CFY give Richard the perfect send off

Chandlers Ford Youth 3-1 East Lodge 'A'

Mid Solent Under 15 B Division – 25^th April 2009

Line up: Liam Godfrey, Jake Beattie, Josh Harrigan, Michael Sawbridge ©, David Kilcoyne, Ahmed Sfagsi, Tom Ashton, Ryan Chinn, David Bromhead, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Zak Pickett, David Smith, Miles Hodge, Kane Kellaway, Kelvin Bagot.

Today was a very sad day for Chandlers Ford Youth - it was the last time the side are likely to play football together again. After thirty-two years of football management, Richard Montigue finally managed his last game and has gone out on top by winning the Championship.

The boys did their coach proud and gave him the perfect send off to add to the fine memories over the years. This was the icing on the cake as his side won six games on the bounce to seal the Mid Solent Under 15 B Division league title to run out champions.

Top goalscorer Michael Wall scored all three goals in a 3-1 win to finish with a fine hattrick and finish the season on 27 goals. His first of the game came as early as the 8th minute when Tom Ashton's stinging shot was too hot to handle. Jozef Montigue made a fair sliding challenge on the keeper when the ball was spilled as he had just one glove on the ball and managed to flick it to his right to provide Michael with the simplest of finishes from close range.

Man of the match Liam Godfrey had little to do, but when called upon as East Lodge looked for the long ball over the top of the defence on the counter attack, Liam did very well as Chandlers Ford controlled the game for the majority.

Unfortunately the 'Warrior' Ahmed Sfagsi, who would run through a brick wall for his team if asked, bravely went up for an aerial ball with an opponent only for the pair to clash heads. Despite battling on for ten minutes, it appeared the tough tackling midfielder came off worse for wear and was unable to continue due to blurred vision and sickness. It was revealed later that Ahmed had to spend hours in hospital as he was checked over for concussion.

Josh Harrigan switched to central midfield whilst David Smith came in at centre half.

Zak Pickett was also struggling through the pain with a bad coccyx and as a result was limited in his participation.

Tom Ashton was a driving force in midfield, as he has been all season and came close with several long range efforts. Wall skipped past three opponents with super skill before driving a 30-yard shot narrowly wide of the upright.

Other than a brief scare wen an East Lodge forward found himself one on one with Godfrey after beating his marker for pace - only to fire over the cross bar with Liam doing just enough to close the angle and put pressure on the shot; the defence led superbly by dominant captain Michael Sawbridge alongside the in-form Jake Beattie (two man of the match awards in a row), Smith and the ever-reliable David Kilcoyne all stood firm to provide a solid base at the back.

Ryan Chinn and Miles Hodge both enjoyed extended run outs for the team and showed nice touches and confidence on the ball when in possession.

HALF TIME: CFY 1-0 East Lodge

During the half time break the visiting keeper verbally abused the referee and threw his gloves at the match official at which point he was promptly shown a straight red card.

His indiscipline meant that East Lodge would have to play out the second half with just ten men. Ironically it was hard to tell that East Lodge were the side with a man down as they piled on the pressure early doors to draw level when a chipped shot slipped through the grasp of second half substitute Kelvin Bagot and into the net.

Thankfully Ford responded and rallied to win the game thanks to two strikes from Wall.

Montigue came so close to making it four as he beat his man before having his shot towards the bottom right hand corner turned away expertly by the goalkeeper for a corner kick, before Michael Sawbridge powered his way through a host of players and into the box only to fire wide of goal.

It's been a great journey and you have all been a pleasure to work with and coach, thanks for the good times and congratulations once again for ending on a high and winning the league - you've all played a phenomenal part and fully deserve your awards.

After the game, the celebrations began with photos taken and trophies being awarded - see the gallery below.

FULL TIME: CFY 3-1 East Lodge

Man of the match: Liam Godfrey

CFY 2-7 Broadway Academy

In this friendly match, CFY took on Broadway Academy and fell behind early on. Finding themselves four goals down midway through the half, Ford finished the half far stronger with more possession and chances. Michael Sawbridge pulled a goal back straight from an in-swinging corner before a hand ball in the penalty area led to Tom Ashton scoring from the spot.

