Pope pops up with winner for 'Church

Sydenhams Wessex Premier

Bashley FC 0Christchurch FC 1

BASHLEY dominated this hard-fought contest’s early exchanges, but Christchurch broke the deadlock with a lethal counter-attack to score the only goal at the Glen Mex Stadium on Tuesday.

After the goal, both sides battled to get a grip of the game with the majority of the play a robust midfield contest. Bashley had the slightly better chances, but resolute defending from the visitors preserved their lead.

Bashley’s dominance in the first 20 minutes was absolute with Harry Bunce and Ollie Bradley dynamic on the flanks, firing crosses into the area. Cameron Beard came within a whisker’s breadth of making it 1-0 before Conor Whitley forced a great save from Christchurch keeper Lewis Gunstone-Gray.

Throughout the onslaught, the well-organised Christchurch defence stood firm. Just before the half-hour mark, a break by the visitors found Ash Pope free on the right. The number nine fired a fierce shot across Bashley keeper Sammy Thompson and into the corner of the net.

The second half was an evenly contested affair which rarely reached either goal areas. Gunstone-Gray was marginally the busier of the two keepers, and he was fortunate to see McGrath’s strike clatter off the upright.

With 13 minutes left Christchurch’s Ron Frost received his second yellow, with Bunce also cautioned.

Both sides are in FA Vase Second Round action tomorrow (Saturday). Christchurch are at home against Cribbs FC, while Bashley travel to Cornwall to take on Millbrook AFC.

Christchurch: L. Gunstone-Gray, E. Ohameje, B. Hill, R. Frost, B. Walker, H. Wright, B. Satterley, N. Swann, A. Pope, M. Wilcock, L. Delaney. Subs: M. Frampton, K. Graham, M. Finch, L. Ansell, J. Johnstone.

Bashley: S. Thompson, B. Strickland, L. Farrugia, D. Thompson, B. Morris, L. Ross, H. Bunce, O. Bradley, C. Beard, C. Whiteley, H. McGrath. Subs: H. Gravett, L. Aimson, J. Webber, T. Betts.