2004- 2005 Season - Match Reports

Hamwih 8 - 0 Southampton City                5th September 2004

Hamwih Too Hot For Sorry City

The opening match of the new season saw City with new manager, Pete Gulliver in charge, visit Hamwih at Stoneham Park in CSSFL Junior Two.  City were without a number of key players due to injuries and suspensions carried over from last season. Dan Foot, Chris Mills, Stuart Parsonage and Stuart Bridle were all missing but City still named a fourteen man squad.

Hamwih kicked off on a extremely hot day on a hard and sloping pitch. They immediately put the City back four under pressure and were in front within 3 minutes. The slightest hesitation from the left back let in the quick Centre Forward Price who scored with ease across Ade Holman into the far corner. Hamwih were obviously encouraged by their start as they continued to have the lion's share of the possession forcing Holman into a couple of smart saves. The City midfield found it difficult going but a great bit of skill from captain Dean Floyd created himself some space but his low shot was saved well by the opponents keeper. This was perhaps the only bright spark in a disappointing first half display but it seemed likely that City would only be 1-0 down as half time approached. However, Hamwih struck again in the final minute with a thumping header from a left wing corner.

Changes were required for the 2nd half and at least City appeared to have a slight advantage in the 2nd half kicking down the slope in the strength sapping heat. Dan Stacey replaced the quiet Owen Christie up front. City started the second half well and at last started to create chances. Brad Cron perhaps had the best of these but his screwed his shot into the side netting. Despite this promising spell, City fell further behind on 66 minutes as Ade Holman was devastated to let a weak 20 yard shot go right through him and trickle into the net. This was probably the pivotal moment in the match as the City players visibly wilted, partially due to the heat, and Hamwih once again took a tight grip on the match.  Further goals on 70, 75, 82, 88 and 90 minutes gave Hamwih a somewhat flattering 8 - o win as the City players were delighted to hear the final whistle.

Overall, this was a very poor performance by City and it will surely give the new manager plenty to think about as he gets to know the players better over the coming weeks. No doubt he will welcome back the influential players that he was unable to use for this match.

Southampton City 2 - 5 Arena Eagles                    12th September 2004

City Fail To Clip The Eagles Wings

Southampton City welcomed Arena Eagles to Totton College on a beautiful day hoping to put last week's poor performance behind them. Pete Gulliver had lost the services of Ade Holman, Dan Stacey and Jamie Oliver as well as suspended Chris Mills but was able to welcome back Dan Foot and introduced new signing Jason Wells into his starting eleven. Steve Cox took over in goal after some excellent pre season performances. On an excellent Totton College pitch, the Eagles kicked off and were soon into their stride. They took the lead on 5 minutes after good work on the right wing leading to a deep cross which was headed home at the far post. Just 5 minutes later, City's defensive frailties were revealed again as a right wing corner was headed in by an unmarked opponent, much to the obvious annoyance of Steve Cox in the City goal. City were reeling and it got worse on 21 minutes as Eagles took a quick free kick in the centre circle and their centre forward drifted past the sleeping defence to collect the pass and fire past the exposed keeper.  City responded well from these early set backs with Dean Floyd coming more into the match in central midfield. City created a number of half chances and began to put the opponents defence under pressure. On 38 minutes Floyd's 25 yard free kick was parried onto the post and scrambled away by the desperate keeper. This was the closest City came to a goal in the first half.

Although 3 -0 down, City felt positive about the way they had ended the first half and had hoped to continue in the same manner but they were dealt a killer blow just 3 minutes into the second half as Arena Eagles sprang the City offside trap to score their fourth goal. The game could of gone one of two ways at this point, a total capitulation ala Hamwih last week or a City fight back and to all the players credit, it was the latter. City penned their opponents into they own half for long periods and got the goal they deserved on 62 minutes when Stu Bridle latched onto a poorly cleared corner to fire high into the net from the edge  of the box. City continued their constant attacks on the Eagles goal and got another goal back on 73 minutes. Brad Cron's excellent header from a Dean Floyd corner was handled on the line by a defender for a clear penalty. It was a little surprising that the referee took no action against the defender. Captain Dean Floyd comfortably dispatched to ball low into the left hand corner of the net to bring the score to 4 - 2. Despite an enormous amount of pressure, City were unable to find another breakthrough and were unlucky to concede a fifth goal in injury time as they were caught on the counter attack which gave Arena Eagles a somewhat flattering 5 - 2 win.

This performance was 10 times better than last week with many positives to take from the game. Whilst Pete Gulliver still has plenty of work to do, things are certainly looking brighter than they did a week ago.

Southampton City 1 - 5 Itchen Manor Reserves                   26th September 2004

Early Mistakes Cost City Dear

A mixture of holidays, injuries and general apathy (including the referee and the manager who both failed to turn up), left City with somewhat of a makeshift team as they attempted to recover from their two heavy defeats. Assistant Manager, Cliff Cron, gave Ben Calder, Ryan Osborne and Kevin O'Hara their club debuts and was delighted to welcome back Paul Belverstone in goal after an 18 month absence. Captain Dean Floyd was carrying an injury so was named as one of the substitutes.

For the second consecutive home game City conceded two early goals.  In the 5th minute some slack marking left a Manor forward with an easy chance which he took well.  Just 5 minutes later Cliff Cron's weak back pass to Paul Belverstone was intercepted by an attacker who made no mistake slotting past the stranded keeper.  Despite this poor start City rallied well with Ben Calder spurning 3 good chances to pull a goal back but credit should be given to the Itchen Manor Keeper who made two excellent saves.  As the game approached half time City were hit with a quick fire double, not helped by more poor defending, which sent the visitors in at half time with a 4 - 0 advantage.

Dean Floyd came on as a half time substitute and instantly made an impact in midfield with a couple of crunching challenges.  The game began to get very niggly with City being awarded a couple of free kicks in threatening positions around the opponents penalty area.  Dean Floyd rattled the crossbar with one of the efforts.  Against the run of play, Itchen Manor scored a 5th goal from a quickly taken free kick in the centre circle on 61 minutes.  To the credit of the City players they did not let their heads drop and still created a number of good goal scoring opportunities.  They finally scored a consolation goal which their attacking performance merited  on 87 minutes, when Dean Floyd's neat through ball sent Ben Calder clear to smash home a low drive for a well deserved debut goal.

The City players were clearly disappointed with another heavy defeat and at  a hastily arranged club meeting Cliff Cron was requested to take over the position of Manager for the rest of the season.  The committee accepted this request and appointed him to take control of the team.  The next match against Lapstone gives City a chance of putting the first points on the board this season and the team should be boosted by the return of forwards Brad Cron and Chris Mills.

