Winchester Friendly - Goals Galore

CHANDLERS FORD 6-4 WINCHESTER
26.04.07 – FRIENDLY

With the league season finally out the way, Chandlers Ford were able to enjoy a friendly match against a decent Winchester side.

The first half didn’t go the right way for the Blues, who despite having all of the play, lost confidence when they conceded a freak goal due to a defensive mix up.

Montigue had already smashed an early free kick against the cross bar as well as other good chances coming close, before Winchester took the advantage against the run of play.

A long ball forward saw Basker out off his line quickly but miss the ball as it slipped through his legs and into the net.

Winchester went further ahead through a lobbed finish from a very tall centre forward who ran through the defence before hammering the ball home from distance.

Little did we know that CFY could come back from this in an enthralling second half performance.

HALF TIME – CFY 0-2 Winchester

Playing like a completely changed side, Chandlers Ford came out with a tremendous attitude to turn the match around completely.

It was a matter of minutes before CFY had pulled one back through Jozef who reacted quickest in the box to a keeper parry to poke home inside the six yard box.

Nothing could stop Ford now once they had found the breakthrough, and minutes later Winchester watched their lead fade out of sight as Montigue netted a second to equalise with a good finish.

Things just got better and better for Chandlers Ford as they soon completed an amazing comeback with a third goal, in fact the goals didn’t stop coming with Joe wrapping up a very impressive hattrick and two typical strikes from Ryan Chinn making things even more comfortable.

Chinn’s first was a perfect lob from the right, and his second just as good, waiting for a gap before squeezing past a number of players on the line.

At the end, Thorsten netted goal number 6, his thirteenth of the season as he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper, in no man’s land on the edge of his area, to seal a very enjoyable victory.

There was a brief fight back from Winchester who salvaged some dignity with two late strikes.

FULL TIME – CFY 6-4 Winchester

Final Games - Crofton Reports

CHANDLERS FORD 1-4 CROFTON SAINTS
21.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

To begin our third double match of the season, that is two games of twenty-five minutes each way against the same team on the same day, Chandlers Ford were unable to find the same kind of form that they showed in their performances against Whiteley just two days earlier.

Crofton were more than ready for the fight and both teams were more or less playing for fourth spot.

With a great chance to end the season on a high, needing just four points to secure a finish in the top four, however the visitors wanted to win a lot more than CFY and as a result deserved to come out on top.

As soon as Ford had gone a goal down, they almost seemed to drop their heads and lose their confidence.

A second lobbed goal saw Crofton storm into a 2-0 lead going into half time.

HALF TIME – CFY 0-2 Crofton Saints

Similar to the first half, Saints grabbed another two goals in the same style.

A combination of bad defending and the pace of the Crofton strikers being too hot to handle led to silly goals being conceded.

In fact there was absolutely no support given to Karthik with the way his defence would sit too deep playing their opponents on side with every attack.

The only real chance from memory in this match was Jozef Montigue’s goal from a corner, but it was too little too late and nothing but a consolation.

Michael Sawbridge’s corner from the right, was met by Joe who held off challenges from his marker with good strength before hitting on the turn to find the bottom corner and beating the keeper, this his first goal since the Locksheath match, several weeks ago now.

With this slightly disappointing match behind them, Chandlers Ford put themselves at a disadvantage for the second game due to losing this one to give Crofton more confidence going into the final game in this double header.

FULL TIME – CFY 1-4 Crofton Saints

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CROFTON SAINTS 2-1 CHANDLERS FORD
21.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

After the very disappointing first result, and a mini break before the second game got underway Chandlers Ford had a big task ahead of them to try and get three points, or even one to give them the best possible chance of finishing fourth or fifth.

Starting the day, with a fourth placed finish in mind, this goal was pretty much out of the question having lost 4-1, and there was even the thought of ending up finishing 6th, which would be more than likely with another loss.

All credit to Chandlers Ford for the much more spirited and determined display second time around.

It made for a much closer game, and it was Ford who had the upper hand to begin with, having many chances early on.

The best one falling to Jozef Montigue from David Harris’ brilliant cross from the right hand side, but our scorer from the first match failed to beat the excellent Crofton goalkeeper from close range.

There was more early pressure from CFY but they didn’t make the best of their chances and because of this Crofton were able to hit Ford on the break to grab the opening goal of the game.

With this lead, Crofton went on to double their lead just before half time to make Chandlers Ford early possession and good football count for nothing.

HALF TIME – Crofton Saints 2-0 CFY

After the break, Richard’s side again upped their game and tempo and were largely the better side pegging their opponents back into their own half continually.

David Phillips came close when he ran on to a brilliant through ball from the middle but, yet again Crofton’s goalkeeper was out to make an important save and keep his side in the game.

