SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 24TH APRIL 2010
VERWOOD TOWN 3 STOCKBRIDGE 0

Stockbridge attacked straight from the kick off. Evans intercepted a line ball and then Murray mirrored the move on the other flank. Kelly’s clearance in the 3rd minute was a quick end to the pressure and his clearance was picked up by Baguley who ran free and tried a lob over an advancing keeper. The keeper did well to back pedal and hold the ball just off the line.

We settled into a decent rhythm and it was Baguley again giving Stockbridge a problem forcing a corner from which Jamison headed wide.

Stockbridge bolstered their defence making it difficult for us to breach. Dyer tried a long distance shot but the game was more concentrated in midfield where Arnold and Dyer worked hard to give us the edge.

18 minutes and Stockbridge earned a free kick between the edge of the area and centre circle. The ball was headed on into the 6 yard box and another header looked a certain goal. Fawcett leaped high to palm away the danger.

A long ball found Williams a head to Baguley who then ran shoulder to shoulder to win the ball wide of goal. A pass back to Dyer allowed space for Dyer to hammer a left foot shot goalward but wide.

Homer’s cross with 15 minutes left was headed clear and a long ball down the middle was headed on into the box. Several headers followed both from our defenders and Stockbridge attackers. It finished with Fawcett claiming a catch just under the bar. It was a close call.

2 minutes remaining and it was our turn to press forward. Baguley hit a cross shot that flew wide of the post and just before the referee puckered his lips, Dyer slammed a shot the keeper did well to hold.

Half Time 0-0

We don’t know what was in the half time drinks but passing was atrocious from both sides and gone was the ability to string an attack together. It was really scrappy.

In an effort to get more movement into the team, Adie and Martin shuffled the pack. Russell Dyer went wide, Dan Baguley dropped just behind the forwards.

While we were re adjusting Stockbridge took advantage and a quick break on the left opened up a chance for a cross. Fawcett for once was beaten in the air but Evans had dropped in behind and cleared the ball from danger.

It was still scrappy for a while and we had to wait until half way through the half before we showed signs of better quality football.

A free kick for Stockbridge was heading for the top corner but Fawcett flapped a hand to palm it away. Murray collected, on to Arnold on to Newbery and an angled shot brought out a fine save from the keeper.

We were now enjoying a lot more possession. Homer and Murray split the visitors defence and a low cross was followed by Jamison. A cracking shot was beaten out.

Mills came on for Evans as we went three at the back. 15 minutes left.could we manage to score?

Williams broke free from a Kelly through ball a low cross and Mills raced in to plant a left foot shot into the corner of the net. 1-0.

5 minutes to go and Baguley planted a header wide then Dyer shot into the side netting.

4 minutes to go and Dyer broke wide right. A chip ball over the keeper and there was Mills again to slide the ball past the keeper. 2-0

2 minutes left, on came Harrison. Harrison followed the ball, a low cross was inch perfect for him to get his name on the score sheet for his first goal for the first team.

Final score 3-0.