PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
SATURDAY 26TH JULY 2014
TEIGNMOUTH AFC 2 VERWOOD TOWN 2

Our last friendly fixture before the start of the 14-15 season took us to Devon. Teignmouth AFC hosted the event, so after a 3 hour coach journey we pitched up to a friendly and welcoming reception.

The pitch left a lot to be desired and in desperate need of water and a roller. Teignmouth kicked off at a fast pace and using route one. It was a sensible strategy taking into account the condition of the pitch. In the first minute we almost capitulated as a ball was hit high into our box and a runner was inches short from diverting the ball into the net.

Our squad of 17 had three new members since last week. Jordan Dent came in at center half. Brad Goddard and Lee O'Connell sat the bench waiting for the second half.

With Molyneaux and Cormack unable to make the trip Dent was joined by Anderton in a central pairing with Evans and Buck taking full back spots.

Whelan Dyer and Gajic made up the mid field while Foster Fisk and Elysee stayed up front.

3 minutes gone and we buckled as another missile was fired over midfield giving space behind us for a runner to slot home. 0-1.

We were struggling to string passes together on the deck and when it looked as if we could make a break the Teignmouth mid field were quick to close down.

10 minutes and Foster won a tussle slipping the ball to Whelan. A cross field pass found Evans over lapping and a good cross was just too high for Fisk to get a head to it.

18 minutes and Evans again made a run down the right this time arrowing the ball for the top corner. It shaded the post.

Then we got caught pushing too far forward without concentration. Another NASA launch and a tap in past Lynch 0-2. Lesson learned. We tightened up at the back and started to pick up on a passing game.

Gajic and Dyer made progress down the flank and Dyer's low cross was volleyed goalward by Fisk, but went wide.

Towards the end of the half the home side went close with a couple of long range shots but defensively we were now looking more solid.

Half Time 0-1.

On came Collins Reed Cousins Goddard and O'Connell. On the bench, Lynch, Anderton, Elysee, Buck and Dyer.

47 minutes gone and O'Connell chipped in a cross for Fisk. A half volley was diverted wide of the post for a corner. Whelan went up but was beaten by the centre half.

Gajic picked up a central pass intended for the centre forward and sparked a move down the left. O'Connell Reed and Foster took part but Foster's final effort hit defenders in the box and spun clear.

Dent had now mastered the arial threat and good timing was denying breaks on Collins goal.

Teignmouth picked up again and pushed us back. Good football through the middle took over the high ball routine and Goddard looked comfortable shutting down attackers.

Although the pitch didn't help a passing game we were getting used to it and Cousins was enjoying a bit of freedom linking well with Whelan.

Dent won a tussle and a short ball to Cousins put us on the attack. A through ball found Fisk and this time Fisk whipped in a volley from 20 yards. The keeper took the shot near the post.

Buck came back on as Carl shuffled the pack. An immediate impact as Buck chipped the ball to Goddard and a good effort deserved more than a clipped post.

Collins then had to race from goal to clear just outside the box as Teignmouth picked up pace.

Gajic took the sting out of a central attack and then Dent made a great tackle just on the edge of the box to deny a clear shot on goal.

We remained on the backfoot for a short time and Collins made a stunning save from a brilliant piece of football and shot.

74 minutes and Whelan was pulled back in the box. The penalty gave him his second goal of the campaign. 1-2.

78 minutes and pressure was rewarded when we managed to break through for Fisk to run clear and slot a good goal past the advancing keeper. 2-2.

A few more changes to the team didn't produce any more goals but gave everyone of the squad time on the pitch. It was a good run out with a fair result.

RESULT 2-2.


Report submitted by Bernard Scott