There were no goals for some time after this as the second half saw Chandlers Ford win the physical battle but fail to create much in front of goal. The visitors finished strongly however and scored three goals in quick succession towards the end. Jake Beattie won the man of the match award for the second week in a row after an outstanding performance at right back with a number of important tackles and not putting a foot wrong all game.

Chandlers Ford Youth 2-7 Broadway Academy

Friendly – 18th April 2009

Line up: Kane Kellaway, Jake Beattie, Josh Harrigan, Michael Sawbridge ©, David Kilcoyne, Ahmed Sfagsi, Tom Ashton, Ryan Chinn, David Bromhead, Michael Wall, Miles Hodge.

Subs: Jozef Montigue, Zak Pickett

Man of the Match: Jake Beattie

CHAMPIONS!

Stubbington 6-8 Chandlers Ford Youth

Mid Solent Under 15 B Division – 11^th April 2009

Line up: Kelvin Bagot, Jake Beattie, David Smith, Michael Sawbridge ©, David Kilcoyne, Ahmed Sfagsi, Tom Ashton, David Bromhead, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge, Kane Kellaway.

Needing just three points to seal the title, Chandlers Ford went to Stubbington full of confidence and made the perfect start to the game inspired by Tom Ashton.

Less than a minute into the game, Tom scored a stunning goal as he beat several players with ease before picking out the top corner with a scorching strike from distance.

Moments later, Michael Wall was brought down in the area and the referee awarded a penalty for the foul. Tom stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to double the lead with a confident strike.

Completing a hattrick within the opening ten minutes of the game, Ashton danced his way past his opponents before nearly breaking the back of the net with another quality strike from range for 3-0.

Stubbington pegged Ford back after this blistering start as they caught CFY out on two separate occasions with quick counter attacking football to twice slot the ball past the unprotected Kelvin.

Michael Wall soon put Ford back on the front foot with a superb left foot volley from an exquisite cross from the right. The technique was perfect as Chandlers Ford’s top goal scorer caught the ball full on the volley to lift the ball over the keeper’s head and find the net in style.

The defence of Michael Sawbridge, Jake Beattie, David Smith and David Kilcoyne stood firm against a spell of pressure from the home side towards the end of the half as Stubbington looked to exploit the pace of their forwards with the ball over the top.

HALF TIME: Stubbington 2-4 CFY

The Blues made a very shaky start to the second half as Stubbington forced an early corner and then won a penalty kick soon after as Jake tripped his marker in the box. Kelvin couldn’t keep the ball out as Stubbington came within one goal of drawing level at 3-4.

Zak Pickett continued his goal scoring run of late with a very important strike just when Stubbington were looking dangerously close to getting right back in the game. Wall combined with Zak to set him up and Pickett did all the rest with a tidy finish to make it 3-5.

In this very topsy-turvy end-to-end game focused very much on two attacking sides, Stubbington came back again to make it 4-5.

Captain Michael Sawbridge made his impact felt with a strong presence in the penalty area to keep Ford’s noses in front with two headed goals from corner kicks, whilst Michael Wall rounded off an excellent team move that saw a fine David Bromhead cross headed home leaving the keeper no chance.

Refusing to give up, Stubbington set up a nervy, tense finish for Chandlers Ford who could practically touch the league title they were that close.

This game went right to the wire as the hosts were awarded a second penalty late on for an alleged foul by Kilcoyne, but with the scores at 6-8, Chandlers Ford were relieved and delighted to have held on to their win – the final whistle music to Richard and his side’s ears which signalled CFY had won the league.

After a fantastic season of football and heading the division for so long, Chandlers Ford Youth did themselves proud by finally making the dream a reality, securing the Mid Solent Under 15B League title. Well done to all you boys, this is an absolute credit to each and everyone of you and fully deserved! Each of you are champions in your own right, congratulations!

Ahmed Sfagsi was just overshadowed for the man of the match award by Jake Beattie, but both had terrific games fighting for every ball and battling all the game long.

