Canford United started their league season at Corfe Castle with a good performance but not with the points that their performance deserved. Despite dominating in spells and creating many chances, it just wasn't to be their day with the Corfe keeper making several saves, and the ball coming back off the post and bar leaving Canford shaking their heads and accepting that it was one of those days as the hosts pounced on mistakes and were extremely clinical when needed to take the points.
Canford started the game extremely well and were playing their good quick passing football to create many chances. Sam Fields was excellent throughout in midfield as was Webby who was terrorising the hosts left back. The first chance of the game fell to Kinger who's shot was blocked by a last ditch tackle before Webby put in a great ball that Madge just failed to reach to nod in. Webby then got played through after some good build up play started in the middle by Marshy but his shot was well saved by the home keeper. At the other end it was a brand new centre back partnership for this season and Adam and Jordan looked assured winning several important headers. There was an element of luck with the first goal after Jordan Dunkley cleared well but the ball dropped just nicely although there was no doubting the quality of the strike to put Corfe in front. Canford immediately hit back after Sam Fields played in Connor Wright and his shot was parried but Lee Madgewick followed up to bring Canford level. Canford went behind again when a long free kick into the box saw a man free and he flicked the ball over Daffy for Corfe to regain their lead. Canford were almost level right on half time when Sam Fields went on a mazy run past the home defence but his shot came back off the bar. Despite all of the early chances, Canford went into half time behind.
As the teams came out for the 2nd half, it was evident that Canford were in for a tough 45 minutes as the weather had changed and a gusty wind was accompanied by torrential driving rain with the pitch developing patches of water throughout the half. Canford started slowly and were once again punished when the hosts pounced on a goal kick to clinically fire home and make it 3-1. Struggling with the conditions, Canford went further behind when a long range shot was touched onto the bar by Daffy but Canford were slow to react to the follow up and the Corfe attacker pounced. Despite this, Canford did themselves proud as they stuck together and never stopped trying to get back into the game right through to the last minute. Long range shots from Ben Winter and Eugene McIntyre flew just wide and over whilst at the other end Daffy made a good stop low down and parried well from a corner. Canford finally got one back when some good play down the right saw Dan King cross well for Lezer to volley home. Canford worked tirelessly to the end with Sam Fields driving forward and a good cross in from Dean Fields saw Lezer almost get his second when the ball bounced back off the inside of the post, at that point we just knew it wasn't going to be our day!!
Thanks to Corfe who were good hosts and it was a good game of football to start the season. Canford still have plenty to work on but can take lots of positives from this game and hold their heads high, in particular for sticking at it in tough conditions right through to the end.
Final Score: Corfe Castle 4-2 Canford United
Goalscorers: Lee Madgewick, Matthew Muzzelle Man of the match: Sam Fields
