Match report: Christchurch FC held to a 2-2 Wessex League Premier Division draw by United Services Portsmouth FC

Christchurch will feel disappointed to only take a point at home against the league’s lowest-placed side, United Services Portsmouth, in a match that saw six yellow cards and two reds on Saturday.

The hosts took the lead twice thanks to their top scorer, Joe Freak, but goals from Liam Kyle and Jordan Sullivan earned USP its 12th point of the season in a feisty contest that saw six yellow cards and two reds in the first half alone.

The first half was very even, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances until Freak stepped up in the 35th minute. Playing from right-back, Jake Dove delivered a delightful looping ball into the area, where Freak’s perfectly glanced header beat the keeper.

USP pulled a goal back through Liam Kyle, who smashed home from 30 yards out before James Fu earned a second yellow.

However, Christchurch did not have to battle with a numerical disadvantage for long. With five minutes of the half left, the referee pointed to the spot and issued a red for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. Freak stepped up and fired home.

After the break, Christchurch had chances to kill the game off – namely when Fin Richardson and Freak combined for a lovely one-two, but desperate USP defending saw the ball cleared – and they were left ruing their missed chances when Sullivan scored.

With eight minutes left at Hurn Bridge, Freak had the ball in the net for the fifth time – three disallowed goals due to offside calls – with the final one looking like a very tight call, and the match ended all square.

Church have a difficult task in their next match, facing title-chasing AFC Portchester away from home on Saturday.

Christchurch: B. Rodwell, J. Dove, L. Freak, R. Watkins, T. Fu, J. Fu, L. Whetton, L. Sheehy, J. Freak, A. Chipangura, F. Richardson. Subs: J. Rogers, A. Younger, C. Clarke, A. Matthews, W. Crutcher.