FULL TIME: Stubbington 6-8 CFY

Man of the match: Jake Beattie

Goals galore - Ford make win look all so easy in storming second half

Chandlers Ford Youth 11-3 Lee Rangers

Mid Solent Under 15 B Division – 4^th April 2009

Line up: Kane Kellaway, Jake Beattie, David Smith, Liam Godfrey, David Kilcoyne, Ahmed Sfagsi, Tom Ashton, David Bromhead, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Ryan Chinn.

Richard was down to the bones of his squad for today’s home game against Lee Rangers, with defenders Michael Sawbridge and Josh Harrigan missing along with Miles Hodge, Kelvin Bagot, and the injured Daryl Winter and Ryan Dennis.

David Smith had to be woken up and driven to the game by his manager just fifteen minutes before the game, otherwise Ford would have been struggling for a back four. As it was CFY were left with just the one sub and Liam was drafted into the defence along side Smith to fill Sawbridge’s absence.

Lee Rangers, who held Chandlers Ford to a 4-4 draw when the sides last met, opened the scoring when the referee overlooked a foul on Michael Wall just inside the penalty area and as play continued, Rangers broke away up the pitch at speed and slotted past Kane.

Jozef Montigue hit back with a quick reply for the hosts following a perfectly-weighted lofted pass over the defence from Tom Ashton. Montigue held off his marker before lifting the ball over the keeper’s head and into the net with a fine finish.

The visitors soon restored their lead much to Ford’s surprise, who once again had to dig deep to draw level. David Bromhead provided that second equalising goal with a lovely left foot volley that gave the keeper absolutely no chance.

For a third time, Rangers again went ahead only for CFY to follow the same pattern and go in at the break on a level footing at 3-3. Ashton became Chandlers Ford’s third scorer of the game when he charged down the Rangers defence in the penalty area before winning the ball and smashing home.

HALF TIME: CFY 3-3 Lee Rangers

Zak Pickett got the home side off to the perfect start early in the second half with two goals inside the space of three minutes. His first saw him weave past a handful of players scrambling into the six-yard box and slotting the ball low to the keeper’s right to put Ford ahead for the first time in the game, and from here they never looked back.

Pickett finished from close range to open up the gap and provide a bit of breathing space at 5-3, before Joe grabbed his second of the game finishing well as Lee Rangers found themselves 6-3 down in the blink of an eye and not really knowing what had hit them.

Chandlers Ford just kept coming and piling on the pressure and just kept finding the back of the net, time after time looking so at ease and in control, showing just why they have been top of the table for so long and favourites to win the division this season.

Ashton scored again, before Michael Wall and Liam Godfrey both got in on the act as well in this ‘goal-difference boosting exercise’ that the game had suddenly become for Richard’s side.

Lee Rangers looked a completely different side this half, uninterested with heads going down after the first couple of goals against them after the restart, and Chandlers Ford capitalised on this punishing their opponents in a goal-blitz rampage in a fifteen minute spell. Kane might as well have had the rest of the game off as he didn’t have a save to make, which he can have his defence to thank for who all just got on with their jobs professionally right to the end.

Liam in particular was a commanding force winning everything in the air, and considering he was drafted in at the last minute to play at the back – his performance was faultless.

Another ‘unsung hero’ was Ahmed Sfagsi who battled away in the midfield constantly and kept possession well when he won the ball.

Both Zak and Tom went on to complete their hat tricks in style with superb strikes. Zak’s was probably the pick of the bunch due to the fine team build up play that saw the ball knocked across the front line from right to left before Pickett controlled expertly before picking out the top right hand corner of goal with a volley of the highest quality.

Man of the match Tom Ashton sealed the win with his third goal and Ford’s eleventh to complete the rout and seal CFY's most comprehensive and high scoring win of the season, before Montigue was denied a hat trick late on for an offside decision against him.

FULL TIME: CFY 11-3 Lee Rangers

Man of the match: Tom Ashton

CFY open up gap at top of league after convincing win over Crofton

Crofton Saints 1-5 Chandlers Ford Youth

Mid Solent Under 15 B Division – 28th March 2009

Line up: Kelvin Bagot, Jake Beattie, Michael Sawbridge (c), David Smith, David Kilcoyne, Liam Godfrey, Tom Ashton, Ahmed Sfagsi, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Kane Kellaway, Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge.