Other chances went astray for Chandlers Ford, with many players working together now, perhaps they had woken up a bit by this point!

Miles Hodge came on and had a very good half to show just how far he has come, along with Tom Pope and others who did well.

In fact the whole side deserve a lot of credit for their character and helping to end the match, our last league game of the season, playing the better football.

The goal that had been a long time coming for Chandlers Ford, came around ten minutes from the end with Robbie Hurst thumping an excellent cross into the box from way out on the right wing. A Crofton defender put the ball past his own goalkeeper, but Robbie claimed the goal and deservedly so. Just try taking it away from him! It was the least he deserved for all his effort.

Crofton became very rattled towards the end, as Robbie’s goal set up a very tense finish, however Ford just couldn’t find another goal despite giving their all.

FULL TIME – Crofton Saints 2-1 CFY

Match pictures by Neil Sawbridge

(Click images for larger size)

Whiteley Double Header

WHITELEY 2-5 CHANDLERS FORD
19.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

A fantastic opening to this double header saw Chandlers Ford get off to the perfect start with a goal inside the first minute.

A hopeful ball forward saw the Whiteley goalkeeper come out of his area and make a mess of the clearance hitting the ball straight against Thorsten Tramischus who fired into an empty net.

Thorsten continued his excellent performance when he added a second goal following Liam Godfrey’s brilliant pass behind the defence where Thorsten looped his shot over the keeper and into the net, another lovely move with a neatly taken finish.

Things just got better and better for CFY. Michael Sawbridge hit an incredible free kick from way out, close to the half way line, which floated beautifully into the top corner leaving the goalkeeper no chance. It seems every goal Michael scores is something special!

Whiteley were simply unable to compete as the Blues continued to dominate and pass their way through to an even bigger lead. Jozef Montigue created goal number four with a clever pull back from the right hand side where birthday boy Liam Godfrey found the back of the net from close range.

Once again, Ford came forward with real purpose and made it count with Montigue making another goal with his second assist as Thorsten poked home his hattrick goal to complete an amazing half of football.

HALF TIME – Whiteley 0-5 CFY

After completely tearing their opponents apart first half, it was almost a completely different story in the second.

The points were already secure, but Whiteley piled on the pressure and grabbed two goals to make the most of some sloppy defending.

Their first came from a break down the left, and after saving the first strike, Karthik couldn’t stop the follow up.

More hard work from the Whites saw them snatch another consolation goal with a lobbed finish to set up a nervy finish to the match.

It proved to be a game of two halves, but thankfully CFY’s fantastic football was deservedly more than enough to grab a very good three points against a team high up the table.

FULL TIME – Whiteley 2-5 CFY

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHANDLERS FORD 1-1 WHITELEY
19.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

The second of this double header saw Whiteley confident from their second half performance in the last match, where admittedly they had the upper hand, to take the same kind of confidence into this one.

Whiteley took the lead early on when Karthik Basker came off his line well but the ball rebounded into the path of the visitors’ forward who found the back of the net from the edge of the area.

They could have gone further ahead, having most of the play, but Basker made some good saves along with the strong defending from Josh Harragan, Robbie Hurst and co.

Fortunately, CFY equalised with their first real strike on goal when Michael Sawbridge scored another wonder goal this time looping a brilliant volley into the top corner to put Richard’s side back in a strong position.

HALF TIME – CFY 1-1 Whiteley

The second half was still very much a close game with nothing between the sides to separate them.

It really was a closely fought tie with both teams going all out in search of a decisive goal.

Chandlers Ford were awarded a penalty midway through the half when Jozef Montigue was pushed in the back right in front of the referee. It was Joe who brushed himself off, to step up and take the kick from 12 yards, but the Ford striker couldn’t take advantage from what was a very good opportunity to steal a second win. The goalkeeper made a great save diving low to his left to keep the scores level.

Lots of long throws and corners saw late pressure from CFY but they were unable to find the second goal. David Harris came the closest with a powerful strike inside the area where, yet again the Whiteley goalkeeper and captain pulled off an excellent save to tip over the bar.

To come away with four points from two games, was a credit to Ford who have now moved up to fourth in the table to do themselves proud.

Well done to men of the match, Thorsten for his hattrick in the previous game, Karthik Basker for his fine performance in both games and David Phillips who came along to help out and played very well.

Next up is another double header, this Saturday against Crofton Saints.

FULL TIME – CFY 1-1 Whiteley

3 Points, Clean Sheet, Up to 5th!

STUBBINGTON 0-3 CHANDLERS FORD
14.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

A commanding performance from Chandlers Ford, saw them come out comfortable 3-0 winners against Stubbington although it could and probably should have been a lot more.