Southampton City 0 - 7 Lapstone                               3rd October 2004

City Defeated In Seven Goal Shocker

City's poor start to the season sank to a new low as they suffered another heavy defeat, this time against Lapstone.  Manager, Cliff Cron was able to name pretty much a full strength side with Dean Floyd still carrying an injury given a place on the bench. Lapstone visited Totton College on the back of some good results so it was important for City not to follow the pattern of previous matches and to concede early goals.

City kicked off with the manager's talk fresh in their minds but once again they fell behind to an early, if not, unfortunate goal on 3 minutes as a shot from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection and flew past Paul Belverstone. Things got worse just a minute later as a rare error by the City keeper led to Lapstone's second goal. A drive deflected off a City defender's boot and unsure whether he could handle the ball, he miss-controlled with his chest and was robbed on the edge of the area for an easy goal. The match was effectively over on 7 minutes when Dave Cron deflected a low hard cross into his own net for a 3 - 0 lead for Lapstone. Stu Bridle had to be soon replaced with a hamstring injury and Dean Floyd took his place in the middle of the park. City began to create chances and Brad Cron came close to a goal as his angled shot flicked of the crossbar whilst at the other end, Paul Belverstone made a superb figure tip save. At this stage the match was closer than the 3 - 0 half -time score line reflected.

Unfortunately City's 2nd half performance was very poor and they rarely threatened the Lapstone goal.  The visitors however always looked likely to add to their tally of goals and were helped to their fourth as Belverstone's weak clearance was returned into the unguarded net on 49 minutes. Lapstone were on target again on 61, 71 and 87 minutes to complete a comprehensive victory and to leave Cliff Cron wondering what he could do to turn around this terrible run of results.  With a couple of cup games in the next fortnight there is an opportunity to experiment with some new formations.

Aalco 1 - 5 Southampton City                              10th October 2004

The Cup Brings Great Relief To City

City at last put in a performance which they can be proud of as a great attacking display saw them dispatch Junior Two rivals Aalco from the D R Ryder Trophy.  Manager Cliff Cron made several changes from last week's team and was able to name an attacking line up including Ben Calder and Chris Mills up front and Captain Dean Floyd as a Centre Back.  He also persevered with Ryan Osborne and Kevin O'Hara on the right side after promising performances last week.

City pushed Aalco back from the first whistle with the pairing of Mills and Calder causing early problems.  Indeed it was Chris Mills running onto a long ball into the corner and his superb cross which led to Ben Calder heading in the opening goal on 5 minutes. It was a refreshing change to see City scoring and not conceding an early goal and this led to much confidence around the team.  City scored a second goal on 14 minutes as Dean Floyd found Ben Calder in space around the penalty spot and he finished well low into the corner.  City had the Ball in the net again on 30 minutes when good play between Ryan Osborne and Kevin O'Hara created space for O'Hara to fire across the goal keeper into the net however this was disallowed for an apparent offside during the build up.  City felt hard done by again moments later as Jamie Oliver was fouled in the centre circle but the referee waved play on and the City defenders were  outnumbered as they were going forward at the time. The Aalco forwards moved the ball to the right and Ade Holman had no chance with the good finish.  City responded in the best possible way and were unlucky not to regain the two goal lead when Chris Mills 25 yard shot fired against the cross bar however they were not be denied on 41 minutes when more good play on the right put Ryan Osborne clear and he cleverly chipped in from the edge of the area.  City were obviously delighted with their first half performance and were in buoyant mood at half time.

The first 15 minutes or so of the second half was quite close as Aalco at last began to put City under some pressure and Ade Holman was called into making a couple of saves including one fine diving save from a header.  After weathering this early pressure City got a good grasp of the game again and the ever willing running of Ben Calder and Chris Mills always provided an outlet.  The only surprise was that it took until the 84th minute for City to score a fourth goal.  Chris Mills made up for a glaring miss minutes earlier with his first goal of the season as his 8 yard shot went in off the post.  City wrapped up their comprehensive win with a fifth goal a minute from time after unselfish play from Ben Calder presented Chris Mills with a tap in from 2 yards to confirm City's progression into the 2nd round.

Every City player put in a good performance today and whilst it is a shame that this wasn't a league game it should give everyone a lift after a difficult start to the season.

Itchen Manor 7 - 4 Southampton City                              17th October 2004

Goals Galore As City Bow Out Of Southampton Cup

A weakened City team gave a good performance in the Southampton Junior A Cup but it wasn’t enough to get past their Junior One Opponents, Itchen Manor at a wet Veracity Ground. Manager Cliff Cron lost the services of Ade Holman, Stu Bridle, Ben Calder and captain Dean Floyd before the match so it was somewhat of a makeshift side with Steve Cox playing in goal and Stuart Brown making only his second appearance for the club. 

City started pretty well and soaked up a fair bit of Itchen Manor pressure. The home side had plenty of vocal support from the Reserve team who did not have a game. City had a lucky escape on 12 minutes when a 25 yard free kick was thumped against the bar. There was no escape a minute later as a decisive move through the middle of the park left a Manor forward in space to fire home. Things could have got worse as the home side then hit a post. Chris Mills, playing alone up front began to get more involved as City pushed forward for an equaliser. They got their lucky break on 29 minutes when Cliff Cron’s shot from distance was deflected into the path of Pete Cron who had time to lift the ball over the stranded keeper into the net. Around 11 minutes later, City took an unexpected lead when Chris Mill’s sent Stu Brown clear through the middle and he calmly chipped home. City clearly buoyed by their lead began to put Itchen Manor under pressure and this told with a 3^rd goal moments before half time when a one-two between Brown and Mills gave Stu Brown room to fire home from the right edge of the penalty area. Remarkably City were leading their higher ranked opponents 3 – 1 at the interval. 

Itchen Manor made a change at half time bringing on an additional attacker but it was City who almost scored with their first attack of the 2^nd half. Brad Cron swerving shot was header off the line and then he just failed to bundle home the resulting cross after Osborne had retrieved the goal line clearance. Itchen Manor got a break on 55 minutes when Gary Durkin tripped his opponent in the area for a clear cut penalty. Steve Cox made a fine save low to his right from the spot kick but unluckily the ball rebounded to the penalty taker who smashed the ball home. Manor were back on level terms on 59 minutes as they broke down their left and scoring with an angled drive. The younger City players were visibly tiring and it was no real surprise when the home side got themselves in front on 67 minutes. Itchen Manor encouraged by the fact they were now in front scored further goals on 84, 87 and 88 minutes to take their tally to 7. There was still time for City to score a fourth goal from an unlikely source. Osborne swung over a right wing corner which dropped perfectly from Gary Durkin. His first shot was blocked but he reacted quickly to stab home with his left foot much to the amusement of the City player’s and followers. 