Chandlers Ford maintained their title challenge with back to back wins after putting five past Crofton this morning to build on last weeks 4-2 home victory over Bridgemary Colts.

Jake Beattie and Liam Godfrey returned to the starting line up in the absence of Josh Harrigan and David Bromhead. Both Jake and Liam were arguably the players who shone the most in the opening stages of the game, with Beattie making himself available to support the midfield and cross from the right back position as well his usual no nonsense tackling at the back. Meanwhile Godfrey was full of energy and commitment down the right flank and had a couple of decent opportunities to get on the score sheet.

Richard’s side in red and black had more than their fair share of possession and perhaps should have found a breakthrough earlier in the game for the amount of pressure they had applied.

When the opening goal finally came, it was certainly well worth waiting for. Fantastic football from the visitors saw intricate passing rounded off by Jozef Montigue holding the ball up well and cleverly back-heeling into the path of Tom Ashton, who did the rest with a fine driven shot that had too much on it be kept out.

Ryan Chinn also came close when the ball was worked over to the far side of the penalty area towards the end of the half as Ford continued to knock the ball around to feet with superb fluidity, but his shot flashed wide of goal.

Crofton did threaten on the counter attack a few times, but when they did have the beating of Kelvin, Jake was back to make a vital stop to keep out an otherwise certain goal.

HALF TIME: Crofton Saints 0-1 CFY

Striking early on in the second half gave CFY the confidence and edge that they perhaps needed to go on and secure a convincing win.

Michael Sawbridge had pushed forward into midfield and skipped past his markers as if they weren’t even there soon after the restart before crashing a thunderous strike against the inside of the post. Montigue followed up and drilled a low shot first time into the bottom corner from 18 yards to double his sides lead.

Zak Pickett soon made it 3-0 when he rounded off a good move by connecting with a cross from the right to control well and find the back of the net with a neat half volley.

A moments lapse in concentration saw the hosts break away and beat Kelvin with a low shot from range, before Pickett was at it again to net his second goal of the game in similar fashion to restore the three goal cushion.

The Crofton keeper came under a lot of pressure towards the end of the game with Tom coming within inches of adding to his tally on numerous occasions.

David Kilcoyne netted his second goal in as many games when coming up for a corner and bundling home from close range to complete the scoring and wrap up another good win.

FULL TIME: Crofton Saints 1-5 CFY

Man of the match: Jozef Montigue

King Kilcoyne sets CFY on way to victory!

Chandlers Ford Youth 4-2 Bridgemary Colts

Mid Solent Under 15 B Division – 21^st March 2009

Line up: Kane Kellaway, Josh Harrigan, Michael Sawbridge (c), David Smith, David Kilcoyne, David Bromhead, Tom Ashton, Ahmed Sfagsi, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Jake Beattie, Liam Godfrey, Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge.

Chandlers Ford will remember the last time they played Bridgemary away, just before for Christmas. Bridgemary were bottom of the table at the time and had just ten players on the day yet still went in at the break 2-1 ahead before a Liam Godfrey inspired second half saw Ford turn the game around to win 2-4.

Today’s game was very similar in a lot of ways and resulted in the same score line as Ford maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Bridgemary went ahead fairly early in the game following a defensive error – holding on to the ball for far too long on the edge of the penalty area. This allowed the visiting forward time to put the pressure on, close the ball down and race through to open the scoring. Kane will perhaps feel he could have done better in dealing with the shot however, as it slipped through his grasp.

Michael Wall put CFY back on a level terms with a stunning equaliser smashing the ball into the roof of the net with a lob from way outside the penalty area.

Despite the Blues perhaps edging the game from this point on, it was Bridgemary who went in at the break with the advantage as they restored their lead with the kick of the half. It is one Ahmed will want to forget as he was punished for not clearing the danger inside the six-yard box when he lost possession to the same forward who was let with a simple close range finish.

