CFY 4-2 Stubbington

CHANDLERS FORD 4-2 STUBBINGTON

19.3.05 – FRIENDLY

On this bright, sunny morning this match began at a high tempo with the ‘A’ Division side Stubbington dictating the play. Early on the visitors were creating chances for the two front men who were full of pace and were causing problems for the Chandlers Ford back three of Hurst, Bromhead and Godfrey.

A lofted ball found it’s way through to the Stubbington number 9 who managed to break the offside trap and he ran on through before tapping the ball past the keeper Lee Robertson and tapping into an empty net. Stubbington raised into an early 1-0 lead with this finish and they were on top for the majority of the first half.

However CFY bounced back mid-way through the half when Jozef Montigue was pushed to the ground in the area by both the goalkeeper and fullback. The penalty was awarded and Matt Lucas stepped up to fire in his second penalty in two consecutive games.

Just before the half-time whistle Stubbington took the lead once more as the ball was scrambled over the line, Stubbington capitalised as CFY failed to clear the ball.

HALF TIME – CFY 1-2 Stubbington

Chandlers Ford came out into the second half playing more attacking football and despite being a goal down they were full of confidence and pushing for the equaliser at every opportunity.

The score was still 2-1 until about twelve minutes from the end when CFY’s sustained pressure finally paid off. Nathan Feltham got the equaliser when he rifled a left-foot shot goal wards and the power on the ball was just too much for the goalkeeper to keep out. 2-2.

Reece Middleton had a glorious chance for CFY to take the lead when he powered his way through the Stubbington defence and was left one on one with the keeper only to see his shot fantastically tipped wide for a corner kick.

Chandlers Ford just kept coming at the tired Stubbington defence, and Feltham’s goal gave the side the momentum needed to continue the fight-back. Captain Sabri Elmasri skilfully found a way past the Stubbington defenders before sidestepping the keeper and shooting his side into the lead for the first time in the game. 3-2.

Right before the end man of the match Matt Lucas wrapped the game up when he tapped the ball home from close range to grab his second goal of the game and to complete a magnificent fight back.

Lee Robertson made a great save with his foot towards the end of the game and his defence in front of him battled away to ensure the game was theirs. The team spirit was superb and everyone played their part in this win against an ‘A’ Division side. In particular Robbie Hurst had a great game at right back, John Ruis gave everything he had and made a number of brilliant tackles to protect the defence. Matt and Sabri controlled the midfield especially in the second half and Joe never stopped chasing and putting pressure on the Stubbington defenders.

FULL TIME – CFY 4-2 Stubbington