All in all it was an enjoyable game, well refereed with plenty of goals. Cliff Cron can be pleased with the excellent first half performance considering the young side that he was forced to put out. 

Southampton City  5 - 1 Sports Mania                              31st October 2004

It's A Happy Halloween For City

City picked up their first Junior Two points of the season with an excellent display against bottom club Sports Mania. Manager, Cliff Cron, had the luxury of naming his first choice team for the first time this season with the striking pair of Chris Mills and Ben Calder looking to add to their goal tally. Dan Foot returned from holiday to partner Dean Floyd in central defence.

City started promisingly on a heavy Totton College pitch. They were gifted an early goal on 8 minutes when the Sports Mania keeper made a hash of a clearance which went straight to Ben Calder who looped the ball back over his head from 20 yards.  City continued to Sports Mania under pressure with Chris Mills, Stu Bridle and Ben Calder seeing plenty of the ball. It was somewhat of a surprise therefore that the visitors got back on terms on 18 minutes when Allen's angled shot from the edge of the penalty area took an awkward bounce and went through the arms of keeper, Steve Cox. City's response was immediate as Brad Cron drove forward straight from the restart and played in Chris Mill's with a superb pass. Mills made no mistake driving in a low shot from 20 yards. Just 2 minutes later the same combination of Brad Cron and Chris Mills put city 3 - 1 up in a carbon copy of the second goal.  The City defence was playing well and restricting Sports Mania to long range efforts which were easily dealt with by Steve Cox. City scored their fourth goal on 39 minutes. In a sweeping move, Brad Cron fed Chris Mills in the left channel. He strode forward towards the bye line and drove in a low hard cross which Ben Calder finished superbly into the corner. City thoroughly deserved their half time lead.

As expected Sports Mania came at City at the start of the second half but in truth they rarely threatened the City goal. They were then disrupted by a nasty looking injury to Snellgrove as he tussled with Brad Cron in the middle of the pitch. City were wasteful at times in the second half but Brad Cron was unlucky when his snapshot came back off of the bar. City scored a fifth goal on 84 minutes as Chris Mills completed his hat-trick following a mazy run and a low drive from just inside the area. There were no further goal scoring chances for either side as City ran out comprehensive 5 - 1 winners.

City's form has certainly turned around from the first few matches and this performance shows what the team is capable of. With Cup matches in the next three weeks there may even be a chance of still being in one of the cup after Christmas......now that would be a rarity !!!

Southampton City  4 - 3 Fox and Hounds (Tadley)                7th November 2004

City Make Sure Fox & Hounds Pay The Penalty

City progressed to the 3rd round of the Hampshire Junior A Cup by beating Fox and Hounds (Tadley) from the Basingstoke Sunday League in an entertaining encounter at Totton College. Manager Cliff Cron had to make two changes to last weeks successful side with Ben Calder and Ryan Osborne unavailable and Matt and Dave Cron taking their places.

City kicked off on a slightly heavy pitch and immediately attacked their opponents. With 20 seconds on the watch Chris Mills was needlessly tripped in the area. While Dave Cron smashed home the loose ball, the referee had already awarded the penalty which captain Dean Floyd put low into the corner of the net to give City a dream start. City continued to have the lion's share of the possession but were hit with two goals in four minutes. On 16 minutes, Gary Durkin's weak clearance was seized upon and coolly dispatched past Steve Cox and on 20 minutes, an unmarked opponent looped in a header from a left wing cross. City were given a lifeline on 25 minutes as Stu Bridle jinxed his way into the Fox and Hounds penalty area and was tripped. The referee awarded a second penalty which, once again, Dean Floyd confidently scored. The visitors charged forward again and remarked scored again on 27 minutes and their centre forward was allowed to make his way into the box unchallenged to score from 6 yards.  City once again had to get back on terms in a match where they had the majority of the play. They got their equaliser on 43 minutes after Dan Foot was crudely brought down on the edge of the penalty area.  Dean Floyd struck a sweet free kick that flew into the top corner despite the efforts on a defender on the line for a first half hat-trick.

The second half was somewhat of a scrappy affair with few clear cut chances. Chris Mills perhaps had the best opportunity as he found some space the visitors penalty area but he was thwarted by a last gasp challenge from a defender and the goalkeeper. The match seemed to be heading for extra time when City were awarded a free kick some 35 yards out with a minute to go. Dean Floyd played a superb ball to the far post where both Dave Cron and Dan Foot had lost their markers and Dave Cron volleyed through the legs of the keeper from 5 yards to seal an excellent victory.

It was another good performance from City as they progressed into the 3rd Round of the Hants Junior A Cup for the first time. They will miss Dean Floyd as he is away for a couple of weeks but other players should by returning to the squad.

Eastside Saints  2 - 11 Southampton City                14th November 2004

Goalsa' Plenty as City continue good run of form

Unedited and Unabridged Match Report by Pete Cron !!

Southampton City hit 11 goals past an Eastside outfit for possibly one of their best performances of the season, despite losing various key members of the squad.  City kicked off on the unusual time of 14:00 for this cup tie away to Eastside at Bishopstoke, on a pitch familiar to some City players like Chris Mills, who last season managed to get a hatrick on this ground but also earn himself a red card for dissent!  Lightening wasn't about to strike twice today however as forwards Chris and Ben hit 4 a piece.  