This win has seen CFY up to fifth in the table level with Whiteley on points, who we are due to play twice this coming Thursday. It was our first clean sheet of the season as Richard's continued their fine form of late building on the highly impressive display against East Lodge just two days earlier.

Ford had too many chances to name and count but didn't take the lead until their sustained pressure finally paid off. Michael Sawbridge's corner from the left hand side was headed up and on to the cross bar by a Stubbington player. David Harris picked up the pieces to follow up with a tap in on the goal line to give the Blues a thoroughly deserved lead going in at the break.

HALF TIME – Stubbington 0-1 CFY

It was more of the same in the second half with attack's coming from all directions on the Stubbington goal.

There were by far enough chances to have been well into double figures, such was the visitors pressure it was just a matter of time before they increased their lead.

Midway through the half the second goal came for CFY and it was Harris again though it appeared to be an own goal. It was a well worked move across the park which ended with Thorsten Tramischus playing the ball out to the right with an excellent pass behind the defence for Harris to run on to.

David was presented with a glorious opportunity but the keeper saved the first before hot shot 'Harry' crossed the ball back in with a defender heading into his own net on the line, though David claimed the goal. (Just try stopping him!)

Corner after corner from Michael Sawbridge saw the pressure mount even more, along with Josh Harragan's usual danger throws darting into the penalty area.

Jozef Montigue's superb work down the left created the next best chance, one of many, as he got past his man on the wing before chipping into the box with his weaker left foot. Thorsten was completely unmarked in the area and controlled the ball with a lovely first touch but somehow he couldn't beat the keeper.

The final goal of the morning came from Thorsten who more than made up for his previous miss when the same combination linked up once more. Montigue crossed from the left and Thorsten made no mistake with a good finish to grab goal number three.

Well played everyone, if we can keep this run going we could even finish fourth!

Men of the match - David Harris and Liam Godfrey (great second half!)

FULL TIME – Stubbington 0-3 CFY

Match pictures by Neil Sawbridge

(Click images for larger size)

CFY 5-2 East Lodge B

CHANDLERS FORD 5-2 EAST LODGE B
12.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

In this midweek, Thursday night fixture, Chandlers Ford were on blistering form against the very side that thumped seven goals past them a matter of weeks ago, with an excellent win.

They could not have got off to a better start, with Michael Wall firing another beauty into the top corner with a long range rocket that sailed past the keeper and into the net after just 29 seconds. It is not often that Michael will pop up and score, but when he does you can guarantee it will be special. Wall now has a terrific five goals for the season.

Daniel Whitlock held the ball up nicely on the left hand side before Michael settled himself and fired his side into a storming, early lead.

1-0 soon became two as Ryan Chinn grabbed his first goal of the season with the perfect lob. The excellent Josh Harragan cleared the ball from an East Lodge corner, all the way up the park with Chinn doing the rest with a quality finish, up and over the keeper’s head.

CFY could not believe their luck as they continued to brush East Lodge aside, with a third goal. Daniel Whitlock the scorer this time, as he chested one of Harragan’s trademark long throws over the line for goal number three.

Back in goal, for the first time in a couple of weeks, Karthik Basker made a very welcome return to the side. Unfortunately for him, the first action of note for him was picking the ball up out of his net when the visitors clawed a goal back just before half time.

HALF TIME – CFY 3-1 East Lodge B

A patchy spell to begin the second half resulted in Lodge pulling the scores even closer with a second goal, however Ford did not let their lead slip even once as they bounced back in style to seal a very impressive victory.

Ryan added to his tally with another good finish to restore the two goal cushion, making it 4-2.

Shortly after, Michael Sawbridge grabbed a deserved goal with a very well taken poke past the keeper with the outside of his left foot. The points now secure.

Chances kept coming for Chandlers Ford with Jozef Montigue striking the post, Thorsten unlucky not to get a goal, and David Harris producing some excellent saves out of the East Lodge goalkeeper towards the end.

Everyone played their part once more, Miles Hodge improving with each performance and Afmed Sfagsi must get a big mention for the way he never stopped battling after coming on as a sub in the second half.

Well done to you all on this fine victory against tough opponents, hopefully we can follow this up with a win over Stubbington at the weekend.

FULL TIME – CFY 5-2 East Lodge B

CFY 1-3 Portchester B

CHANDLERS FORD 1-3 PORTCHESTER B
07.04.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

Today was Chandlers Ford's second tough game in a row, having been on the receiving end of a lesson from league leaders College Youth last weekend.

This time, they faced an equally challenging game with Portchester B the visitors.

Beginning at a frantic pace, both sides had early opportunities, however, in the blink of an eye, Portchester were a goal in front with the Blues' defence sitting far too deep.

