WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2016
AFC PORTCHESTER 1 VERWOOD TOWN 1

Several changes had to made to the squad and line up because of on going injuries and work related absences. Three new faces, Jamie Wilkinson, Charlie Gilbert and Emmanuel Dare joined us in time to be in the squad for this tough fixture.

We settled quickly and Gilbert sent Bergin down the left chasing a through ball inside defenders. Bergin went free but topped his shot in front of the sticks.

Portchester’s response was to work the right flank and drop a high cross into the penalty area for a heading duel. Donachy won it sending the ball high up field. Back it came but this time Stroud raced from his line to take the catch.

Portchester produced some slick moves bring their mid field into play and a good link up on their left gave space for a cross. We left a gap. It was enough for a shot but luckily the ball was screwed wide of the upright.

Smith and Gilbert carried the game into Portchester’s third and Smith finished off the move with a rasping shot over the bar.

Portchester’s defence covered each other well preventing a Bergin and Ryan Kelly exchange getting through.

Halfway through the half Portchester had a purple patch with a couple of good chances but faced a very determined back four and good back up from Ray Stroud. A couple of shots were wayward but Stroud collected a couple on target.

Phelps blocked a run on Portchester’s left resulting in a muscle problem. An attempt to carry on came to an abrupt halt as another tackle floored him. 27 minutes had Phelps off and Emmanuel Dare on at right back.

Portchester’s pressure was maintained and paid off when we gave away space in the box leaving a clear shot to beat Stroud low in the bottom corner. 0-1.

No heads dropped. It spurred us on. Wilkinson got a couple of crosses in and Kelly had a couple of rasper’s blocked by a solid defensive block. v 42 minutes gone and a Bergin corner was glanced on by Donachy. Smith followed in but his header hit the post and rebounded. Smith caught the rebound on the volley hammering the ball into the roof of the net. 1-1.

Half Time 1-1

There was no doubt about Portchester’s half time instructions. Dare blocked a left flank attack and then Donachy and Ben Kelly worked overtime stopping an air raid.

Cane worked the ball wide left after a winning a strong tackle and Bergin managed to wriggle free of his marker taking the ball to the edge of the box. A cut back found Ryan Kelly, and a shot heading for the top corner was flicked past the post by fingertip. Bergin dropped the ball on the spot but this time the keeper made a terrific catch under pressure.

Donachy raced back and was just in time to head the ball back over the half way line. A race for the ball was won by Portchester’s mid field. Two touch football and runners worked the move through the middle finishing with a rising shot only bettered by a Stroud catch under the bar.

Portchester’s pace increased but we were able to match it on the day so a strong tackling game followed.

Maddocks tireless efforts were rewarded with a break giving an opportunity for a shot. It deserved a change to the scoreboard but the keeper yet again made a brilliant save.

We shaded possession and Gilbert broke free from a Ryan Kelly ball wide right. Cutting into the box Gilbert found himself on a one on one. The keeper was grateful for a topped shot straight at him.

Donachy and Ben Kelly then had to face a period of central high balls but gave nothing away. The game switched to flank. Cane and Dare had a tough time containing attacks but eventually came out on top.

Smith went close again with a header from a Bergin cross and then Wilkinson delivered a defence splitting pass for Bergin to run on to. The keeper raced off his line to boot the ball off toes.

The game was end to end with both teams putting 100% effort into a ‘will to win’ attitude.

10 minutes to go and Stroud punched away a corner. The ball was hammered back from the edge of the box but Dare had cut across to head back. Another shot and this time it was Ben Kelly stooping to head clear.

We rallied. Gilbert had a shot, and then a cross from Bergin to the edge of the area was slammed over the bar by Smith.

A rousing finish saw Donachy yet again clear from the area and the Portchester keeper taking a brilliant catch under the bar as Ryan Kelly tried to steal the win.

Result 1-1.