City started the brightest in this competition and soon won 2 corners in quick succession which were expertly taken from Matt Cron who was recalled to first team action as normal right winger Ryan Osborne was forced to play in the unusual role of centre back.  City came close to opening the scoring on 5 minutes as Chris Mills hit the outside of the post after Ben Calder just failed to connect to his cross/shot from the left wing. This was after great build up play from Brad Cron and Jamie Oliver in the centre of midfield and Adrian Hargrave at left back for his first start of the campaign.  Adrian was thrown in at the deep end for this cup tie after only just coming back from a long term ankle injury and he stood up to the test well.  However it was on 10 minutes when City broke the deadlock from a fine header from Ben Calder from an excellent run and left wing cross from Jamie Oliver. 1-0.  Eastside kicked off and immediately re-acted by attacking City's goal. Owen Christie, playing at right back failed to clear the ball and it fell to the Eastside number 9 who thankfully fired over the bar from close range. City responded and from the goal kick went up the other end and scored but the ref gave an Eastside free kick as it was obvious to all Chris Mills' had put the ball in the back of the net with his hand.  Again Eastside attacked the city goal from a long ball from the back and not one City defender could clear it, lucky for us there number 9 still had his slippers on as he skewed his shot wide, but Eastside gain a corner.  1-1 is the score line following the Eastside corner as City again fail to clear from a set piece.  Poor defending from set pieces has been a thorn in the City side all season and something absent Manager Cliff Cron must look at in training.  However straight from the resulting KO City went 2-1 up thanks to a long ball from midfield to Ben Calder who cleverly chipped the defender for Chris Mills to lift the ball over the Eastside keeper.  A Big kick up front from the City defence allowed Stu B to cross from the left, all the Eastside keeper could do is to palm it straight to Chris Mills who nets his second of the game on 33 mins. 3-1.  Two minutes later City are awarded a penalty as Chris Mills was bundled over in the box.  Captain Brad Cron told Chris he is taking the penalty but Chris argued as he was desperate to gain his hatrick.  Brad however pulls rank and coolly steps up to net his first of the season.  4-1.  City are now cruising but Chris is still reeling at the captain.  Game on. Following a great drive from an Eastside midfielder City goal keeper Steve Cox collects and kicks out a long ball to the right wing where Chris Mills crossed for Stu B to hit a left foot drive which is about to hit the back of the net until Ben Calder popped up to toe poke the ball home and rob Stu B of a great volleyed finish. 5-1.

SCity kicked off and immediatley scored through a diving header from Ben Calder at the near post from a great cross from Chris Mills on the right wing.  Already Eastsides heads are down and they argue amongst themselves. 6-1.  City keep up the pressure for the next 10 minutes and go close on two more occassions from efforts by Stu B and Ben Calder.  City are really enjoying themselves now and everyone is trying to get forward, the next goal came on 55 minutes following a great cross from the right wing from Matt Cron for Ben Calder who calmly chipped the goal keeper from 10 yards out. 7-1.  Soon after Matt Cron makes way for Dave Cron to get a run out on the right wing, a position he is not too familiar with but almost made his own with a great substitute performance, during the remaining 25 minutes.  City made another substitute on 62 minutes Pete Cron for Adrian Hargrave.  Adrian was clearly tireing in his first game back and was helped out enourmously from a great tackle in the box from Owen Christie, who made up a lot of ground to rob Eastside number 9 when he was clear in on goal.  Pete Cron slotted straight into the left wing position, therefore pushing Stu B into the left back position.  5 more goals occured in the last 20 minutes but unfortunately were not recorded on paper very well as web site reporter Pete Cron was busy putting in a gallant performance on the pitch.  However Chris Mills netted next to make the score line 8-1.  Followed by a great low drive from an in form centre back in the mould of Gary Durkin who found himself in a forward position.  He struck so sweetly you would of mistaken him for Henry of Arsenal  had he been wearing a red shirt. 9-1.  Stu Bridle was booked on 75 minutes following harsh words to the ref for a foul he committed on an Eastside midfielder.  Brad Cron rolled back the years on 80 minutes with a superb half volley from 25 yards out following a great pass back by brother Pete Cron from the left wing after a powerful run forward. It was the former top goal scorers second of the match and second of the season and was well deserved after such a committed performance.  10-1. City were so stunned by this goal that they fell asleep after the kick off to allow an Eastside forward to break the offside trap to latch onto a superb through ball and grab a consolation second goal.  10-2.  City responded by getting a servere telling off by the captain and broke for Chris Mills to score at the other end for his fourth of the match soon after the kick off to make the final score 11-2 in City's favour.

Southampton City  1 - 7 Bedes Lea                            21st November 2004

City Out Of Southampton FA Cup Again

It was a case of deja vous for City as they conceded 7 for the second time in the Southampton FA Junior A Cup this season. Having been reinstated after the last defeat against Itchen Manor who fielded an inegible player, City failed to make use of their good fortune as they meekly surrendered against their high flying Commercial Houses opponents Bedes Lea. It could have been so different though. 

Manager Cliff Cron welcomed back Dan Foot and Kev O’Hara but lost the services of influential striker Ben Calder for the match on a heavy Totton College pitch. City started brightly and had some good early pressure but it was soon evident that their opponents were very physical and played some good passing football. Chris Mills was thwarted by an excellent save on 12 minutes in the first real opening of the match. He was not to be denied 3 minutes later though as City took the lead after a sweeping move down the left which saw Jamie Oliver’s near post cross swept home by Mills for his tenth goal of the season. Just a minute later, City were thanking Steve Cox for a great save as Bedes Lea threatened an immediate response. The pressure was increasing on the home defence as the visitors pushed for an equaliser which duly arrived on 28 minutes after a City attack broke down and the defence was caught short at the back. The match began to swing from end to end with both keepers being kept busy. The closest to another goal came on 40 minutes when the referee bizarrely declared a sliced clearance as back pass and presented Bedes Lea with a free kick from 10 yards out. Fortunately, the wall held firm and the ball was scrambled clear. With honours even at half time, City could feel well pleased with their first half showing. 

Disaster stuck within a minute of the restart as poor defending resulted in a scrambled goal for Bedes Lea and undid all the good work of the first 45 minutes. This led to the sort of collapse that plagued the early part of the season as City proceeded to concede another four soft goals in the space of 18 minutes. Keeper Steve Cox made a disappointing error on 50 minutes failing to collect a headed back pass and five minutes later the static defence allowed the opponents Centre Forward to dribble into the area and fire home. Within in a minute, Bede’s Lea scored a fifth as Steve Cox appeared to react too slow to narrow the angle as the forward burst through again. The defence was again caught asleep on 65 minutes, allowing a quick long throw to be taken and leaving the opponent with time and space to finish with ease. With just pride to play for, City responded well and had several good opportunities to score a consolation goal. Perhaps the best of these chances fell to sub Ade Holman who fired over from six yards after being cleverly set up by Brad Cron. Bede’s Lea confirmed their emphatic win with an injury time goal to make the final score 7 – 1. 

This result could have so different without the disastrous 20 minute spell just after half time as for long periods City were more than a match for their very strong opponents. However, it is hoped that the confidence built up over the past month is not lost as City must gain some league points to move them up the table.

Southampton City  5 - 2 Aalco                                    28th November 2004

City Put On A Five Star Show Against Aalco

City’s recent good form continued with a comfortable 5 – 2 win over Aalco to lift them up the Junior Two table. Cliff Cron was able to name a full strength side, with the exception of Dean Floyd, with Ben Calder returning to partner leading scorer Chris Mills in attack.

