly through the legs of Lee Robertson in the Chandlers Ford goal.

The heads immediately went down from the home side and Warsash went on, helping themselves really, to a further three goals one of which was a penalty.

Michael Sawbridge was pushed up front in order to restore some pride with ten to fifteen minutes remaining.

Ford all of a sudden looked very lively and dominated all the play to put the Wasps under a whole lot of pressure, Michael producing a number of saves out of the keeper with long range shooting before finally getting a reward for his efforts.

A long throw from Josh was handled in the box and a penalty kick was given. Sawbridge stepping up to coolly slot the ball to the keeper’s left.
Moments later, another dangerous ball into the box was handled in the area leading to another CFY penalty. This time, Michael wasn’t so fortunate as his spot kick was saved extremely well.

There were still chances even after this and really the score line didn’t tell the whole story on this disappointing start to the new season.

Man of the match – David Bromhead

FULL TIME: CFY 1-5 Warsash Wasps

CFY 0-4 Locksheath Lions

CFY 0-4 Locksheath Lions

Pre-Season Friendly – 8th September 2007

Starting extremely well, Chandlers Ford had the better of the first half but could not repeat their performance in the second as they eventually went down by four goals.

Defending very well with James Parsonage and Jake Beattie in particular standing out alongside both Michael’s as well as good goalkeeping from Liam Godfrey, meant Locksheath were unable to find a way through.

CFY looked solid throughout the park in fact, David Bromhead put in yet another glowing performance in the centre of midfield, stringing together nice passes and breaking up the play when he had to also.

Up the front, David and Joe looked sharp linking up well. One move midway through the half saw Montigue hold the ball up before playing the ball through for Smith but following this good move, the shot unluckily, went over the cross bar.

Despite the Lions coming closest with a shot coming back off the cross bar, Chandlers Ford took charge and dealt with everything thrown at them as well as attacking as a unit.

On the stroke of half time, Ford were very unfortunate not to have taken the lead as Michael Sawbridge’s superb, pinpoint delivery from the back, was met by an excellent finish from Joe to lob the keeper and find the back of the net.

The linesman had his flag up for offside however, and it wasn’t to be, though it did look like a tight call.

HALF TIME: CFY 0-0 Locksheath Lions

Ringing the changes at the break to give everyone a chance, unsettled the home team’s momentum having played so well in the first period.

Straight from kick off Lee Robertson, who had replaced Liam in goal, was under fierce pressure and had to block with his legs immediately.

It wasn’t long before Locksheath had gone 1-0 up after just a few attacks on goal. CFY cracked and were unable to stop the pace and liveliness of the visitors strikers.

Ford went 2-0 down, failing to pick up their players from a throw in.

The game went quiet for a bit and Chandlers Ford began to pick up slightly, but Lee soon found himself pulling off a number of saves to keep the score respectable.

As it was, the Lions it has to be said deservedly, went on to score a further two late on.

The score probably doesn’t tell the full story as there was pretty much just the one side in it first half.

All in all, a much-improved result from this time last year when we lost 7-1.

FULL TIME: CFY 0-4 Locksheath Lions

Amazing Fightback, Not Quite Enough

CFY 3-5 Winchester B
Pre-Season Friendly – 6th September 2007

In a game of two halves, this mid-week friendly saw a close game settled in the end by a narrow margin.

CFY will be delighted with the way they fought back in the second half after being largely outplayed in the first, conceding three soft goals.

Ford began brightly however, and probably should have taken the lead well before Winchester opened the scoring.

Probably against the run of play, the visitors were awarded a penalty and this ultimately changed the game from that moment to put Winchester on the front foot.

Michael Sawbridge took the legs of their forward just inside the area, with the referee left no choice but to point to the spot. From the kick, the ball was fired to Lee’s right and into the bottom corner for 0-1.

It got worse for Chandlers Ford as Winchester made the most of their opponents dropping their heads.

A cross coming into the CFY penalty area moments later, saw a well guided header find the back of the net as Winchester stretched their advantage to two goals.

Just before the break, a quick attack saw the Winchester forward break free, before slotting past the advancing keeper.

HALF TIME: CFY 0-3 Winchester B

Winchester continued where they left off finding a fourth goal through a well stuck volley from the right hand side, though it was all about Chandlers Ford in the second half in their superb comeback that deserved a whole lot more.

At four goals down, it appeared the home side were down and out – full credit for the way they worked their way back into the match.

It came with a thunderbolt of a strike to get the ball rolling. Michael Sawbridge stepping up to fire an unbelievable finish into the top corner from way out, past the halfway line, as the centre half was quickest to react to a clearance from a Josh Harragan long throw.