HALF TIME: CFY 1-2 Bridgemary Colts

The second half proved to be far more productive for CFY as Jozef Montigue got his side back right back into the game within a minute of the restart. An inch-perfect pass to the right found Montigue’s run to precision and from there, Joe did all the rest with a first time strike into the far corner and out of the keeper’s reach.

Montigue came very close again barely a minute later as he forced a finger-tip save out of the Bridgemary keeper to continue to build the pressure.

For the first time in the game, Chandlers Ford took the lead through an unlikely but well-deserved hero. Man of the match David Kilcoyne was clearly delighted as he celebrated his first goal for the club, and rightly so. Reacting first to a loose ball in the box from a corner kick, David stayed very composed to slot the ball home with a neat finish. The celebrations showed just what it meant to him and the rest of the team!

Tom Ashton sealed the win with a late penalty following a blatant hand ball, stepping up from 12-yards and making no mistake.

Locksheath Lions were defeated 4-1 by Ensinger, which means the league title is still in our hands as we have opened up a four-point gap over both second-placed East Lodge and Locksheath, who are now 3^rd, albeit having played a game more.

FULL TIME: CFY 4-2 Bridgemary Colts

Man of the match: David Kilcoyne

Ford crash and burn in League Cup Quarter Final

Chandlers Ford Youth 0-11 East Lodge A

League Cup Quarter Final – 15^th March 2009

Line up: Kelvin Bagot, Josh Harrigan, Michael Sawbridge (c), Liam Godfrey, David Kilcoyne, David Bromhead, Tom Ashton, Ahmed Sfagsi, Zak Pickett, Ryan Chinn, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Jake Beattie, Kane Kellaway, Miles Hodge, Michael Wall.

Chandlers Ford could not handle the sheer quality and passing football of a very strong A Division side, who in reality were streets above CFY as displayed by the final score line.

The game was always going to be tough-going for Richard and Neil's side having already suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat in November to be knocked out of the Hampshire Cup.

David Bromhead came the closest to grabbing a consolation goal for the Blues in the second half following good work by Tom Ashton who delivered a pinpoint cross. David glanced towards goal with a great header that flew just narrowly wide of the upright.

Despite getting plenty of men behind the ball, Ford were unable to deal with the overwhelming pressure and one-way traffic that East Lodge imposed on their goal.

The visitors were also rewarded two penalties, one in either half, perhaps demonstrating some of the frustration from the CFY players. Back to the league next week where a win against Bridgemary will keep us in good shape for the title.

HALF TIME: CFY 0-5 East Lodge A

FULL TIME: CFY 0-11 East Lodge A

Men of the match: Jozef Montigue and Liam Godfrey

Three goals in five second half minutes wins it for Ford

Chandlers Ford Youth 5-1 Stubbington

Mid Solent Under 15 B – 7^th March 2009

Line up: Kelvin Bagot, Josh Harrigan, Michael Sawbridge (c), David Smith, David Kilcoyne, David Bromhead, Tom Ashton, Ahmed Sfagsi, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Ryan Dennis, Jake Beattie, Kane Kellaway.

After the disappointment of losing out to two late goals having been the better side and leading for much of the game last weekend to Locksheath Lions, it was pleasing to see a good response from Chandlers Ford this morning as they hosted Stubbington at Magpie Lane.

A super strike from Tom Ashton sailed over the keeper and into the top corner from all of 25 yards, as CFY got their noses in front in the opening stages.

Keeping a high line the Chandlers Ford defence were playing virtually in Stubbington's half of the pitch as the Blue's camped in their opponents half whilst creating a number of good chances.

On the stroke of half time, Michael Sawbridge fired in a low, stinging free kick that was too hot to handle as the keeper parried conveniently for Michael Wall to follow in well and fire into the back of the net. This doubled Ford's advantage going into the break with a healthy two-goal cushion and gave them a platform to build on.

HALF TIME: CFY 2-0 Stubbington

Richard and Neil's side made a blistering start to the second half with an incredible three goals in the space of five minutes.

