SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION 1
SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2010
STOCKBRIDGE 1 VERWOOD TOWN 3

Still slightly bruised but elated from our Hamworthy game we faced a bright and perky Stockbridge.

Still suffering from the absentee malaise we still had a good squad. A shuffle in the defence was the most noticeable change and looked vulnerable as Stockbridge cut through on their left and a cross shot had Fawcett beaten but not the post.

Homer and Newbery made inroads into the Stockbridge area and Homer rounded off the move with a drive the keeper did well to hold.

Stockbridge had the edge. A couple of efforts were blocked and saved as our defence settled in.

Jamison and Dyer worked hard to salvage the middle ground and both tried to spring board moves along the deck in keeping with our style of play. Stockbridge for their part matched us and the game became a good spectacle for the spectators.

Matt Newbery slipped the leash to net our first but Stockbridge drew level 10 minutes after with a cracking effort. 1-1 and only half way through the half !!.

Another ten minutes elapsed and then Haskell punched his weight with a typical Haskell goal placing us at 3-1. Maybe unjust in the eyes of the home team but the difference was we had taken chances where Stockbridge had missed several opportunities.

We got a bit stronger and Homer was the spearhead of two attacks that should have resulted in goals but the home keeper was in great form to make crucial stops.

We stemmed a ten minute pressure just before half time and Morrison was the hero at one point with a terrific header off the line.

Half Time 3-1.

Stockbridge gave immediate sign of intent with a good move down the right, a deep cross and an angled shot for Fawcett to prove his worth.

Elysee cut out the next raid and sparked a counter attack with a line ball to Dyer. Dyer cut inside and tried a 25 yarder that went over the bar.

It was end to end play for a while and then got trapped in the central areas. Both teams were trying to play along the deck and it made for good watching.

Then came ten minutes of pressure and again Delaney Jamison Morrison and Elysee were stretched in keeping our defence tight. What did get through was handled brilliantly by Fawcett.

We dug in and Haskell's robust challenge for a ball was judged worth a free kick. A high ball into the box and a glancing header looked as if it was going to make the score line 3-2 but Fawcett yet again kept the sheet down to 3-1.

We thought we had scored a fourth from Newbery's drive half way through the half but the ball hit the wrong side of the net.

Delaney's header from a corner caused panic in the box but a big boot sent the ball soaring from Stockbridge area to ours. Fawcett volleyed the return and Haskell almost scored with a great turn and shot, but the ball whipped past the post.

Mid field was forgotten for a while but the good thing emerging was the effort still being applied by Dyer Jamison and Newbery.

We went into the last 15 minutes with the belief that although Stockbridge overall had the better part of possession we had done enough to win the game.

So it proved. Our defence held tight and Haskell Newbery and Homer kept the home team pegged believing in the old adage..........

Attack is the best form of defence.

Final score 3-1.