Eastleigh 6-4 CPR All Stars

This afternoon, CPR, a team who have only played 4 games together to date, came up against an academy side who train day in, day out, week in, week out.

Eastleigh, a team who's first team play in the 6th tier of English football, were the opponents for the second round of the Hampshire county cup, and on paper; were expected to smash us.

The team lined up as follows:
GK: Kevany LB: Barby CB: Hastings CB: Ross RB: Marsh CM: Rolt CM: Adolphous LM: Finlay RM: Stroud CF: Rice ST: McMillan

Subs: Parslow, Honeywood, Nott, Dunnage

The only absentee for the big game was Lloyd-Bisley, who has been ruled out for around 6 weeks with a broken foot. But his absence was covered by the returning Dunnage, who had shaken off a groin injury, and Honeywood, who was also making his first appearance since his move from Nottingham.

Curley Park would've been forgiven for sitting back and absorbing pressure, but they got off to an electrifying start to break the deadlock after only 2 minutes.

Adolphous picked the ball up and played an exquisite pass to Stroud, who squared the ball to McMillan who could do no wrong from 5 yards.

Eastleigh looked rattled by the early goal, and Curley Park were agonisingly close to doubling their lead after the flying Rice was only inches away from connecting with Stroud’s fizzed cross.

But Eastleigh started to assert their dominance, and Curley Park showed great resilience in keeping them at bay, with a number of tremendous blocks by the CPR back line, especially by Hastings, which ensured that CPR maintained their goal lead.

But the back line could not hold out forever, and Eastleigh soon restored parity. Despite only limiting the Eastleigh team to a number of long shots, a strike from 20 yards proved too good for Kevany, and the ball nestled in the bottom left hand corner of the net.

CPR were at times defending for their lives, but soon found themselves down when the same player struck the ball from virtually the same position, and despite getting a hand to it, Kevany could not prevent the ball from going into the back of the net.

Despite having very little possession of the ball, CPR's defensive unit worked impressively together and Eastleigh were struggling to break through a solid CPR back line.

CPR's players were evidently knackered when the half time whistle went, with each and every CPR player working tirelessly to keep the home team at bay.

The second half started how the first half ended; more Eastleigh pressure. However, the away side did seem dangerous on the break, with McMillan leading the charge from the front.

And he was rewarded for his efforts with his second goal of the game, after more great work from the lone striker. Dunnage, who earlier entered the fray for his first appearance of the season, chipped the ball over the top for McMillan to run on to.

Despite pressure from the Eastleigh defender, McMillan showed great awareness to lob the ball over the keeper, and head the ball over the line; sparking scenes of jubilance from everyone connected with the away side.

Despite the away side looking very unlikely to walk away with a decent result, the CPR team were fighting valiantly both in defence and in attack. But with roughly 25 minutes left, Eastleigh scored a quick fire double, with Kevany unable to do anything with either goal.

But this did not stop CPR from giving up, and they in fact doubled their efforts to reduce the deficit.

They got one back after Rolt headed against the bar after a good save from the Eastleigh keeper, but McMillan was on hand to head in the rebound and achieve his hat trick.

CPR's defence continued to work tirelessly, but it was only a matter of time until Eastleigh increased the deficit. However, Finlay delayed what seemed the inevitable when he was perfectly placed to head off the line and away from danger, once again emphasising the great defending and resistance shown by the CPR back line.

But the most controversial moment came around 15 minutes from time when Stroud drove past 4 or 5 Eastleigh defenders, but his run into the box was prevented by the Eastleigh centre back who cynically brought him down about 25 yards from goal.

Despite what seemed a blatant yellow card, or even red, the referee decided against reaching for a card, which cued much protest from the CPR players and bench alike.

Nevertheless, Stroud brushed himself down and whipped a fierce free kick at goal, only for the Eastleigh keeper to deny him and tip the ball onto the bar and out for a corner.

But CPR's incredible efforts died down when Eastleigh again put 2 more into Kevany's goal to make the score line 6-3 and finally kill off CPR's challenge.

But all credit to the CPR lads, who never gave up, and were rewarded with their 4th goal of the game with virtually the last kick. After repelling another Eastleigh attack, Stroud cleared the ball, which seemed easy for the opposing keeper to gather and clear. But his wayward kick found Rice, who with an open goal from all of 40-50 yards, showed great composure to roll the ball in and give CPR the consolation that they so deserved.

Seconds later the full time whistle went, and CPR's 100% start to the season was ended by who were, a superior side and would probably go very far in the competition.

Man of the match went to McMillan for his solo efforts up front, his hat trick and tireless efforts to hassle the Eastleigh back 4 a highlight of a great performance.

But credit is due for all the lads, no one gave Curley Park a prayer, but the resilience and great team work shown from all 15 players available today ensured that the away side travelled home with their heads held high.

Despite looking so inferior on paper, the final score was only 6-4 to Eastleigh. So proud of the blads who dug in right to the last, putting in a performance worthy of North East Hants Premier Division Champions. Terrific performance Boys!