First, Wall chased a long ball forward to put pressure on the Stubbington back line and force a defender into an error – who gifted the ball, putting it on a plate for Jozef Montigue, despite the goalkeeper coming a long way out of goal looking to claim it. Joe was able to steer the ball home first time into an empty net from just inside the penalty area to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Ashton bagged his second of the game with another typically classy finish into the bottom left corner barely a minute later for 4-0 before Michael Wall pounced in the six-yard box like all good strikers to net his 20^th goal of the season.

His second and Chandlers Ford's fifth came from a long throw by Josh Harrigan from the right that saw Zak underneath it making a nuisance of himself and posing all kinds of problems with his height that saw the ball drop dangerously in the area for Wall to nip in, pick up the pieces and scramble home in the boggy goal area.

After such a dominating spell, that ultimately killed the game off, CFY perhaps became a little complacent.

Jake Beattie was given his marching orders with a straight red card for lunging in and taking the player. As Jake was the last man and denied a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity he had to go for a professional foul.

This swayed the game and led to a siege of attacks from Stubbington on Ford's goal against their ten men.

Both Kelvin and later Kane when he came on, made decent saves to keep the visitors out and were given good protection from the outstanding defensive work of Sawbridge, Harrigan, Kilcoyne and man of the match David Smith who all did a sterling job in soaking up the pressure, standing firm to everything that was thrown at them.

Montigue battled away in midfield as he was pushed further back following Beattie's dismissal to deal with some of the pressure as he sat just in front of the defence to put in some great tackles.

Meanwhile Michael Wall was unlucky not to come away with a hat trick as he forced an excellent save out of the keeper late on.

Michael Sawbridge headed narrowly wide on a couple of occasions from corner kicks as well before Stubbington eventually grabbed a consolation goal late on.

The win belonged to Ford and deservedly so for taking their chances and attacking so well at the start of the second half, to pick up a much needed three points.

FULL TIME: CFY 5-1 Stubbington

Man of the match: David Smith

Massive setback - Ford throw it away in closing stages at Locksheath

Locksheath Lions 3-2 Chandlers Ford Youth

Mid Solent Under 15 B – 28^th February 2009

Line up: Kelvin Bagot, Jake Beattie, Michael Sawbridge (c), David Smith, David Kilcoyne, David Bromhead, Tom Ashton, Ahmed Sfagsi, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Josh Harrigan, Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge, Liam Godfrey.

The title race has been thrown wide open after long time leaders Chandlers Ford Youth suffered back to back league defeats, missing out on the opportunity to go seven points clear of today's opponents Locksheath Lions.

Chandlers Ford got off to a poor start as the hosts took an early lead through a 25-yard shot that slipped through Kelvin's legs.

Richard's men responded very well and forced an equaliser through leading scorer Michael Wall. It was his 18^th goal in 18 appearances this season to keep up his goal per game strike rate. A long throw on from the right by Josh Harrigan saw Zak Pickett stand his ground well to cause mayhem in the Lions penalty area allowing the ball to drop kindly for Wall who reacted instinctively with a super finish to lob the keeper and draw CFY level.

Last week's man of the match Michael Sawbridge was again a rock in the centre of defence and it was the towering defender who came closest to building on this as Chandlers Ford stepped up their game in search of taking the lead. Michael's long distance free kick from the half way line was hit sweetly and was heading for a goal only for the ball to be pushed up and onto the cross bar by the Lions keeper. Ryan Chinn pounced on the rebound but could only fire against the woodwork from 6 yards out with a powerfully struck volley.

Wall came close to adding to his tally following good build up play from strike partner Jozef Montigue who closed down well, defending from the front, before lifting a good ball through to his left for Michael whose shot was kept out.

Tom Ashton also forced a decent save out of the keeper with a fine attempt from range that had to be pushed away for a corner.

At the half time break the scores were level despite Chandlers Ford edging a closely fought contest.

HALF TIME: Locksheath Lions 1-1 CFY

Ford began the second half very brightly and were soon in control with an overwhelming spell of dominance and one-way traffic on the Lions goal.

The pressure paid off when Michael Sawbridge's lofted cross/shot was curled into the top corner of goal from a tight angle on the far side. Despite a flag up for offside, the referee overruled the Locksheath linesman and awarded the goal.

