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)