Aalco kicked off on a heavy pitch badly affected by overnight rain. City were soon into their stride with both Mills and Calder finding plenty of space in the visitors half. City were stunned to concede the opening goal on 15 minutes as Gary Durkin was caught in two minds in the left back position and lost possession. The ball was squared and the Aalco forward had an easy finish. City were not rattled by this set back however and fully deserved their equaliser on 25 minutes when Chris Mills fired home the loose ball from 15 yards after a scramble in the six yard box. Six minutes later, City were in front as Chris Mills, who was causing Aalco plenty of problems, sprang the offside trap and coolly rounded the keeper and slotted home his 12^th goal of the season. City were gold value for their lead and were slightly unfortunately not to add to it before the half time whistle.

City wasted no time in adding to their goal tally in the second half as they attacked straight from the kick off. Full back Kev O’Hara overlapped on the right wing and drove on into the penalty area. His low cross took the slightest of deflections and beat the Aalco keeper at the near post after just 37 seconds. City then went into cruise mode and they seemed to attack their opponents at will. Chris Mills and Ben Calder would admit that their finishes were wasteful at times. City did get a fourth goal on 73 minutes after a right wing cross was palmed out by the visitors keeper, only for Brad Cron to drill home from 18 yards. Instead of City pushing on for more goals, Aalco then put them under pressure and they were thankful for Steve Cox’s reactions as he made two fine saves. However, he was beaten with 6 minutes remaining as a couple of Aalco players broke through the middle and left him with no chance although they may have been a hint of offside. Any hope of a late Aalco comeback was shortlived as City went on the offensive again with Brad Cron rattling a post with a superb snapshot and substitute Ade Holman spectacularly mistiming an overhead kick. It wasn’t until the last kick of the match that Ben Calder held off a challenge in the box and smashed the ball high into the net to give City a well deserved 5 – 2 win.

Southampton City  3 - 8 C L P S                                         5th December  2004

Floydy Off As City Crash Out Of Hants Cup

City put in a poor defensive performance to crash out of the Hampshire FA Junior A Cup at the 3^rd Round stage against Basingstoke League side C L P S. City’s plight was not helped by the incredibly harsh sending off of skipper Dean Floyd and refereeing decisions that seemed to always favour the visiting side. But in truth City never really recovered from conceding two early, very soft goals. 

With Ben Calder being cup-tied, manager Cliff Cron was delighted to welcome back Dean Floyd from his holiday and was able to name pretty much a full strength team with Dave Cron partnering Chris Mills up front. The Totton College pitch had benefited from a week of good weather and was in fine condition as City kicked off. It was soon clear that C L P S had two very quick attacking players and would need strong marking. C L P S scored on 4 minutes after several City defenders stopped thinking the ball had gone out of play. With no whistle, the ball was squared to the unmarked centre forward who slotted home from 5 yards. Just 4 minutes later City were hit on the break and stranded keeper Steve Cox could do nothing as the visitors went 2 – 0 up. From that point onwards City were the better team and played some good football. City were slightly fortunate in the manner of their first goal however as, on 27 minutes, Chris Mills intercepted a very weak goal kick and drove home a firm, low shot from 20 yards. City were spurred on by their good fortune and were unlucky not to get a deserved equaliser as Brad Cron’s tremendous drive crashed against the bar. City’s persistent pressure was their undoing on 44 minutes as too many players were caught going forward leaving just 2 defenders to deal with a fast counter attack of 4 C L P S players who worked the ball well to create a 3^rd goal. 

The start of the 2^nd half was fairly even with few goal chances until 54 minutes when a C L P S player broke free and entered the penalty. Keeper Steve Cox went down for the ball and the opponent made sure he made contact with the keeper and crashed to the ground. The referee blew for a penalty but just no further action against the unlucky keeper. The penalty was dispatched calmly. Within a minute, City had cut the deficit back to 2 goals as the opponent’s keeper dropped a long, high cross at the feet of Dave Cron who steered the ball into the empty net. Any hopes of a City recovery were dashed 60 seconds later when they were caught out by a long ball over the top as C L P S made it 5 – 2. It was 6 – 2 on 67 minutes as the City defence were caught napping again. The response to this goal was good again and on 71 minutes, Dave Cron neatly headed in a long throw in from Dean Floyd. Within in a minute, any hopes of an unlikely City comeback were finally dashed as Captain Dean Floyd was sent off for a second bookable offence. After being booked in the first half for apparent dissent, he was booked again after a very minor altercation with a C L P S midfielder on the right hand touchline. There seemed nothing in it but the referee made good his pre-match promise blotting the club’s 100% clean disciplinary record for the season. City boss, Cliff Cron bravely adjusted his formation playing just three at the back in the hope of getting back into the match so it was no real surprise that the visitors found the net twice more to give them a convincing 8 – 3 win. 

The performance in this match was better than the result suggests but now the club can concentrate on league matches as they have played just 6 out of the 20 fixtures and have to play catch up with many of the other teams in Junior Two.

Southampton City  3 - 7  Hamwih                                        12th December  2004

Leaders Hamwih Given A Fright By City

Southampton City put on a great performance for 80 minutes of their Junior 2 match against leaders, Hamwih, before eventually succumbing to 3 late goals. Manager, Cliff Cron named an unchanged side for the first time this season on a damp, chilly morning at Totton College. 

City started the match purposely and soon made inroads into the Hamwih half. City took a deserved lead on 13 minutes when the ball was fed into Jamie Oliver in the inside left channel. He advanced into the area and finished low, across the keeper into the far corner. Hamwih, obviously shocked by going behind early, began to get into the game and their striker Price saw more and more of the ball. They were given a massive helping hand in their equalising goal though as a weak 20 yard shot seemed to go right through keeper Steve Cox and trickle into the net on 22 minutes. Just 3 minutes later, Hamwih were in front with a thumping header from their Centre Back who was left unmarked around the penalty spot from a left wing corner. City responded well and had a few opportunities to get back into the match but couldn’t quite find the killer touch. Meanwhile, moments before half time Hamwih had a 3^rd goal ruled out for offside. 

The City player’s started the 2^nd half with the managers rallying call ringing in their ears as they once again put Hamwih under considerable pressure. On 52 minutes they were hit on the break as Hamwih tore up field and made it 3 – 1. City’s response was immediate as Dean Floyd fired in a 25-yard free kick for his fourth goal of the season. The game was still on a knife-edge but it was Hamwih who next scored again on the hour mark when Steve Cox’s very poor goal kick once pounced upon and fire home. Once again, City refused to give up and Chris Mills scored a superb goal with a lovely curling shot after fine build up play on 62 minutes. City continued to look the more likely to score as Mills had another effort scrambled of the line. It all went wrong for City on 81 minutes with a ball over the top. The City defence appealed for offside as Steve Cox made a fine stop on the goal line only for the rebound to be nodded home. The City players heads visibly dropped after having so much of the game. A minute later, Gary Durkin was caught napping at a throw in as Hamwih scored a 6^th goal and 2 minutes after that, they rounded things off with another giving the final score line of 7 – 3 somewhat of an unreal feel. 

