WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST 2015
NEWPORT 1 VERWOOD TOWN 2

Traditionally this fixture has always been a tough one. This was no exception but it had an added edge. Many changes had been effected to the squad since the end of last season and there was a very evident eagerness about the team to prove to their Management they were worth the shirt.

Good movement and accurate passing carried the Newport forwards into our third. A looping shot from outside the box was well covered by Lynch.

Back came Newport and a threaded ball intended to send a runner free, was intercepted by Mills. A quick ball wide to Fisk opened up the flank but the Newport defence was quick to get numbers back and Fisk's cross was cleared.

A good bit of football on the Newport left flank opened up space but luckily the shot from just inside the box hit the side netting.

Newport's energy kept our defence busy. Kelly and Donachy were both over employed for a period but good support from Brimson and Evans helped keep the ball from getting into the box.

A couple of rasping shots tested Lynch but very safe hands kept the score sheet clean.

We worked hard to gain possession. Swann and Wood were benefitting from Mills and Gajic's industry in the middle of the park and Swann almost nicked a goal when winning the ball on the edge of the area fired in a low shot that brought out a great save by the keeper.

Brimson saved blushes with 20 minutes gone when he took the ball off toes on the edge of the box. A ball down the line freed up Fisk. A good run and cross was almost diverted into the net by Groves.

26 minutes and we were punished for a lapse of concentration. A bit of space, a good shot on target, and we were looking at the wrong end of the score line. 0-1. We rallied but still found a very lively Newport side dangerous on the break.

Gajic slipped a ball through the middle for Wood. A clip over to the right and Mills swiftly powered a cross into the area. Swann went up but headed wide.

Evans was finding more space as the half wore on and a couple of good runs gave hope for a leveller.

44 minutes we were rewarded for effort when the ball was worked through the middle and tapped into the box by Wood. Swann placed a low shot past the keeper 1-1.

Half Time 1-1

A fast opening from Newport finished with a corner. Brimson was first to the ball heading wide for Fisk. Fisk delivered a telling pass to Wood in the last third. Wood on to Swann and then Swann wide for Groves. A good cross was inches away from being slid over the line by Mills.

2 minutes later though a similar move and cross was this time met by a full blooded Mills left boot hammering the ball into the roof of the net. 2-1.

We expected retaliation and it came in waves as Newport went for a leveller. Pushing us up into our half Newport slung the ball in from the flanks giving Gajic Kelly and Donachy plenty to do. It opened them up at the back though and we almost went further ahead when Wood worked the ball centrally finally sending Swann free to try a shot from 20 yards. The ball slid over the bar.

It was a good open game for spectators with both sides committed to playing good football.

Lynch made a couple of excellent catches and looked on top form.

Evans found space to race down the right. A classic cross was headed over the bar by Wood.

Back came Newport and Brimson made a crucial tackle on the edge of the box to stop a shot.

73 minutes Jack Mills came off for Russell Dyer and Jack Swann came off for Tyler Rutten.

Dyers influence was seen immediately as he won a tackle mid field and chipped a great ball wide for Fisk to race on to and try a shot. The keeper did extremely well to take a catch under the bar.

Aaron Atkinson made his bow with 15 minutes to go giving Jordan Fisk a well earned breather.

The game was still end to end. We had to battle hard to maintain the lead as Newport worked their socks off to score.

Gajic and Groves combined well to help stop the flow of attacks but we looked solid at the back and got the result we wanted, …. a win 2-1.

Result 2-1