SYDENHAMS (WESSSEX) LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
TUERSDAY 19TH MARCH 2013
CHRISTCHURCH 7 VERWOOD TOWN 4

A Christchurch 1st minute raid was cut out by Evans. Evans clearance was picked up by Hill and a cross shot was well taken by the keeper. A good quick rally.

Christchurch pushed forward again keeping Oldring and Thurogood occupied. Tiernney's debut in goal was tested with a couple of crosses and one low shot that Tiernney did well to get down to.

12 minutes saw a high ball into the box cleared by Thurogood. Webb collected the clearance and sent a wide ball to Satterley. An angled cross destined for Haskell was intercepted by a long leg, stopping our first chance of a shot on goal.

15 minutes we broke through and this time Satts held on to the ball long enough to close in on the area and try a shot. 1-0.

Until then Christchurch had edged the play and this knock back stung them into a more determined approach.

Tiernney did well to hold a low drive and then Kelly thumped a ball out of the area. Evans stopped a raid and his surging run up field almost caught the home side too far forward. A good goalkeeper caught the cross before Haskell could connect.

23 minutes and a clever Christchurch move on the flank finished with a cross shot that Tiernney did well to palm away. A runner connected and the scores were level 1-1.

31 minutes we forced a throw in the last third but this was intercepted and a long ball caught us napping. A 25 yard effort flew past Tiernney 1-2.

34 minutes it was our turn and breaking free on the left gave Hill space for a tremendous shot that finished in the top corner. 2-2.

36 minutes and we were split wide open on our left. A cross shot whistled past Tiernney making it 2-3.

A minute to go and both Manager's looked shaken. Even worse for Christchurch was that their defence parted as if Moses had appeared. Hill couldn't believe his luck. Another rocket and we hit the score board again. 3-3.

A skirmish followed in our box but Thurogood hammered the ball skyward to earn a reprieve.

Half Time 3-3.

Haskell took down Webb's pass but extra tight marking prevented him turning. A laid back ball to Gajic and Gajic hit a volley the keeper did well to see let alone palm away for a corner.

In came the in swinger and the keeper rose high above everyone to make the catch. A long throw found a runner down the right and as soon as the edge of the box put chalk on boots the ball was smashed past Tiernney. 3-4.

We retaliated through Webb. Ball wide to Satts, back again then on to Hill. Good feet took Hill inside his marker. A low shot was palmed away, in came Haskell and from 6 yards managed to put the ball over the bar.

15 minutes and we were left stranded again with pace taking Christchurch through our defence. A cross from the left was parried by Tiernney but the ball rolled gently along the line to be tapped in making it 3-5.

We lost concentration. Because of it, suffered. 18 minutes a lack of brain power let in Christchurch again 3-6 !!! Bournemouth A&E was now on standby as Adie Arnold and Andy Dartson reached for the Vallium.

72 minutes we gave freedom of the park. 3-7 !!!!!

Gajic Dyer and Webb tried to break through but with little spark. Hill was blocked from a try on goal as Christchurch coasted.

Jack Lovell came on for Ben Kelly and the fresh legs produced a couple of shots that followed in the Verwood current trait....one wide and one over the bar.

Christchurch pushed on. Oldring was outstanding as was Evans in a spell that could have seen the home team run into double figures.

78 minutes we rallied slightly and Dyer raced through to plant a great shot past the keeper 4-7.

83 minutes and a melee in our box resulted with a shout for a foul as a strong tackle prevented a shot.

Was it going to be 4-8 ? No...this time the ball was walloped over the bar.

91 minutes we had a shot cleared out of the area but that was it. A lesson in finishing.

Full Time 4-7.