Carlton Park I 3 v Christchurch I 1

14/10/06

NB. Before the report. Webbies spamkiller was working overtime and held Denise's report hence the delay. Hopefully sorted !!! Sorry !!!

Carlton Park started this game very positively and worked the ball well around the pitch. Excellent running by T Abraham was causing problems for the Christchurch defence. W Corneby slotting in at right back this week linked well with J Howe who was finding V Le Fanu on the right wing. Although Park were dominating the play they just could not find that final touch. Christchurch did break through on occasions but M Scarff was excellent in central defence clearing the ball well. The breakthrough for Park came when the Christchurch midfield hesitated only for S Whatling to capitalise on this and saw her drive the ball into the ‘d’ and score with a cracking shot. Park then became a little nervous and were being caught out on the break again. A free hit just outside the ‘d’ saw the visitors equalise. This gave the visitors confidence and Park had to work hard to win the ball. M Cooksey worked hard in defence and managed to feed the ball wide to R Mackie who was a constant threat advancing with the ball. Park scored their second goal when R Mackie crossed an excellent ball into the ‘d’ for S Whatling to take the strike. This was saved well by the keeper but found the advancing J Howe who scored high in the net in spectacular fashion.

Park again stepped up a gear in the second half and were now making the Christchurch players work hard. The ball was moving well in midfield with K Whatling feeding out well to the wings. Park were awarded a series of penalty corners but the Christchurch keeper saved well to allude them that third goal. But Park kept up the pressure and they were rewarded when a good ball from R Mackie found D Manning who turned and slotted the ball into the corner of the goal. Christchurch were denied their second goal when a goal bound ball was excellently saved by K Fletcher. Although Park didn’t find the net again they still kept up the pressure and carried on moving the ball well through to the final whistle. Another good win and 3 points in the bag.

Squad: K Fletcher, M Scarff, M Cooksey, W Corneby, K Whatling, J Howe, T Abraham, R Mackie, D Manning, S Whatling, V Le Fanu

PS. Some excellent work in the kitchen after the game by K Whatling deserves a mention!!

Report by Denise Manning.