WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
WEDNESDAY 16TH MARCH 2016
VERWOOD TOWN 0 BROCKENHURST 2

The game started at a blistering pace. Brockenhurst had the edge in determination and desire. We were second best to the ball.

Only 5 minutes had elapsed when a cross from Brock’s left found an unmarked head and luckily the ball skidded past the post.

Next was a shot from the edge of the box bringing a fine save from Lynch.

We produced a couple of token attacks when Wood’s shot from 20 yards was blocked and a Rutten attempt hit the side netting.

Brock’s work rate was better than ours and we found difficulty in gaining any lengthy possession.

19 minutes gone and we were opened up like a can of beans. The ball worked through the middle was released on the edge of the area to the right flank and a cross shot finished up in the back of the net 0-1.

Two minutes later we were still recovering when a deep cross from the left dropped in a crowded area and we failed to connect. The ball fell nicely for a toe poke 0-2.

We staggered along for a few minutes but re grouped to weather another attacking spell from Brock.

15 minutes left of the half we picked up some semblance of discipline and control. Wood went free from Atkinson’s delivery but Brock’s central defenders did their job and blocked any chance of a shot on goal.

Fisk finally broke tight shackles and cutting the ball back from the bye line gave a chance for Gajic. The shot was on target but the keeper made a good save low to his right.

Our re jigged defensive line up for this game had taken a battering, but gradually got back to a solid look. Mid field picked up, so for the latter part of the half we recovered composure and went close to narrowing the score line with efforts from Fisk and Atkinson.

Brimson went close with a shot and Wood headed over a Gajic free kick before the whistle went for half time.

Half Time 0-2

A bit of sparring at the start of the half finishing with Brockenhurst breaking through testing Lynch with a low volley. Lynch went low to his right making a great save.

We looked a different proposition in this second half. Gajic worked hard sparking a couple of moves with Fisk wide left. One attack finished with Fisk crossing into the box and Rutten agonized with a shot the keeper finger tipped away from the post.

The corner produced a scramble but a no nonsense clearance put the ball back in our third for Donachy to win a chase denying a one on one.

Phelps joined an Atkinson run floating the ball into Wood. Wood was blocked from turning and upended. No foul and the ball was whisked wide. Phelps funneled back to make a great tackle preventing the counter attack getting into the area.

A busy Brimson hit a 20 yarder on target but the back stopped the ball on the line and cleared.

65 minutes, Dean Evans came on for Zacc Phelps and Brad Goddard came on for Jordan Fisk.

We pushed on. Wood hit a screamer from 25 yards bringing a tremendous save from the keeper. Rutten was floored just before reaching the area and then Atkinson hit the deck from a sliding tackle. Atkinson took the free kick finding Gajic. His header slid over the bar.

Brock always looked dangerous on the break but Kelly Donachy and Murray kept tight control on the runners.

Evans tucked in and was instrumental in working the ball right then taking a return ball to drop an inch perfect cross for Wood to head for the top corner. The keeper could have doubled as Gadget man extending an arm 12 feet to tip the ball round the post.

80 minutes and Swann came on for Atkinson. A quick break down the right and Swann almost made a dream substitution with a cross shot that again saw the best from the keeper.

Kelly and Donachy remained in control at the back whilst Murray and Evans overlapped. It was to no avail. Brock kept tight at the back denying change to the score line so went home with a 3 point addition to their tally on the season.

Full time 0-2.