Josh Harrigan came close as he strode forward from defence and hit a speculative effort that was just an inch too high and this was only the start of what was to come as Ford took charge.

Corner kicks followed one after the other with Ford piling on the pressure and forcing save after save out of the excellent Locksheath goalkeeper who was in truly inspired form.

Ashton and Wall were denied more than once as were a number of Chandlers Ford players in this excellent spell but somehow they couldn't find a way through to get that all important third goal.

The game turned for the worse as CFY were made to pay for not taking their chances and killing the game off in a performance that saw Locksheath on the back foot for so long.

In the final ten minutes it all changed as Ford defended a free kick poorly failing to get out quickly enough and playing four men onside, allowing for a simple finish past Kelvin to square things up and undo all of the hard work in an instant.

It could not have got any worse for the Blues who watched their lead and dominant position in the game diminish into nothing when Locksheath, buoyed by their equaliser which ironically was their first attempt on goal in the half, forced a late free kick and scored again to steal all three points with the last kick of the game.

The defeat was very hard to take having played so well and creating enough chances to win three games let alone one, but the most disappointing fact is the league table which doesn't lie. Following the win, Locksheath are now just one point behind CFY with a game in hand, as are East Lodge who also won with a convincing 6-2 victory over Warsash Wasps. We have it all to do now to ensure we play as well as we can to pick up the points and get back to winning again as soon as possible. It is now out of our hands as we are relying on other results going for us, but the title race is still far from over! Let's come back stronger from this, it is still there for the taking.

FULL TIME: Locksheath Lions 3-2 CFY

Man of the match: Tom Ashton

Video footage and photos by Miles Hodge

Gallery

Back to business! Underdogs Ford beat Crofton 'A' in Cup

Chandlers Ford Youth 2-1 Crofton Saints A

Mid Solent Under 15 B – 21st February 2009

Line up: Kane Kellaway, Jake Beattie, Michael Sawbridge (c), David Smith, David Kilcoyne, David Bromhead, Ahmed Sfagsi, Tom Ashton, Zak Pickett, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Kelvin Bagot, Liam Godfrey, Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge.

Chandlers Ford bounced back from an off-colour league performance last week where they lost 7-0 to Ensinger, proving just what they are capable of and giving manager Richard the response he was looking for.

A solid back line was led superbly by man of the match Michael Sawbridge but collectively as a team the performance from the hosts was excellent. Constant harrying and pressure all over the park with fighting spirit from Joe and Ahmed in the midfield and the non-stop work rate and running by lone striker Michael Wall was pleasing to see as the B League leaders mixed it with a side a division above.

Chandlers Ford opened the scoring midway through the half following a pinpoint in-swinging corner kick from Sawbridge that was volleyed home exquisitely at the back post by David Bromhead.

The Blues were looking comfortable and battled for everything but the visitors got a slice of good fortune to draw level just minutes before the break. Goalkeeper Kane Kellaway looked as though he had the shot covered, and kept it out at the first attempt but the ball rolled backwards and just went over the line.

The second half was more a tight affair, with Crofton having a goal ruled out for offside, but it was Ford who got their just rewards with the winning goal coming into the last ten minutes of the game. Leading goalscorer Michael Wall fired home to secure an excellent victory and seal CFY's place in the next round of the cup.

Embarrassing!

Ensinger 7-0 Chandlers Ford Youth

Mid Solent Under 15 B – 14^th February 2009

Line up: Kane Kellaway, Jake Beattie, Michael Sawbridge (c), David Smith, David Kilcoyne, Liam Godfrey, Tom Ashton, Zak Pickett, David Bromhead, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge.

League leaders Chandlers Ford were played off the park by Ensinger, a side they had beaten 7-1 earlier in the season, as they crashed to a heavy 7-0 defeat.

Looking more like a side at the foot of the table, CFY suffered their most embarrassing defeat yet; this only their second league defeat of the campaign and their first since losing to Warsash on the opening day of the season.

It was one to forget for the Blues who simply did not look interested the moment they went a goal down and it was game over from there.

