SYDENHAMS (WESSSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2011
VERWOOD TOWN 3 EAST COWES VICTORIA 3

We should have met Ringwood last Tuesday night but sweeping fog forced the ref to cancel the fixture. He said he couldn't see the dug outs nor both goals from the centre spot. Some wag suggested a Lab and a white stick but to be fair it was a swirler.

Anyway we didn't pick up any injuries and had a good squad for the ECV visit.

It was a good start with both sides committed to attack. We had the first crack at goal when Delaney whipped the ball wide to Aspin. Aspin couldn't see properly because of the snood and his mistimed pass found Dyer. A good cross but Haskell was denied a chance of a shot being whistled up for offside.

Vics hit back down the right and a deep cross was well read and held by Tong.

The middle of the park was contested well and it was the flanks seeing most of the attacking play.

Saxby and Webb worked the ball deep into the Vics area and Saxby's cross found its way into a bunch of players. Aspin claimed he had felt someone's hand down his snood!!! The ref smiled.

A good low corner found Delaney. An inch perfect pass to Lynch and a bullet of a shot hit the back of the net 1-0.

Minutes later Tong had to race out to divert the ball for a corner and then made a good catch as the ball dropped under the bar.

ECV produced some good football and it made for an enjoyable game.

38 minutes and Lanahan intercepted a cross field pass. Switching the ball quickly to Web it opened up ECV for Saxby to take up the ball and hit a rocket of a shot past the keeper to send us in at half time.......

2-0

One minute old and Haskell chipped a delightful effort over the keeper. The keeper back pedalled and somehow tipped the ball over the bar. The corner came in low but was booted clear.

55 minutes and we gave away a free kick. A glancing header in the box and it was 2-1. Comfort zone had gone. Vics were pressing us back and we then had to defend in numbers as the game swung into our half. Delaney booted clear off the line and Lynch made a diving header to stem the flow. Elysee and Dear made crucial tackles during this period but with 22 minutes gone of the half another scramble in the box resulted in the ball being tapped in making it 2-2.

Another five minutes of pressure and we broke free. Saxby crossed and the clearance fell to Webb. A left foot shot hit the post and then Haskell pounced to hammer the ball low into the net 3-2.

Webb then turned hero as he raced back to cut out a volley from the edge of the box and then made a telling tackle as a player shaped to shoot.

Lanahan worked hard to win the ball in the middle and Dyer joined in working the flank to prevent attacks.

Vics were moving the ball better than we were at this juncture but we were fighting hard to stay in front.

10 minutes to go and Haskell made a break centrally. Making ground to the edge of the box he then unleashed a terrific right foot shot but the keeper made the effort look easy as he caught the ball cleanly.

Dyer then had a chance but again the keeper proved hero as he flew across the face of goal to tip the shot round the post. Saxby's cross dropped on the spot and Lynch powered a header for goal. Up went the keeper and again made a good save.

5 minutes left and we got caught too far upfield. A quick raid, a deep cross, a mini scramble and the ball found its way over the line. 3-3.

It was a good closing spell with both sides still committed to attack but the game finished a draw.....3-3.