A long ball came forward bouncing over a couple of defenders before the Portchester striker lofted the ball over Liam Godfrey and into the net. Liam, standing in for Karthik who is still injured, could do little about it. The goalscorer also slightly surprised to have seen the wind guide his effort into the top right hand corner.

Despite this, there really was nothing between the teams and to CFY's credit they had fought their way back into it, playing nice passing football and looking the better side.

David Harris took his tally for the season into double figures, stabbing the ball over the line to get Ford back in the game with a deserved equaliser. Thorsten Tramischus fought well on the left hand side of the penalty area in the build up to create the goal with a good cross.

With the scores now level, the last thing the home side needed was an immediate response from Portchester. This is exactly what happened though, due to stepping off the gas and a moments sloppiness. CFY had barely finished celebrating when a similar long punt up the field from an orange shirt was met by another chip over the helpless Godfrey.

Ford had countless chances thereafter with Michael Sawbridge firing wide on a couple of occasions with the visitors goalkeeper being kept on his toes, but standing up to the pressure well with some remarkable saves.

Joe was the next player to get a sniff at goal as the home side continued to threaten and cause problems but again the excellent keeper stood his ground well to block and save at the feet of Montigue.

For all of Ford's chances it was Portchester who went in at the break with the advantage simply because they took their chances. Other than that there was only one side in it.

HALF TIME – CFY 1-2 Portchester B

A second half mixed with free kicks and fouls along with a more open end to end game, saw Portchester come out on top in the end, though they were made to work hard for the points.

It was a case of who could score next, and that team would go on to win the game. Had Chandlers Ford pulled it back to 2-2, they would almost certainly have had the momentum to go on and get another.

There was so little between them though, and Portchester's third goal killed the game off late on, when yet another long ball from a free kick caught CFY's defence off guard and sleepy allowing the Portchester striker to pick his spot and win the game.

All in all, there were a lot of positives to come out of the game, including the massive improvement from the 6-1 defeat in the very first match of this season, all them month's ago.

Liam and Joe won men of the match for their hard work and 110% effort.

Next up is a home match to East Lodge this Thursday, followed by a trip to Stubbington next Saturday - possibly a chance to get back to winning ways?

FULL TIME – CFY 1-3 Portchester B

Match pictures by Neil Sawbridge

(Click images for larger size)

College - 100% Record Continues

COLLEGE YOUTH B 5-1 CHANDLERS FORD
31.03.07 – MID SOLENT 'B' LEAGUE

League leaders, by a long way – College Youth B, maintained their impressive 100% record as Chandlers Ford’s fine form of their own came to an end with defeat.

The last time these two sides met, back in September at the beginning of the season – one particular incident will be remembered, where a red card was shown to Liam Godfrey. The result that day was a comfortable 5-0 victory to College, so to come away from home to such a strong side and to improve on what they did last time around was great.

On the back of a good string of results, CFY had nothing to fear, although with just a bare 12 players available and the likes of Josh Harragan and Karthik Basker unavailable, the Blues did remarkably well to hold out during the opening stages of the game.

Indeed, it could have gone either way with Chandlers Ford’s strong defending frustrating College and also enjoying good spells on the attack. For fifteen minutes the underdogs were more than a match but once the deadlock was broken and College had taken the lead, it was almost a different story entirely.

Two more sloppy goals were conceded when probably the ball could have been cleared earlier, cost Chandlers Ford dear and the heads went down.

HALF TIME – College Youth B 3-0 CFY

Starting the second half fairly brightly, Chandlers Ford improved a great deal and yet again proved they can mix it with the big boys for a good ten minutes.

The pace in attack from College proved to be the only difference with Thorsten Tramischus having no chance with the only two goals that went past him in the second half.

Ford had the last say with a wonder goal from the in-form David Harris, who now has nine for the season and eight in his last eight games. Picking the ball up on the right hand side of midfield, with nothing much on, ‘Harry’ went on a great run nipping in between defenders before turning in style and belting a low drive into the bottom corner.

This was CFY’s only real shot of the game, but it went in and Richards’ side came away with a consolation goal against a very good team, to celebrate an improved performance against them with a couple of key players missing.

All in all, the attitude was good on the whole with man of the match Thorsten shining between the sticks. Everyone had a decent game though in particular Michael Sawbridge at the heart of the defence, Daniel Whitlocke who never stopped running, Joe who tried to make things happen, the goalscorer David and a special mention to Miles Hodge who played the whole of the second half and did himself proud with some nice touches.

Back to winning ways next week, against equally tough opponents, Portchester B!

FULL TIME – College Youth B 5-1 CFY

Match pictures by Neil Sawbridge
(Click images for larger size)