Many of the City players were very despondent after this match but the league leaders certainly knew they had been in a match and were fortunate to run out winners by 4 goals. 

Lapstone  1 - 1  Southampton City                                        9th January  2005

City Battle For A Well Earned Point

Southampton City earned a well earned point in their first match of 2005 in a 1 - 1 draw at mid table Lapstone. It was a great improvement of the 7 - 0 thrashing handed out by their opponents earlier in the season. City have found Bishopstoke Rec much to their liking this season after their big 11 -2 cup victory against Eastside Saints in November.

Cliff Cron was able to name a pretty much full strength side with the only absentees being Brad Cron, Ben Calder and Dave Cron and he set out his normal 4-5-1 formation when Ben Calder isn't  available with Chris Mills playing alone up front. It is clearly a role the big man relishes and he took just 9 minutes to open the scoring.  Indeed, he had several other chances to extend City's lead in the first half as the Centre Half  pairing of Dean Floyd and Dan Foot looked assured at the back.

City kept their slender lead until the 70th minute when Lapstone equalised. Keeper, Steve Cox could count himself a little unlucky as he made a fine double save and also managed to get his hand to a shot which then looped over Gary Durkin on the line. Both sides had chances to win the match in the final 20 minutes but both were content with a point. City Manager, Cliff Cron said after the match that he was delighted with the performance and the point, he was a little disappointed not to get all 3 points as he felt we had plenty of good chances.

The Ark  1 - 3 Southampton City                                        16th January  2005

The Ark Sunk By Calder Double

Southampton City weathered an early battering and came back from a goal down to secure a comfortable victory against struggling Ark at Cutbush Lane. Manager Cliff Cron put out the same side that got a creditable draw at Lapstone last week, the only exception being Ben Calder Calder who replaced the ill Chris Mills. Brad and Dave Cron returned but had to be satisfied with a place on the bench.

City were under pressure from the start and the defence looked rocky during the early exchanges. Ark were extremely unlucky not to take a 5th minute lead after Dean Floyd's wayward backheel was seized upon and a 30 yard shot was crashed against the angle of post and bar. There was no escape on 17 minutes though when Gary Durkin gave away the ball on the edge of the area and the low drive from the centre forward somehow evaded Steve Cox's dive for what was a pretty soft goal. City found things hard going and rarely put the Ark under pressure and lone striker Ben Calder was a virtual spectator.  However, the Ark pressed the self destruct button on 36 minutes when the goalkeeper gifted a gilt edged chance to Peter Cron with a terrible clearance. He partly redeemed himself with a good save in the one-on-one. They were punished from the subsequent corner though as Matty Cron's inch perfect cross was powerfully headed home by Ben Calder from 8 yards out. Within moments, Calder found some space in the Ark penalty area but his low drive was well saved by the keeper with his foot. City finished the half as the better side, their confidence up following the equaliser.

Dave Cron was brought on for Gary Durkin at half time and he was soon busy as Ark pressed forward. Steve Cox made a tremendous one handed save from a header in the early stages of the second half. Brad Cron came on for his brother Pete on 55 minutes in an attempt to shore up the midfield. Within 10 minutes this move paid off as Dan Foot played a superb ball down the left channel for Brad Cron  to run onto. He got to the bye-line and squared the ball across the six yard line for Ben Calder to stab home his second of the match. From this point onwards there seemed there would be only one winner as Ark were restricted to long balls over the top which were easily dealt with by the City back four. Calder and Foot got in each other's way as City probed for a third goal. City had to wait until the 88th minute for another goal with once again Brad Cron getting to the byeline and his low cross was swept home by Ryan Osborne at the far post.

Manager Cliff Cron was delighted with this performance, particularly the last hour when City played some good football. The win moves City up two more places in the table to 7th with a home match against Robert Half to look forward to.

Southampton City  9 - 2 Robert Half                                            23rd January  2005

Ruthless City Crush Robert Half

Southampton City maintained their unbeaten record in 2005 with a superb attacking performance against Robert Half. A Brad Cron hat-trick led the way to a 9 - 2 battering of their Junior Two rivals. Manager, Cliff Cron, resisted temptation to change his winning side from last week so leading scorer Chris Mills had to be content with a place on the bench following his return from illness. With the main Totton College deemed unplayable after overnight rain, the match was switched to the smaller pitch.

The match kicked off in bright winter sunshine and City were soon on the attack with Brad Cron and Ben Calder linking up well. City took a deserved lead on 6 minutes as Jamie Oliver found some space on the left and his low cross was neatly flicked home by Brad Cron. City went further ahead on 14 minutes when Matty Cron's right wing corner was nodded on by Ben Calder for Brad Cron to prod home his second goal from a couple of yards. City were playing some delightful, passing football restricting their opponents to an occasional counter attack although they were thankful to keeper Steve Cox who made one fine fingertip save from  a long range drive. Robert Half got a goal back on 38 minutes after the City defence made a meal of clearing a corner, allowing Goodridge to head home unmarked from the resulting cross. This goal simply encouraged City to pile more pressure on their opponents and the 2 goal advantage was restored 5 minutes later as Gary Durkin played a lovely ball down the line to Brad Cron and his cross was finished well by Jamie Oliver. City manager Cliff Cron was well pleased with the first half performance.

Within 2 minutes of the restart City put the game effectively out of reach of Robert Half with a fourth goal. A short corner was played to Dean Floyd and his excellent far post cross was met by a thumping header from Dan Foot for his first goal of the season. On the hour mark, Ben Calder was withdrawn for Chris Mills who was eager to prove he was worth a starting place. Within 5 minutes he had made his point with a good finish from the edge of the area after a mazy run. On 72 minutes, Robert Half were caught out again by a short corner routine, this time Jamie Oliver was on hand and fired home a low cross for his second of the match. Three minutes later it was 7 - 1 with perhaps the goal of the game as full back, Kev O'Hara showing a great turn of speed to take the ball down the right touch line, cut in and fire an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.  The City defence was caught asleep at a Robert Half corner with 5 minutes remaining allowing Goodridge to head home unmarked for his second of the match. However there was still time for City to add two more goals to their impressive tally. Firstly, Brad Cron completed a well deserved hat-trick neatly lobbing home off a post on 88 minutes and then Dean Floyd converting a penalty in the last minute after Ryan Osborne being crudely brought down as he looked likely to score.

