SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
WEDNESDAY 15TH AUGUST 2007
WARMINSTER TOWN 3 - VERWOOD TOWN 2

Heavy persistent rain made playing conditions a bit difficult but both teams had an attacking flair and the game opened with both sides committed to open football.

Warminster had the edge with a couple of shots rattling in to test Fawcett. Fawcett’s handling in such appalling conditions was impeccable. The slippery surface held perils for defenders and Warminsters forwarders revelled in getting in amongst Lynch and Newbury. Freeman and James gave terrific support so we held firm.

With both Arnold and Reeves missing the central midfield pairing of Beverley and Elysee took a little time to settle but we gradually wore ourselves into the game and the first of several good attacks started with Homer making inroads on the left. A chip into the box and Goodall planted a header on top of the net.

15 minutes and Fawcett made a tremendous save, tipping the ball over the bar from a dipping shot.

Ten minutes later it was James’ turn to try a shot from a galloping run on the left but his effort slammed into the side netting.

Good open football followed. Both sides had shots deflected from the area, and then we were shell shocked to see Warminster’s right midfielder race down the flank, round a couple of our static defenders and then run into the box. Luckily Dan Fawcett didn’t stand in awe and raced from his line to block the shot on the edge of the six yard box.

Newbury’s free kick from 35 yards dipped into the box. Up went Lynch and although the keeper was well beaten the ball went wide of the post to pose no danger.

Dyer, prompting and probing on the right went close with a rattling shot and then exchanging passes with Elysee tried a another shot in the closing minutes that forced a good save from he home keeper.
The rain still fell. Adie Arnold still braved the elements, standing on the line, dripping wet, but urging the team forward.

Goodall responded with a sparkling effort and then Dyer popped up on the right to round his marker and his shot was well held.
Lynch and James made progress out of the back. James raced down the line and Lynch met the cross in the box. A great header well saved. We wondered if he could get back. He did…eventually.

Beverley was doing a good holding job in the middle but with 15 minutes of the half gone decided to surge forward (as only he can) and met Dyers corner kick at the far post. A rising shot from the edge of the six yard box flew into the roof of the net. 1-0.

Three minutes later Goodall took the ball wide right and raced free of his marker. Cutting into the box a cheeky chip sailed over the diving keeper and went two up.

Two minutes later Warminster’s midfield tried a high hopeful ball into our box. The ball curled over Fawcett and nestled into the top corner. 2-1.

Unbelievably five minutes later a long ball over our midfield fell between our defenders and a lone runner picked up the loose ball 2-2.
Thirty seconds later another raid on our box and the player fell over Freeman’s foot just outside the box. Sliding on to the penalty spot the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the blob of lime and the ball was despatched with aplomb to put Warminster ahead.

By the time the ball was back on the centre spot Adie had been treated for cardiac arrest and Richard Stainer donned dark glasses and a mac for a disguise.

We almost went four down when we allowed another free run but James was the saviour with a sliding tackle that this time didn’t warrant a penalty.

We finished wet, bedraggled and beaten 2-3.