WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 10TH JANUARY 2015
VERWOOD TOWN 2 BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY 1

Missing .. Tom Whelan (Banned) Bay Downing (Still away in Liverpool. Found hubcaps now looking for car.) Russell Dyer (Banned) Dean Evans (Testing Sun Beds). In came Max Brimson to play at right back and James Guthrie to play wide left. A couple of other shuffles and we took the field against high flyers Blackfield and Langley.

Blackfield's push down the right finished with a good cross carefully judged and cleared by Lynch. A busy midfield had the ball back in our area and Donechy had to stretch a long leg to divert a shot. Kelly then got under a high ball as B&L pressed us back. We weathered the storm and gradually got into the game.

Work rate increased most noticeably was Foster and Gajic closing down the middle. B&L's quality though recognised the change and more effort was directed to playing in the flanks.

Max Brimson, making his debut for us was across quick to stop a cross from the edge of our area and then made a telling tackle near the corner flag to block another attack.

On the other flank Buck had the measure of his opposite number and was finding time for his attacking flair, joining in counter attacks.

The free flowing game produced efforts at both ends of the pitch and a snap break through the middle finished with a dipping shot falling into the safe hands of Lynch.

B&L maintained possession and both Brimson and Donechy made blocks stopping shots on goal.

Buck superbly controlled a high ball wide left and slipped a pass to Foster. Foster on to Gajic and Gajic surged through a tackle to try a shot on goal. Only inches separated the ball finishing up in the net.

Lynch was out quickly to head a long dangerous ball on the edge of the box and then Brimson cut out a cross on the right.

It was a good open game for spectators but not too good for Managers.

Groves was upended outside the area and Gajic stepped up to plant the ball for the top corner. An excellent keeper took the ball comfortably under the bar.

Half Time 0-0

2 minutes and Lynch was employed punching a cross high and wide to Rutten. A good run and inside pass found Fisk. A delicate chip cleared the keeper but hit the bar and bounced out.

B&L stepped up pressure. Only 4 minutes had elapsed before their endeavours paid off. An excellent accurate passing move left a chance on the edge of our box. A half shot headed for the corner. Lynch made a diving effort to palm away but the ball hit the inside of the post and trickled over the line. 0-1.

We kicked off again and a ball intended for Fisk was intercepted and fed down the line. Brimson won the ball and made ground cutting from right to central. Good ball control carried the run past two defenders. Spotting an unmarked Guthrie, Brimson slipped the ball left then went for a return. Guthrie's pass was inch perfect. Brimson coolly placed the ball wide of the keeper's left hand …1-1.

We were now enjoying more of the ball. Gajic whipped in a rising shot that had the keeper scrambling to palm away for a corner. In it came and there was Gajic again to try his luck. This time it went over the angle.

Back came B&L to scythe a way through the middle. A cracking shot from the edge of the box had goal written all over it but Lynch made a tremendous save on the line. Still 1-1.

Foster and Fisk worked the right flank with Fisk delivering a great cross for Groves to try a shot from 20 yards. The keeper again made a good catch.

51 minutes saw Rutten chasing down B&L defenders preventing clearance. A great work ethic forced a corner. Gajic stole in to head over.

Guthrie shuffled back to defend and made a good tackle on the angle of the box. The ball spun free. A half shot followed. Kelly had it covered and slid the ball wide for Donechy. Good feet took Donechy past midfield and Fisk raced free to collect the through ball. A shot on the turn went high and wide.

83 minutes gone. Still the game was end to end with some good football.

B&L tried to force entry into the box but Kelly intercepted and sent the ball wide for Brimson. A line ball caught B&L thin at the back. Fisk raced free and whipped a low cross into the area. Guthrie cleverly lost his marker and fired an unstoppable left foot shot past the keeper 2-1.

Squeaky Bum time. Carl Poore and Kris Anderton tightened their cheeks whilst B&L's bench raced up and down the line making sure any balls out of play were replaced without delays.

Kimber came on for Rutten. We had to up our work rate yet again to block a leveller. Groves needs special mention at this time for displaying an energy that not many old people have. We survived the onslaught….

Result 2-1

Report submitted by Bernard Scott