Christchurch rue missed chances in fourth-round FA Vase loss
FA Vase: Christchurch 1-2 Sutton Common Rovers
CHRISTCHURCH’S dreams of playing at Wembley were dashed on Saturday after they lost 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Vase to Sutton Common Rovers.
Phil Page and Adam Allen got on the scoresheet for the visitors while Max Wilcock scored a late goal for Christchurch.
Despite an attacking start from the hosts, it was Sutton who opened the scoring when a whipped ball from a short corner found Page at the back post, and he fired the ball into the net through a crowded box.
Christchurch continued to press and came close to grabbing an equaliser when Harvey Wright saw his header rebound off the crossbar.
Long-throw specialist Ron Frost kept Sutton penned in their box and created good chances for the hosts, but they were unable to convert as goalkeeper Michael Eacott made several vital saves to keep the visitors ahead.
The first chance in the second half fell to Sutton defender Darryl Siaw when he blazed over from inside the box. Christchurch forward Kyle Graham had a golden opportunity to put the hosts level when he was played through one-on-one with the keeper, but he screwed his effort wide.
The home side rued their missed chances when Sutton doubled their advantage on 75 minutes after the ball fell to Allen in a goalmouth scramble, and he knocked the ball under the onrushing keeper Lewis Gunstone-Grey.
Church pull one back in injury time when a long throw from Frost was nodded home by Max Wilcock, but it was too little too late, and the hosts bowed out of the FA Vase with a 2-1 loss.
Christchurch manager Ollie Cherrett was delighted with his side’s effort but noted they were unable to take their chances on the day. He told the A&T: “I can’t question desire and work-rate, my players gave everything.
“We were the better side and had great chances to win the game, but it just wasn’t our day. It was a great run, although it was disappointing to lose in that way. I wish Sutton all the best in the next round.”
Christchurch host Brockenhurst in the Russell Cotes Cup tomorrow.
Christchurch: Gunstone-Grey, Cherrett, Ohameje, Frost, Wright, Blake, B. Satterley, Graham, Stone (c), Wilcock, Neale. Subs: Kirkham, Murrain, Swann, Kellaway, Cormack, J. Satterley, Frampton.
