Match report: Christchurch FC’s Ben Rodwell made multiple saves to limit runaway Wessex League Premier Division leaders AFC Portchester to a 2-0 victory

Despite Christchurch’s recent strong form, they come up against ruthless runaway leaders AFC Portchester, who were in no mood to show mercy at The On-Site Group Stadium on Saturday.

The league’s top-scorer, Ryan Pennery, gave the hosts an early lead before Connor Duffin made it 2-0 shortly after. Although no further goals arrived, AFC Portchester deserved the win.

The hosts had the ball in the back of the net with 14 minutes played. However, Christchurch was offered a reprieve when the referee blew up for a foul in the build-up. Unfortunately for Church, the hosts scored moments later through Pennery.

Christchurch were under pressure as the host searched for a second. The head of Duffin met a deep ball into the back post, but Church keeper Ben Rodwell reacted well, pushing over the top with a superb finger-tip save.

Duffin would not be denied in the 34th minute. After pouncing on slack passing in the middle of the park, a perfectly weighted slide-rule pass into Duffin allowed him to take the shot the first time, slamming the ball inside the near post to make it 2-0.

It was almost 3-0 in with 20 minutes left, but another brilliant stop from Rodwell denied Lee Wort’s whipped free-kick from just outside the area.

Despite the result, many at the club were keen to congratulate Callum Hockton, who played his 50th game for the club.

Christchurch play host in their next match when they take on ninth-placed Sherborne Town on Saturday.

Christchurch: B. Rodwell, T. Whitehead, L. Freak, R. Watkins, J. Dove, J. Webber, L. Sheehy, L. Whetton, J. Freak, A. Chipangura, S. Parkes. Subs: B. Manuel, T. Fu, A. Younger, J. Rogers.