SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2007
VERWOOD TOWN 0 - LAVERSTOCK & FORD 0

L&F surged down the right a cross was pounced on by the alert Willis. A throw to Elysee set us on the attack. A line ball found Dyer, back to Arnold, across to Goodall, a snap shot. The game was two minutes old so it was evident we were in for an open game with both teams pushing hard for the three points.

Laverstock used their right flank again with four minutes gone and the cross ricocheted off Lynch. Willis dived low right and clutched the ball. His long clearance found Goodall and a block tackle earned a free kick. Arnold's floated ball found Reeves and a shot low for the corner of the net was saved superbly by the visiting keeper.

At this stage it was a good open game with both teams committed to team support rather than any individualism.

L&F tested and probed. They were on top half way through the half but today we had a Lynch and King partnership in top form supported by a very alert Willis. We absorbed everything thrown at us and relied on quick breaks to snatch a goal.

23 minutes gone and we gradually found our feet. Dyer was the first to break through L&F dominance and his cross was fired wide by Homer. Then Homer stretched the L&F back four getting chalk on his boots. His low cross was diverted goalwards by Reeves but another good save kept the scores level.

Three minutes later Goodall brought out another stop by the keeper and then Elysee fired a shot destined for the top corner that was flipped away.

A last couple of minutes flurry from the visitors kept Lynch and King busy but this was a day when we witnessed two teams battling in front of the sticks with an 'evens' situation emerging.

In the dying seconds of the half a snap shot beat Willis but it was that man Lynch clearing his lines yet again for a half time 0-0 scoreline.

It's unbelievable that for the last few weeks we simply haven't got to grips with the game in the opening minutes of the second half.

L&F cut through us like a hot knife through butter. They should have gone in front but a great save from Willis saved blushes. Two minutes later a powerful header was clawed away from the top corner and then the corner had Willis making another good stop as our defence developed a static stance.

Lynch and King were working overtime and the changes at half time meant Freeman and Homer had a lot to do to keep us in the game.

We dug in. Arnold and Reeves gradually got on top and brought into play both Dyer and Elysee.

Goodall was finding a bit of room and with ten minutes gone had a rasping shot turned away for a corner. Up came Lynch only to see his header sail over the bar.

Reeves suffered a heavy tackle and had to come off for Truan to make an appearance.

The style of play altered. We were subjected to more route one attacks and it no longer was a 'spectator sport'. Thrills and spills continued at both ends but only from balls being punted long distances with runners following up.

Both keepers did well from the barrage and centre halves were tested for pace and heading ability. Both sides cancelled each other out and BetFred could have made a lot of money from forecasting a draw.

In the last ten minutes of the half L&F hammered four shots over the bar and Dyer clipped the bar with a left foot volley.

This time the result of 0-0 was about right. Both teams worked hard to earn a point each.

We now have two games awayNAldermaston 5th January 2008 Andover 12th January 2008.