WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2013
WHITCHURCH UNITED 2 VERWOOD TOWN 1

With manager Adi Arnold checking out next week's F A Vase opponents a hobbling Darts was in charge for the second game running ably assisted by Danny Saxby. A pleasant afternoon welcomed our trip to newly promoted Whitchurch Utd. Both teams were quick off the mark with headed goal attempts at each end within the first two minutes. Geoff Sim, still deputising for Chris Lynch, comfortably saved the first and Jack Lovell's attempt for Verwood went wide. After 6 minutes Oldring's free kick on half way found Lovell on the edge of the box and his clever chest down to Dyer saw his first time shot sail over.

Verwood were making most of the early running and forced the first corner of the game when Murray's dangerous ball into the box was shuffelled out by a defender. The corner was cleared but shortly after another good move saw Webb receive the ball in the opponent's box and his shot from an angle was well saved. Luckily Saxby was following up and from an even more acute angle slotted home for a deserved lead 0-1.

With 18 minutes gone a deep cross from an overlapping Evans saw another Lovell header towards goal. It seemed all ends up it was 0-2 but the side netting had been found. Approaching the half-hour mark Verwood's early enterprise seemed to be slipping and Whitchurch were coming more into the game. The hard working Oldring and Kelly had kept the hosts to a couple of half chances until a low hard cross into the box appeared to hit Evans on the arm at point blank range and the ref pointed to the spot. It appeared harsh to say the least, a view backed up by those around me. The kick was duly slotted home 1-1. The last 15 minutes of the opening half saw little opportunity at either end bar a long range Lovell effort that went over the bar

H-T 1-1

Verwood started the second half as they had the first in a bright manner. Webb's early shot was deflected for a corner and then a great ball to the far post by Murray saw Saxby within inches of connecting. On 50 minutes Darren Munday squared to Lovell whose shot on the turn was only just wide. A good 10 minute spell of pressure from Verwood saw them force a couple more corners but creating the perfect opening was proving harder. On the hour mark the home midfield were starting to look dangerous. A runner skipped into our box and a dangerous looking chip across goal found nobody on the end of it.

On 62 minutes the Whitchurch left back picked up the ball on the half way line and went on a 40 yard diagonal run with barely a challenge and chipped back across goal where a simple far post header found the back of the net. A real sucker punch 2-1

We were huffing and puffing but not creating enough. With 15 minutes remaining a Saxby corner saw Oldring's goalbound header get caught under Dan Munday's foot two yards out and before he could adjust a defender's boot had cleared the danger. A superb 40 yard pass by Dyer found Saxby on the corner of the box but his effort was off target. Our best chances had gone. Oldring, immaculate all afternoon, was driving forward at every opportunity but it wasn't going to be. To rub salt in the wounds Oldring picked up a late yellow card leaving us all working out that this may have been his fifth this season. If correct, a one-match ban will surely follow. He will be missed.

Dan Munday made way for Mike Snow to make an appearance for the final few minutes but the game was up for Verwood.

Final Score 2-1



Report submitted by Steve Jefferis