Christchurch riding high into Vase clash after Fawley win

Russell Cotes Cup: Christchurch FC 4-1 Fawley AFC

CHRISTCHURCH FC will go into their crucial FA Vase clash on Saturday against Sutton Common Rovers full of confidence after beating Fawley AFC 4-1 at Hurn Bridge Recreation Ground.

In the first half, Christchurch took the lead on seven minutes when Max Wilcock powerful header from an in-swinging corner gave Fawley keeper Jamie Bruce no chance.

Fawley answered back after an enticing cross from full-back Peter Keating was neatly finished on the half-volley by Declan Hartigan to make it 1-1 on 19 minutes.

In the drizzly conditions, the game remained close till midway into the second half when the hosts started to pull away. Wilcock converted from close range to put Christchurch back into the lead on 72 minutes.

Substitute Lucas Murrain put the game beyond doubt when he scored on 84 minutes and in the final moments of the game the hosts were awarded a penalty which Luke Stone put away to cap off a well-earned 4-1 victory.

Christchurch manager Ollie Cherrett told the A&T: “After disappointing result and performance Saturday, it was important to win the game.

"In the first half, we huffed and puffed, but in the second we were much better, and I felt our quality came through. All of our attention now turns to our big FA Vase tie.”

Christchurch will play Sutton Common Rovers at Hurn Bridge on Saturday at 3pm.