PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2010
HOLT UNITED 2 VERWOOD TOWN 4

The last three seasons have seen Holt win every friendly. Would our new look go the same way?

Both teams had shots on goal in the first five minutes so it looked as if we were in for a good open game.

8 minutes and it was our Totton second goal man Chas Elysee that slammed the ball into the onion bag giving us the lead 1-0.

Holt, stung into retaliation tried to force the ball through the middle but Delaney's tackle on the edge of the box was solid and resolute. Making progress across the middle Delaney placed an inch perfect ball on the head of Elysee but the header was wide.

Back came Holt and a bundle in the box brought a penalty. 1-,1 and only 11 minutes gone.

The game went end to end with some good football being played.

Chas Elysee was on song. 25 minutes and he claimed number 2 with a low shot from the penalty spot.

Holt was rocked and before they could gather themselves Faulkner stepped in to smash a left foot rocket past the keeper 3-1.

We had the better of exchanges and looked like we could get another before half time.

Holt got back into the game briefly but Tong pulled off a couple of good saves keeping a healthy score line.

Russ Dyer had other thoughts and with 36 minutes gone hammered number 4 to send us in 4-1 ahead.

Half time 4-1.

Holt's team talk at half time obviously had a sting and we were under pressure from the kick off.

Left pegger Ben Kelly, alongside Tom Freeman, worked extremely hard to keep mid field. Holt's football though brought flanks into operation which was good for the spectators and gave activity all over the park.

We looked stretched for a time but kept a tight rein on Holt's attackers.

Matt Dear and James Murray kept their opposite numbers at bay and again the Delaney/Lynch partnership was solid.

A shot from 25 yards did get through but Adam Tong's presence was enough to keep the score at 4-1.

Haskell broke through half way through the half and a rocket shot was turned round the post. Faulkner's dummy over the low corner gave Dyer a chance but the shot went wide.

Defences tightened and opportunities became rare. The game was being played more in the central areas of the pitch but generally tackles remained clean.

Kelly and Freeman continued their good work in the middle supported by an industrious Faulkner.

80 minutes and a flurry in the box meant a penalty for Holt. 4-2.

The last ten minutes made good watching as Holt went for more and we tried to catch them on the break.

It finished....4-2.

Next week we play Lyndhurst at Lyndhurst. Can we make it 3 wins on the trot?