SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION 1
SATURDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2010
VERWOOD TOWN 0 PEWSEY VALE 0

Pewsey's rise up the table and the way they had been winning games warranted a good performance from us. We had a few missing as usual but the squad was felt to be strong enough to compete for the three points.

One minute old and Haskell broke free to slam a shot for the top corner. A good defender's head diverted the ball for a corner. In it came. Up went Haskell and the keeper palmed it away for a full back to clear.

King tried hard to free up Webb and Elysee but Pewsey held a good line preventing a break.

Pewsey's forwards gave Lynch and Morrison a testing time but reliance had to be on Dear and Murray doubling as sweepers to cut out quick attacks.

Lynch went up for a corner and his header clipped the bar. The ball dropped into play and Webb's cut back was driven for the top corner by Dyer. The keeper pulled off a great save.

Haskell forced his way through three tackles but topped his shot making it easy for the keeper.

15 min and Dan Eldridge was called on to fill a hole. Apparently Elysee had thought the only way through Pewsey's defence was underground. Two shovels of top soil and 100 kilos of turf did the trick.

Alan Titmarsh (ref) waved play on and the crowd was treated to an end to end game with both defences plying their trade very well.

A couple of minutes left of the half and Elysee won a corner. In it came and up went Haskell to force another corner. Webb steered the ball for the top corner and a header cleared the danger. It was a good finish to the half.

Half time 0-0.

We wanted the points and although Martin Newbery's rousing speech at half time had no affect we started well.

Elysee stormed down the right and a low cross found Haskell. A half volley was well saved.

Pewsey hit back. A good move down their left allowed a cross. A volley from just inside the area had Fawcett beaten but Matt Dear had rooted himself just inside the post and was able to clear.

60 minutes gone and Web broke free to chip the ball into the penalty area. Haskell pivoted and the ball nestled in the back of the net. Celebrations were short lived as the linesman flapped his flag for offside.

Pewsey's turn to attack but Morrison, having the best game of his short career with the first team, blocked several moves and was the architect of a counter move where Haskell picked up a through ball, swept it wide to Webb and raced for the return. Webb decided Haskell needed a rest and punted the ball high over the defence to Elysee. Elysee saw a gap hammered the ball for goal but then watched as it gathered ice.

Pete King's contribution was to wane. Legs looked heavy but he gave everything he had until 73 minutes when we had to call for oxygen. On raced Newbery. If this lad ever gets to Ascot...back him.

Newbery was picked out by Morrison, a swivel of the hips (Charlie took his address) and a terrific shot was tipped over the bar.

The corner was just right. Up went Haskell and the ball fell on the line. A boot swept it clear but Dyer's anticipation saw him on the end of the dropping ball. A volley and a brilliant save from the keeper.

Pewsey rallied and this time it was Fawcett keeping the score sheet clean.

There were a couple of efforts towards the end but neither side benefitted so each picked up a point in a good clean game.

Final score 0-0.