WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2015
VERWOOD TOWN 1 FOLLAND SPORTS 1

Despite heavy downpours during the day the pitch was in excellent condition to host the game.

Follands like ourselves had a need for management changes but both squads were well primed for the match.

We started well for a change and a ball from Kelly was headed on by Groves for Fisk to go wide and deliver a good cross into the box. Groves had followed in and although getting to the ball first planted it over the bar.

Our good opening and pressure continued with Atkinson racing free for a cross shot. The keeper was well placed for a safe catch.

Follands hit back down their left but Brimson blocked progress and slipped the ball to Atkinson. Cutting inside, Atkinson slid the ball for Fisk to try a shot. A sliding tackle took out Fisk on the edge of the box and a free kick was awarded but also a red card for the offender. The free kick hit trees at the back of goal.

Brimson dropped a ball into the six yard box only to see it booted clear and we had a heart flutter as a runner sped free and looked to be honing on goal until Harding made a telling tackle giving away a throw.

We had a Lions share of possession and with Dyer in a holding role took charge in midfield.

Gajic headed over the bar from a typical Fisk run and cross and then Wood topped a shot inside the box.

Groves had a one on one but the keeper's spread put the ball out for a corner. Wood won the header but it was cleared off the line. Fisk followed in and won another corner.

The ball ping ponged around but no one could deliver the killer touch.

Follands grit and determination was winning through. They picked up work rate and the quality of passing was excellent as they strung a series of moves together to keep Kelly and Harding at full stretch.

33 minutes we had Harding in the box to head Fisk's corner over the bar and then Wood took a touch too many just on the edge of the area to lose the ball to a strong tackle.

The half closed with another frustrating flourish in the Follands box but no reward.

Half Time 0-0

It was mix and match for a few minutes as sides settled. Fisk had a hopeful lob saved and Groves shot into the side netting. At our end Lynch had made a couple of safe gatherings and Kelly had headed clear a cross into our box.

Follands had marshalled themselves well and we were finding difficulty breaking them down.

Dyer prompted a run on goal by Atkinson but the cross whipped through the area and went without a touch.

Wood then gathered a Fisk cross, turned and hit a left foot shot across the keeper. The ball hit the inside of the post and bounced out. Bodies blocked Groves effort and the ball was fired up field almost catching us out but luckily Brimson was within distance of the runner and deflected the attempted cross for a corner. Lynch went up high to make a good catch.

Groves then hit the keeper with a low shot and the resultant scramble was cleared off the line.

We couldn't put the ball in the net. Frustration was evident and sadly a bit of bickering started creating loss of concentration on what we should have been doing.

We gave away ground and Follands were at this stage the dominant party. Good approach work and shots on goal made it appear as if it was us with fewer numbers. A lackadaisical work ethic needed lifting, but the disease had spread and we were under pressure.

Pushing too far up field was creating a problem as balls lifted over midfield had willing runners chasing hard to score.

We temporarily rallied and yet again although getting into the box we couldn't score. On 72 minutes Murray came off for Mills and Atkinson came off for Rutten.

73 minutes a long clearance from Follands defence cleared our back four and a runner left unattended beat Lynch with a cross shot into the bottom corner. 0-1.

A lesson learned..? No .. we continued where we left off missing chances and leaving ourselves exposed at the back. Discipline had been shredded.

Mills went close with a shot and then Fisk headed a great cross for goal only to see the keeper claw the ball away from top corner.

81 minutes another scramble but this time Wood managed to squeeze the ball past the keeper. 1-1.

Follands energy and effort couldn't be faulted as they pushed us back in the last few minutes. It was almost their undoing though as with only a minute left on the clock they pushed up giving space for Groves to go free but only for the keeper to save their hard earned point.

Result 1-1