SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2007
HYTHE & DIBDEN 3 - VERWOOD TOWN 4

H&D made Willis aware of their intent with a good move down the left resulting in a cross shot that Willis took cleanly from under the bar. A quick throw to Elysee and we hit back down the same flank. Dyer roasted his full back and his cross was met by Goodall. The ball flew across the angle of bar and post.

It was a good opening and gave signs that both teams were up for an open game.

Ten minutes into the half and we peppered the home team's goal. Dyer made the break and a fierce shot was deflected into the path of King who lashed the ball on to the underside of the bar from an acute angle and into the net 1-0.

Congratulations were still going on when H&D got round the back of our defence and a low shot whipped past Willis to level the score.

Reeves and Arnold worked well in the central mid field and Reeves telling pass to Homer half way through the half gave Homer's left boot the chance to float a cross onto the penalty spot for King to launch himself and head just over the bar.

Freeman moved up and exchanged passes with Yerby. Yerby switched play left and in swept Homer to hit number two.

Ten minutes later Homer capped a real Captains performance with his second of the game putting us 3-1 ahead.

Goodall had a couple of opportunities but it wasn't his day as his efforts whistled wide.

King looked sharp but a more resolute performance from the home side kept us at bay.

The whistle blew at half time on a satisfactory score line of 3-1.

Lynch headed clear from an early attack and then Yerby had to make a last ditch tackle preventing H&D from closing the gap.

Dyer broke free on the right. A deep cross found Homer and a rasping shot flew over the bar. The ball was quickly back in play for H&D to mount a counter attack and the speed of reply paid off with a good goal. 3-2, and the game opened up.

Goodall had a glorious chance to put us four up but the keeper made a good save. Willis then found it his turn to perform as a volley from the edge of the box dipped alarmingly forcing him to tip over. The corner swung in and Lynch was first up to head clear.

The game swung end to end but we felt we had that extra bit in the tank and with Reeves and Arnold on top of their game we moved the ball well from mid field.

Elysee was enjoying himself keeping a troublesome winger under wrap. A couple of foraging runs linking with Dyer pegged the home side back and Goodall again had a chance to increase the score line but blew the opportunity.

Then…a penalty….up stepped Goodall…4-2.

We went for another and got caught out as H&D hit a cross into the box, Yerby doubling as a defender and goalkeeper palmed the ball down in the box….4-3.

Tails up H&D threw everything they had at us to daw level. We defended well. Lynch Yerby and Willis were under the cosh but succeeded in keeping the ball out of the net.

Freeman and Elysee stayed wide to reduce the opportunity for crosses and the move paid off as H&D were forced into central attacks.

We held out for a 4-3 win. At the end it was a hard fought three points that gave Adie Arnold and Nigel Reeves some satisfaction.

Now for the busy Christmas period.