City played some wonderful football in this match and scored some great goals. Future performances of this standard will surely see them quickly climb the table from their current mid table position.

Arena Eagles  4 - 0 Southampton City                                            6th February  2005

City Slip To First Defeat Of 2005.

If points were given for possession that Southampton City would have added to their season's tally at Arena Eagles. Unfortunately they are not and there was plenty of head scratching as City had the majority of the play but left Blackfield Recreation Ground on the end of a 4-0 defeat. Manager, Cliff Cron made just two changes as Ben Calder and Stuart Bridle were both available so Chris Mills and Pete Cron were given starts.

On an excellent, wide pitch City kicked off on an overcast winter's morning. The game settled in at a nice pace with both sides creating half chances. Arena Eagles were on the scoresheet on 24 minutes as the opponents attacker lose his marker and fired an unstopable shot into the roof of the net from 18 yards. Moments later, the same player was fouled by Dean Floyd on the edge of the area, earning the City captain a harsh booking. City dealt comfortably with the resulting free kick. Brad Cron, Ryan Osborne and Chris Mills all had chances to get City level.  Floyd was penalised again for a foul on the edge of the penalty area and this time the Eagles made it count as the ball was driven low and hard into the area and was flicked home from 3 yards past the stranded Stev Cox on 29 minutes. City pushed hard for a way back into the game but resolute defending meant that the home side led 2 - 0 at half time.

The second half started as the first half finished with City well on top. There always seemed to be an opponent there to making a saving block as the shots rained in. It was beginning to become a frustrating morning for City and it was made worse on 73 minutes as, totally against the run of play, Eagles sprung a counter attack and caught too many defenders up field leaving a player unmarked in the box for an easy goal. There was almost a carbon copy of this goal as Arena Eagles netted a fourth on 83 minutes. There was still plenty of fight left in City but they just couldn't get on the scoresheet as the game ended with a big win for the home side.

It was a match to forget for City as they didn't get the rub of the green in a game which they dominated but they shouldn't be too downheartened though as Arena Eagles are a top three side in the division.

Aalco  6 - 3 Southampton City                                            13th February  2005

City Boss Asks "What The Hail Was That ?"

City put in their worst performance for months as they slumped to a hugely disappointing defeat at Aalco. It could be argued that events conspired against City as firstly they lost the backbone of the team with Dean Floyd, Dan Foot, Brad Cron, Dave Cron and Ben Calder all ruled out, mostly with injuries. Then the match was subject to a last minute switch to Millbrook Rec to be played on an incredibly narrow pitch. The weather then had a major effect on proceedings with a strong swirling wind and a heavy hail storm making the pitch almost unplayable. To cap it all, too many of the City players had an off day !!!

Manager, Cliff Cron had to make several phone calls after late withdrawals left him short of players but to his credit he gather a squad of 12 together, giving rare starts to Ade Hargrave and Dan Stacey. The back four was completely switched around with Gary Durkin and Ryan Osborne playing as a unfamiliar pairing at Centre Back. Aalco kicked off and immediately went on the attack and spent the first 10 minutes in the City half. it was therefore a little surprising that City took the lead on 12 minutes.  Chris Mills fired in a 20 yard free kick from close to the left touch line for his 17th goal of the season. City settled down after taking the lead but managed to hit the self destruct button on 20 minutes as Gary Durkin, under no pressure at all, managed to head past stranded keeper Steve Cox from 3 yards after not hearing his call for an own goal which almost certainly will win the Blunder of the Year Trophy. City got there noses in front again five minutes later with an equally flukey goal when Matty Cron put in a good challenge on an Aalco defender some 25 yards out and saw the ball fly over the Aalco keeper into the roof of the net. The lead lasted barely a minute as the home side attacked straight from the restart and Steve Cox was well beaten by a low drive from the edge of the area. With the strong wind making good football almost impossible, the match reached half time at 2-2 with all to play for in the second half.

Aalco made a good start to the second half and were gifted a third goal on 50 minutes as Steve Cox dropped a low cross at the feet of an opposing attacker who slotted home easily. He could not be faulted five minutes later though as the defence went AWOL as Aalco broke from the half way line to make it 4 - 2. City then had the majority of the play for the next 15 minutes or so and were rewarded for their pressure when Stu Bridle showed great strength to hold off his marker and fire home to make it 4 -3 on 70 minutes. As City went searching for an equaliser they were caught on the break twice on 76 and 83 minutes to ensure there was no way back and suffer a 6 - 3 defeat against the team they had already well beaten twice earlier in the season.

It was a thoroughly miserable performance by City after such good form over the last couple of months. With a Cup Quarter Final  next against Hunters Blaze, the players will certainly have to pick themselves up and play better if they are to have any hopes of a Semi Final appearance.

Hunters Blaze  5 - 0 Southampton City                                            20th February  2005

Hunters Blaze A Trial To The Semi-Finals

Report to Follow

Southampton City  3 - 2 Waltham Wolves                                         27th February  2005

City Win As Wolves Keeper Makes A Howler

Southampton City were pleased to return to Totton College, after three away matches resulting in three defeats, for a league encounter with high flying Waltham Wolves. Manger, Cliff Cron was without several key players again with Dan Foot, Stu Bridle, Brad Cron and Ben Calder all unavailable but he was delighted to be able to welcome back captain Dean Floyd. 

The visitors kicked off on a cold winter morning and the match soon burst in life as City took an early lead. On 7 minutes, Chris Mills was put through some 35 yards out and carried the ball forward to the edge of the box. As the Wolves keeper advanced, the City front man calmly stroked the ball past him and in off the post. City, encouraged by their early strike looked confident as they played some nice football but, not for the first time this season, gifted their opponents with a goal on 19 minutes. Keeper Steve Cox charged from his area to make a challenge on an advancing attacker but he lost out in the tackle. Dean Floyd who was covering did make a challenge but somehow his clearance looped into the unguarded net from some 30 yards out to give Waltham Wolves an unlikely equaliser. The game settled into an even pace until City were awarded a penalty on 38 minutes for handball following a corner. Chris Mills was keen to take the kick but regular penalty taker Dean Floyd insisted that he should have it and fired low into the corner. City were delighted the take their 2 – 1 lead into the break. 

Waltham Wolves  5 - 2 Southampton City                                         6th March  2005

City Do Little To Worry The Wolves

Waltham Wolves exacted sweet revenge on City for last weeks defeat with a comfortable 5 – 2 win. City’s morning started interestingly with the convoy of cars from Totton to Swanmore being broken up as the lure of the Hedge End McDonalds was too great for some. Once the whole squad had arrived, Manager Cliff Cron was able to choose a strong looking side and even leave Dan Foot on the bench. 