This was a huge relief for CFY and gave them tremendous hope to push on from there, and this is exactly what they did, with tremendous all round effort.

Jozef Montigue helped to pull another back within a matter of minutes. Sawbridge’s dangerous corner from the right made it’s way to the back post and was met by a brave header under pressure from Montigue who got in behind his marker to nod home from close range, bringing the scores even closer.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Montigue continued an excellent second half performance to get CFY to within one goal of being level. A Harragan throw was never dealt with by the Winchester back line, allowing the superb Tom Pope; who was nothing short of exceptional since coming on at the break, to back heel the ball cleverly into the path of Montigue. Joe needed no second invitation as he blasted a fine effort into the top corner from the edge of the area for his second of the match.

Even getting to this stage was a credit to all of the players, but unfortunately the equaliser didn’t come, despite the best efforts.

Ford dictated all the play and pinned their opponents back with chances from Pope, Wall and Beattie all coming close.

A late free kick from Sawbridge out on the right came within a whisker of squaring things up, which would have been a fair reflection on the game had it gone in. It wasn’t to be as the fine long shot brushed sidenetting.

Right in the final few stages, CFY’s tremendous second half display may not have been enough to win the game, but will give every confidence for the season ahead and many positives can be taken from this.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Winchester were awarded a free kick for a foul by David Smith and from it, the visitors found the top corner with a top drawer effort.

Well done all of you, for a tremendous battling performance and for the attitude shown to play your way back into contention.

Men of the match, Tom Pope and Joe.

FULL TIME: CFY 3-5 Winchester B

Ford Crash Back Down to Earth!

CFY 3-7 Ranville Rangers
Pre-Season Friendly - 1st September 2007

After last week's storming win over Totton, Chandlers Ford were handed a reality check this morning at the hands of Ranville Rangers – a side they have beaten in past seasons.

Having gone 1-0 up through a Michael Sawbridge penalty, following a foul on Joe in the area, the visitors hit back quickly with some lovely football.

CFY did however make a good opening to the game, obviously getting the goal from the spot kick to take an early lead but even before then the Blues looked dangerous with the long ball over the top with Montigue and Smith putting pressure on the Rangers back four.

Immediately after, Sawbridge fired home from 12 yards – picking out the bottom left hand corner, captain Josh Harrigan was forced to leave the field with a back injury to unsettle Chandlers Ford defensively.

Unusually, having gone a goal in front, this seemed to work against Ford as Ranville upped their game; passing the ball well and making the most of the space they were allowed to play in, the visitors played their way through to an equaliser with a free-flowing move that resulted in a good finish.

Ford were soon 1-2 down when another well-worked Ranville goal made a mockery of some lacklustre defending.

Straight from the kick off, CFY found an instant reply and came right back into the game when just moments ago it seemed things were heading down hill rapidly. Michael's long ball up the park from centre half, saw the Ranville defence incapable of dealing with the pace and bounce on the delivery allowing Jozef Montigue to run through on goal, out sprint his marker, before slotting past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner to level things up.

Other chances throughout the half saw Michael Wall come close when he ran through from full back to shoot narrowly wide of the post. Miles Hodge who put in a solid display in the centre of midfield, set up Montigue with a fine header. Joe on this occasion was very unlucky to see his flying volley fall just the wrong side of the net.

With time running down, Ranville restored their lead and momentum with a third goal to knock the stuffing out of CFY before the break.

HALF TIME: CFY 2-3 Ranville Rangers

Their was only one side in it really from here on, as Ford had all but given up hope whilst Rangers dominated the play.

Chandlers Ford lost Montigue in the second half, as the goalscorer found himself unable to continue after picking up a knock.

Rangers went on to grab four more goals throughout the remainder of the match, their better use of the ball and passing movements too much to handle for the home side.

Right at the end, Harrigan, who had gone off earlier in the game, had come back on in the second half and looked the most lively player on the park in a blue shirt with brave defending to stop further humiliation, not to mention sending in one trademark long throw after the other; in the final few stages to earn himself the man of the match award.

This pressure from CFY was deservedly rewarded with a goal, Harrigan claiming it with his dangerous throw (better than a corner!), bouncing off the head of a Ranville defender up into the top left hand corner of his own goal in a crowded penalty area to pull it back to 3-5.

Though it was too little too late. Ranville punishing the poor concentration of their opponents still finding time to net their sixth and seventh goals of the day to kill the game off.

FULL TIME: CFY 3-7 Ranville Rangers