SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 19TH JANUARY 2008
VERWOOD TOWN 2 - STOCKBRIDGE 1

Pete King failed a fitness test before kick off but skipper Luke Homer proved to be OK. Chris Lynch served his one week ban so back to the Club for his 08 debut came Richard Green.

The game started with a cracking pace. We had he first stab at scoring with an attack down the left and earning a free kick as Homer was felled between the half way line and Stockbridge area. Homer took the kick and up went Goodall and Truan to challenge. The keeper palmed the ball away for a corner.

Dyers inswinger was followed in by Green and his header was well gathered by the keeper. A quick throw and a central chase gave Willis a chance to show his pace as he raced off his line to gather.

We were enjoying a good spell and playing some good football.

Stockbridge used the long ball more than carpet style but in Green we had the edge in aerial combat and with Yerby Giles and Homer forming a strong back four we repelled most attacks from getting into the box.

12 minutes our corner swung in and Green rose above the Stockbridge defence to head for the top corner. The keeper palmed the ball out and just on the edge of the box lurked Truan. Timing was inch perfect as Truan hit an unstoppable volley low past the keeper. 1-0.

We enjoyed long spells of possession and with 22 minutes on the clock Truan sent away Elysee. A return ball split Stockbridge and a cross allowed Dyer time to hit a terrific second goal.

Although we dominated we gave away a corner in the 45th minute and Stockbridge scored a good header to send in the teams with a scoreline of 2-1.

Stockbridge came out fighting and we gave ground. A more aggressive streak was evident and although they still hit a long ball the channels were filled with runners.

The play became scrappy and the old cliché applied 'A game of two halves'. Stockbridge were now getting into the box more and Willis was extremely busy.

Giles Green Yerby and Homer were in the thick of things and Faulkner had to drop back from mid field to dig in alongside them.

Our football standard applied in the first half was none existent. We defended well though and able to frustrate the visitors.

Arnold and Elysee opened up Stockbridge on the right and a low cross was volleyed wide by Goodall.

27 minutes gone and Truan made way for Reeves. We forced a couple of chinks into Stockbridge defence and Faulkner smashed a header against the bar. It was short lived.

Stockbridge attacked down the right and a cross sped across the area passing right through our defence and luckily past Stockbridge forwards as well. Yerby cleared.

34 minutes and an attack opened us up for a powerful shot on target. Homer stuck his head in the way and the ball sailed wide for a corner. Willis made a good catch.

2 ½ minutes to go we thought we had clinched the game as a Dyer Goodall break left Goodall to shoot across the keeper but the shot went wide. We then had a heart stopping moment as we gave ground and our visitors broke free. In swept the centre forward and Homer was there to block the shot. Only twelve yards out and a hole appeared in our defence allowing a point blank blockbuster to be fired at goal. Willis flew across the goal to make a fantastic save. Stockbridge players couldn't believe it and wigs were ripped off and thrown to the ground in disbelief.

We hung on and finally ran off 2-1 winners.