Whitchurch United 1, Bournemouth 2

WHITCHURCH were frustratingly so near yet so far to another JWL victory at Longmeadow last Saturday. "The last piece of the jigsaw is always the hardest piece to find," admitted disappointed manager Howard Goddard.

Having already beaten Bournemouth away earlier in the season, Whitchurch saw another three points go begging in a game that they should have had wrapped up by half time.

"We played really well. It was the same at Eastleigh in the League Cup in midweek," added Goddard, "but against Bournemouth we had three chances in the six-yard box when it seemed easier to score than miss."

Despite not taking their chances, Whitchurch played well and were still in contention until five minutes into the second half when Bournemouth went ahead from the penalty spot.

"Six of the last seven goals we've conceded have all come from dead ball situations," lamented Goddard, "but if we don't put away our chances we're not going to win."

Whitchurch were left chasing the game for the last half hour and Goddard admitted it was frustrating because they should have got something out of the game. They were pushing forward in the search of an equaliser when Bournemouth snatched a last minute goal and Adam Thomas' stoppage time consolation prove to be too little too late.

"The other consolation is that we are at last starting to look like a football side," said the Whitchurch boss. "Now we're in a position where we can at least win a game whereas three weeks ago we never looked like scoring in a million years. I know and more importantly the players know that we should have got something out of this game."

Whitchurch have a tough nut to crack this Saturday with them away to Wimborne and next Wednesday entertain local rivals Andover in the annual Christmas game at Longmeadow (3pm).

Whitchurch (3-5-2): Clayton; Reece, Shaughnessy, Robinson; Grey, Woodley, McNulty, Thomas, Nurse; Kearney, Soper-Dyer. Subs: Loddon (for Woodley 65 mins).