On a bumpy, frosty pitch, the home side kicked off and were soon in the ascendancy. On 5 minutes, Waltham Wolves took a deserved lead with a helping hand from City keeper, Steve Cox who spilled a low cross into the path of an advancing striker for an  easy tap in. It got worse for City just 13 minutes later, with Cox again at fault, as his weak goal kick fell to an opponent some 30 yards out. He brought the ball forward, rounded the keeper and slotted home. The City front two saw little of the ball as the game seemed to be being played exclusively in the City half. It was Dave Crons turn to make a mistake next as he was robbed on the left touch and the winger charged to the byeline and squared it for an easy tap in from six yards. Less than half an hour gone and City were 3 – 0 down. It could have been worse for City as the Wolves had a fourth goal controversially disallowed for offside on 39 minutes but they were not to be denied on the stroke of half time as the unpicked the City offside trap to finish a terrible first half for the visitors. 

Cliff Cron was furious with his players at half time as they had undone all of the good work from the previous week. He changed things around for the second half by playing three at the back and five across midfield to try and get back into the match. The changes played almost instant dividends as Ben Calder was sandwiched in the penalty area but the vocal City appeals for a penalty were turned down. However, on 51 minutes, Calder was pushed in the area and this time the referee pointed to the spot. Dean Floyd smashed home the spot kick only for the referee to make him retake it for encroachment. The result however was the same as City reduced the arrears to 4 – 1. City were playing well and it was a complete reversal of the first half with the majority of the action being played in the home sides half. Stu Parsonage made a welcome return from his long term injury on 75 minutes replacing Chris Mills and a minute later City scored a second goal as Ben Calder turned and shot from 20 yards. The Waltham Wolves keeper seemed to have it covered but the ball slipped from his grasp and trickled over the line. This goal woke up the Wolves and the last 20 minutes or so was end to end stuff. Waltham Wolves had a fifth goal disallowed on 85 minutes for a handball in the build up but they did finally wrap up the points a minute from time with a shot from 8 yards which Steve Cox almost turned over the bar. 

Robert Half  4 - 7 Southampton City                                         20th March  2005

Below Par City Scrape Past Robert Half

City made hard work of beating 9 man Robert Half but eventually made their extra numbers tell in the last 20 minutes on their visit to Knightwood Park. Whilst City Manager, Cliff Cron was not too pleased with the performance, the three points City gained ensured their were safe from relegation with 5 matches to spare as both SportsMania and Aalco lost at the weekend. City were without a few key players for the match at Chandlers Ford but felt confident of the win when it became apparent their opponent were struggling for players.

Perhaps the City players were over confident as Robert Half took an unlikely lead on 2 minutes as the City defence parted like the Red Sea. City got back on terms on 4 minutes when Dave Cron fired a shot 20 yards which found it's way into the net via the keeper's hands, crossbar and post. As should have been expected City then spent the majority of the time attacking the Robert Half goal. They defended well and held out until 23 minutes when Chris Mills was set free and neatly chipped the keeper for his 20th goal of the season. City managed to hit the self destruct button on 29 minutes when poor defending allowed the Robert Half forward a clear run at goal again and slide it past Cox in the City goal.  Unbelievably Robert Half then took a 3 -2 lead on 31 minutes as a weak cross shot was fumbled into his own net at the near post by the City keeper.  City hit back and got an equaliser 3 minutes before the break as Dean Floyd's fierce cross deflected off the heal of an opponent and into the net. The City skipper insisted that this was his goal and nobody  has disagreed !!!

The City manager was far from happy with the 3 - 3 half time score and instructed his players to use the wings and bring Stu Bridle into the game more. His team must of listen as it was Stu Bridle who scored City's 4th goal on 49 minutes finding space in the penalty area and smashing home an unstoppable half  volley from 15 yards. The expected avalanche of goals failed to materialise as the home side continued to defend brilliantly and it wasn't until 74 minutes when Chris Mill's hit a thunderbolt in off the cross bar from 20 yards. This goal finally broke Robert Half's stubborn resistance and Mills completed his hat-trick two minutes later with another great finish. Kev O'Hara seized on a loose ball in the opponent area on 80 minute to drive home a 7th goal. Robert Half still managed to have the last laugh on the day though as City were caught short at the back as the centre forward ran on to complete a hat-trick of his own.

The City players were not particularly happy with their overall performance but the win and the three points were important and they can now play out the season without any lingering fear of relegation.

Southampton City  1 - 2 Ark                                                 3rd April  2005

City Slip to Narrow Ark Defeat 

City, now safe from relegation from Junior 2, went down 2-1 after being outplayed by Ark, fighting the drop themselves, in an entertaining encounter at Totton College. City were missing Dean Floyd, Dan Foot and Ben Calder but were delighted to welcome back Stu Parsonage for his first start of the season. 

Ark kicked off on a beautiful spring morning on a hard pitch that was beginning to show signs of wear. City were soon under considerable pressure and their goal was living a charmed live. Ark, desperate for points, were playing extremely well and were unfortunate not to take the lead on 21 minutes when an angled shot was palmed onto the underside of the bar by City keeper Steve Cox and the ball bounced down onto the line before being hacked clear. City’s lone striker did not see much of the ball in the first half as City continued to be penned back into their own half. Ark thought they had taken the lead on 40 minutes as two players burst through and the ball ended up in the net only for the play to be brought back for offside. With the score at 0-0 at half time, City felt slightly fortunate not to be behind. 

City had a wonderful chance of opening the scoring within 90 seconds of the restart as Chris Mills evaded the Ark offside trap and charged into the penalty area but he unfortunately scuffed his shot into the side netting. Within 2 minutes of this let off, Ark got the breakthrough their attacking play deserved when they were awarded a penalty as Gary Durkin mistimed his jump and climbed all over his opponent as a cross was swung in. The penalty was coolly dispatched. City responded well but it was Ark who scored again on 57 minutes when a right wing free kick was played into the City area and an advancing forward stole in between two defenders to slot home from 8 yards. At last, City became more of an attacking force and began to put ark under pressure. The visitor’s cause was not helped on 75 minutes when they were temporally reduced to 10 men with a knee injury to a defender. City took full advantage of this on 83 minutes as Ryan Osborne volleyed home from close range as Ark failed to clear a free kick played into the box.  It seemed as City would go on to get an equaliser as Ark defended in numbers but City were themselves reduced to 10 men on 88 minutes as Stu Parsonage got himself unnecessarily involved in a minor altercation in the centre circle and flipped his hand out towards the face of an opponent and was sent off after a long discussion with the referee. Ark comfortably held out for the final few minutes to get the 3 points their performance deserved.