SYDENHAMS (WESSSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY 2011
VERWOOD TOWN 0 HYTHE AND DIBDEN 0

H&D didn't waste any time in getting stuck in. The first minute saw Tong making a save low to his right and then with two minutes gone we were stretched on the right as H&D put a good move together taking them to the edge of the box. We had stood and watched giving space and time.

Luckily Murray indicated an alertness (either that or a strong bowel movement) as he raced across to make a good tackle.

We woke up. Dear swung a pass down the right and Haskell muscled a defender off the ball to make inroad into the box. A cut back found Dyer steaming in but his left foot shot finished up in the side netting.

Elysee blocked an effort destined for goal and then Lynch headed clear as H&D applied more pressure. We defended well and got back in the game particularly through mid field. Lanahan and Webb worked hard and with Saxby's energy we forced H&D's keeper into several good saves.

H&D's central defenders fought out ariel supremacy with Haskell and Lovell with a 50/50 result. Haskell's effort in the 25th minute following a break from Saxby was worth a goal but the post denied the privilege.

37 minutes gone and a corner swung in by Dyer found Lynch. The header produced a reflex save and the result was another corner. This time Lynch again won the tussle but his header this time flew over the bar.

3 minutes later Saxby hit a low cross into the box but a size ten hoofed it out into touch.

A minute to go Saxby again beat the defender and his rising shot was tipped over. The corner was cleared as the whistle went for half time.

Half Time 0-0

4 minutes old and Webb cut inside his marker releasing Saxby. A line ball found Lovell and a cracking through ball found Haskell just outside the area. A pivot...a right foot blaster but the keeper was equal to anything we had.

Lovell again was in action heading downward and goalward but good defending on the line cleared the ball from danger.

Then we had five torrid minutes as H&D stung by a good Verwood opening spell hit back.

Murray and Dear had their hands full as the flanks saw most of the ball. Dear stopped one raid and tried to clear but the fight in the H&D side won the ball back crossing deep into our box. Lynch again was the ball winner clearing well up field.

Webb linked with Saxby and released Haskell with a good pass inside the defence. Haskell's shot whistled wide.

We were too intent pushing forward and almost suffered because of it. A quick ball out of defence found a runner and Tong had to race from his line providing a one on one. Tong won this particular challenge but it was a lesson learned.

H&D's movement off the ball gave us concern but as the game went end to end and a bit more robust we gave H&D's defence a headache. Saxby was having an excellent game and his running and probing almost had us in front a couple of times but again the central pairing in the H&D ranks held firm.

17 minutes to go Haskell gave way for Brad Aspin to make a bow but unfortunately couldn't make any impact as the defensive pattern thrown up by H&D proved impenetrable.

8 minutes left on the clock and Lanahan made way for Sean Malkin. The change altered the flow slightly but this was a day when defences held firm and the game finished with a point each.

Result 0-0