SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
THURSDAY 15TH APRIL2010
UNTED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH 3 VERWOOD TOWN 2

A Collector’s item was the team sheet. Adie Arnold No.12 !!!!!!!

Several changes were forced on Capello’s successor because of missing players.

We got stuck in from the start. Russ Dyer tried a snap shot within the first couple of minutes and then Luke Homer hit a cross shot the keeper did well to hold.

Evans became the hero as USP retaliated. Two attacks in quick succession saw Evans cut out the threat with timely intervention. Elysee and Murray were busy as USP switched play.

Baguley and Newbery worked their way through a tight defence and a shot from Baguley was on target but didn’t have enough sting to worry the keeper.

17 minutes and gave away a corner after pressure. In came a high ball and we allowed free space for a header to hit the back of the net. 0-1.

We forced play and 20 minutes had Arnold’s name written into the scoresheet as he lashed a Baguley pass into the net. 1-1.

USP were frustrated as they strung a great move together on their left but suffered as Elysee robbed the ball and sparked off a counter attack. Dyer tried cross shot but the keeper saved.

Both sides were playing good open football and we cracked USP’s defence when a move between Murray Newbery and Homer finished with Homer scoring an excellent goal.

Half Time 2-1

3 minutes of the second half and USP had a header kicked off the line by Lynch. Closing in, a shot was well saved by Fawcett and then Murray stopped a shot reaching the area with a sliding tackle.

USP had their tails up and forced us back. Arnold and Evans worked hard in midfield more so defending than stimulating attack.

We clung on to our lead for the first ten minutes and then got back into the game.

Homer coasted past his marker and a shot hit the side netting. Baguley then tried a lob over the keeper but watched the ball land on the roof of the net.

Arnold pushed forward collecting a Dyer through ball and almost had a third as the shot was palmed out but grazed the post on the way.

Elysee then damaged his right foot and had to come off.

A temporary ban was applied to all those with cameras and videos as Arnold was pulled out of his track suit. The sag was strapped in with a body stocking and after a quick defibrillator application Adie was carried to the line.

33 minutes and a scramble at the back gave space for USP to try a shot and Fawcett had to pick the ball out of the back of the net.

The game had lost its football quality and we saw more of route 1 from both sides.

A bit of frustration resulted in the ref having to use his biro and both sides had the problem of bookings.

43 minutes and Baguley cleverly turned his marker. The ball was chipped left to Homer then on to Adie Arnold, a volley and the keeper made a cracking save.

Straight back and USP made it 2-3 with a good move and an equally good finish.