WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2016
VERWOOD TOWN 2 FAREHAM TOWN 1

Both Clubs languishing in the bottom half of the table needed the three points on offer from this fixture.

It was a very energetic Fareham grabbing the first goal of the game after 15 minutes. A bevy of long balls wide to flanks eventually paid off as we allowed a runner to get in round the back. A squared ball was hammered low past James. 0-1.

Our approach work was too casual and second balls belonged to Fareham. We looked lethargic. Dyer and Warren could be excused putting in a tremendous shift in the middle of the park.

Elsom and Wilkinson worked the flank finishing with Wilkinson cutting a ball back from the bye line. Donachy had made ground and won the race to slam the ball for goal. Defenders stood in the way and after a ping pong effect in the area the ball was cleared up field. It was a brief flurry but indicated a gradual improvement in approach.

James made an acrobatic save turning the ball wide for a corner half way through the half. The corner was an inswinger and James came off his line to thump it clear. A shot from the edge of the box followed as Fareham were first to the ball. Kelly headed clear but again giving away a corner. This time Evans collected on the far post and raced free. A line ball to Wilkinson put us back on the attack. A cross went across goal just a couple of feet off the line and Gilberts desperate lunge wasn't enough to touch the ball into the net.

Half Time 0-1.

Kimber's injury forced an early substitution at the re start and Max Fletcher came on to take up the left flank spot.

2 minutes later Wilkinson suffered a dead leg and was substituted by Atkinson.

At last we stepped up pace. Good football followed with Dyer and Warren exceptional in the middle. Dyer sprang an attack on the right and Atkinson swung a cross into the box. Fletcher followed in but was blocked from a shot by defenders.

Our back four had the measure of Fareham's attack and it gave an opportunity for Evans and Kelly to join in on overlaps.

72 minutes elapsed and Atkinson went wide, rounded his marker and fired a low cross across the face of goal. Gilbert followed in and slammed in the equalizer.

2 minutes later it was Atkinson again slipping past defenders to close in on goal. An opportunity opened up for a shot and Atkinson buried a right footer past the keeper to put us ahead. 2-1.

10 minutes left and Gilbert came off for Bergin. Both Bergin and Atkinson were causing a few problems to the Fareham backs but there was always a risk of counter attacks as we pushed on.

Evans Donachy Smith and Kelly kept a tight reign at the back and despite a late rally from Fareham the whistle went on a crucial three points.

Result 2-1.