Fortunately for Richard's side Locksheath Lions lost to Stubbington and with it missed out on the opportunity to close the gap, as Ford remain four points clear at the top of the table but will have to be so much better in the remaining games if they are to stay there. Heads up lads and lets get back on track by playing the way we know we can as a TEAM!

HALF TIME: Ensinger 4-0 CFY

FULL TIME: Ensinger 7-0 CFY

Man of the match: Michael Sawbridge

Hodge the hero! - CFY Miles better in final few minutes to finish off Wasps

Chandlers Ford Youth 5-1 Warsash Wasps

Mid Solent Under 15 B – 17^th January 2009

Line up: Kelvin Bagot, Josh Harrigan ©, Michael Sawbridge, Jake Beattie, David Smith, Liam Godfrey, Tom Ashton, Zak Pickett, David Bromhead, Michael Wall, Jozef Montigue.

Subs: Kane Kellaway, Ryan Chinn, Miles Hodge, Ahmed Sfagsi.

Chandlers Ford were up against the only side to have beaten them in the league this season – Warsash Wasps. The last time these two sides met the Wasps won by a single goal in a high-scoring 5-4 game.

Richard was boosted by the return of Michael Sawbridge from suspension, who came straight back into the heart of defence and led typically well as if he hadn't been away. However Daryl Winter was missing as he has suffered an injury set back and it is feared that the left-sided player could be out for the remainder of the season.

Opting for a 3-1-4-2 formation, Ford looked to attack from the offset.

Michael Wall finally broke the deadlock when played through down the middle before slotting away his fifteenth goal of the season with a cool finish slipping the ball through the legs of the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

The first half was a tense battle between two seemingly even-matched sides despite what the league table says on paper.

Sawbridge had an opportunity at the end of the first half from a free kick close to the corner flag on the far side. Despite the tight angle, Michael went for goal and came close as his effort clattered into the side netting.

HALF TIME: CFY 1-0 Warsash Wasps

Almost immediately after the re-start, the visitors drew level. CFY completely switched off from a corner kick and watched as the ball flew across the six-yard box to an unmarked centre forward at the far post who stabbed home, surprised and thankful for the space he was given.

This goal sparked Chandlers Ford into action and they got back to playing some decent football.

Tom Ashton was instrumental as ever in the centre of midfield and sprayed the ball around well. David Smith and Ahmed Sfagsi didn't stop running as they both provided solid protection to the defence with whole-hearted performances.

The Blues restored the lead when Jozef Montigue bravely met the ball at the edge of the area and rode two challenges from both goalkeeper and defender to get his boot to the ball first and managed to pick out the top left hand corner. This was his tenth goal of the season in fifteen games.

Chandlers Ford perhaps had the better chances but were kept in the game by saves from Kelvin and then Kane Kellaway who came on to keep a clean sheet. Warsash had the ball in the back of the net but the flag went up for offside and this let off saw Ford up their game to try and kill the game off.

David Bromhead and Michael Wall had the better of the chances but still the hosts couldn't make it count as the Wasps held on.

The game could have gone either way with the scores poised at 2-1, that is until a masterful substitution made sure the three points were going CFY's way.

Miles Hodge more than changed the game in the final five minutes making a dramatic impression by scoring a crucial third goal, his first for the club, before going on to set Ford up for a comfortable victory by playing Michael Wall through for his second of the game with a fine assist.

Joe forced a great save out of the goalkeeper with a powerful close range effort that was pushed out, bobbled off Liam and fell to Miles who was in the right place at the right time to charge in and slam home. Cue the celebrations! Sawbridge was so delighted that he ran half the length of the pitch to wrestle Miles to the ground.

Miles was not finished there just yet, oh no. Showing composure, he brought the ball down well before splitting Warsash in two with a killer ball. Michael Wall raced through and slotted home goal number four to continue his record of better than a goal a game.

Richard's side went on to win the game 5-1, with a third goal in a breathtaking three minutes that saw CFY boost their goal difference and more importantly extend their lead at the top of the Mid Solent Under 15 B division by four points.

Liam Godfrey completed the rout with a classy lob over the keeper with virtually the last kick of the game.

FULL TIME: CFY 5-1 Warsash Wasps

Man of the match: David Smith