SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION 1
WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2010
VERWOOD TOWN 4 SHAFTESBURY 4

We had won a few games over the last few weeks mainly in Cup Competitions so confidence was at a high. Shaftesbury had the same feeling so when they forced their way into our box within a couple of minutes of the start it was a lessoned learned. Elysee blocked the shot on goal and cleared the danger.

5 minutes later, Fawcett made a good save at the foot of the post after Shaftesbury had opened us up on their right and a cross and shot had a goal written all over it.

Luckily we managed to get ourselves together and dug in. 16 minutes into the half we forced a corner. The ball sailed over the box to Lynch. Quick control, a hook into the area and there was Smith to place a header wide of the keeper. 1-0.

4 minutes later it was Lynch again chipping a ball into box giving Delaney space to scissor kick the ball into the corner of the net. 2-0.

We stayed on top for a while and felt comfortable. Shaftesbury though kept going and 33 minutes gone we gave the ball away in mid field allowing a break and a well taken goal took the score to 2-1.

We continued playing square at the back and Shaftesbury made a couple of breaks threatening to score again. Fawcett did well as did Dear and Daniels.

Lynch and Delaney were now having a tough time as Shaftesbury pressed forward. What made it worse for us was giving the ball away too often allowing Shaftesbury the opportunity to keep attacking without fear of reprisal.

40 minutes Elysee picked up the ball on the right then proceeded to work his way through our defence before passing to Matt Dear. It was like going on a mystery drive and not quite knowing where he would finish up.

Anyway Half Time 2-1.

47 minutes and Fawcett was tested as we left the flanks open and a clear shot was allowed to hit the target.

Luckily this time we seemed to recognise we needed to dig in early and hit back.

Matt Newbery had a shot hot the side netting and Elysee blazed a shot just wide.

The ball was arrowed yet again high to clear our defence but Lynch got underneath it. Good control and a through ball for Elysee split Shaftesbury's defence. Elysee took the goal well and the ball sped past the keeper into the bottom corner. 3-1.

6 minutes later we got sloppy on the right and a clear break allowed a cross to be headed in from a couple of feet. 3-2. Suddenly from being in comfort mode we were now frantically defending. Daniels and Delaney blocked two shots on goal and Lynch got a headache from constantly heading clear.

68 minutes we cracked again and a runner got into the box. Fawcett almost made the save at feet but was judged to have fouled. A penalty was awarded. Fawcett palmed the ball away but the ball fell to Shaftesbury feet and the score went to 3-3.

Unbelievably, 3 minutes later we put together a good attack and the cross from Webb was headed goalwards by Elysee. The ball hit the inside of the post and skipped along the line. Newbery beat the defenders to notch Verwood's fourth of the game. 4-3.

Smith Haskell and Newbery combined to create another chance a couple of minutes later but a great tackle was made by the centre half giving away a corner. The corner was booted up field and then it was Fawcett's turn to make a critical clearance from just outside the box.

81 minutes a break on their right a hard low cross and the ball was hammered past Fawcett. 4-4.

It made for a grandstand finish with a few handbags being brandished but the game finished at 4-4.