Canford United travelled to Corfe Castle in the Dorset Intermediate Cup, but sadly went out in the first round as division one hotshot Courtney Johnstone bagged himself 4 goals to fire the hosts into the next round. After last week's disappointing performance, changes were made to the formation, tactics and starting line with Eugene McIntyre, Matt Mcgrath, Matt Muzzelle and Craig Warren returning to the line up with Luke Morgan-Jupp and Dean Fields unavailable and Jordan Dunkley now out for several weeks with a fractured ankle.
The managers demanded more passion and team spirit and a reaction to last weekends disappointing show and in the opening exchanges, the Canford players responded as they tried to be harder to break down. The midfield worked extremely hard to close the hosts down in particular the central pair of Matt Mcgrath and Cam Milne who worked hard throughout the game, with the back four restricting any clear cut chances with Adam Wright making several good tackles and headers. Despite the extra passion and commitment, Canford didn't play with any composure on the ball going forwards and although the two strikers worked hard against the Corfe centre backs, much of the time they were left chasing long balls. Despite this, Canford managed to work a couple of openings with Matt Muzzelle hitting a long range effort wide and Madge hitting over after being played in from a short corner. Despite the encouraging start and not having given the hosts much of a sniff, Canford were undone from a long goal kick taking a bounce that caught them out. Johnstone burst through and hit a tremendous left footed shot that bounced in off the post. With confidence currently low, it was imperative that the adders got to the break still in the game to push on later on. But they were undone with 2 goals right on the stroke of half time, the first coming from a ball in from the right wing back who had too much space but his drilled ball in saw 2 or 3 unmarked runners waiting to fire home. With just seconds left on the watch before the break, Canford were punished again, a low shot was saved by Daffy but Canford didn't react to the rebound and Corfe followed in to convert their third.
There were frustrations at half time but the general consensus was that Canford simply had to have a go in the second half, try and grab at least a goal back and leave with some pride. The game was over, however, just minutes into the second half when Craig Warren appeared to be fouled in the build up but from the resulting cross Canford were again punished to find themselves four goals behind. Despite this, Canford were at last playing better passing football that they have always strived to play, and this was creating space and chances going forwards. They pulled a goal back when the ref gave a penalty for a push on Kinger which Lezer fired home from the spot. Once again though, Canford would be disappointed with the way in which the next goal was conceded. With Adam competing for the first ball, the strong Corfe striker headed on with Johnstone running in unmarked to grab his fourth of the afternoon and put the game beyond reach at 5-1. With nothing to lose, Canford went to three at the back and the introduction of the fresh legs had an impact, with Connor Wright in particular having a good performance. Canford never stopped trying to play and get back into the game, Mike Davidson had a long range shot after bursting forward and Madge almost scored a header from a Cam Milne corner but his header was pushed on to the bar. A Matt Mcgrath free kick from long range was tipped over by the Corfe keeper, but from the resulting corner Canford pulled another one back when Cam Milne's cross picked out Mcgrath to nod home.
Final score: Corfe Castle 5-2 Canford Utd
Goalscorers: Matt Muzzelle (pen), Matt Mcgrath
Man of the match: Cam Milne
