WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2016
VERWOOD TOWN 3 FAWLEY 1

Martin Smith blazed a glorious chance over the bar from just inside the six yard box but then continued to add a massive contribution to the game with an excellent defensive display.

Our opening spell gave us the edge in attack but Fawley's resilience and some poor finishing meant disappointment in front of the sticks.

Evans and Dyer worked a move on the right early in the game, and Evans' chip into the box was headed just over by Atkinson.

Fawley's attacks were mainly flank and one attack got through for a rocket of shot on target. Rees took a clean catch in the corner of crossbar and post.

Atkinson benefited from an Elsom and Warren link but fired wide from just inside the area.

We had the edge and a flurry of attacks should have yielded but good Fawley defending and a keeper on form meant a goalless game until the 42nd minute when we lapsed concentration allowing a ball played across the area to go unchallenged. A good low shot whipped past Rees. 0-1

Half Time 0-1

It was a simple half time message. Show character and keep plugging away and with only a minute gone Warren released Elsom. Elsom's shot had the keeper beaten but went wide of the post.

Donachy powered an unstoppable header past the keeper to level scores with 55 minutes on the clock. 1-1.

10 minutes later Bergin raced free to the bye line. An inch perfect pull back to the edge of the box gave Elsom a half chance. It was enough to put us ahead 2-1.

It was discipline time. Smith and Donachy were exceptional as Fawley bounced back to attack. Evans and Kelly gave nothing away on the flanks and with Rees showing top quality between the sticks we looked solid.

On 65 minutes Elsom ghosted past three defenders to fire a low shot on target. The keeper made an excellent save palming the ball away from the foot of the post. Gilbert was inches away from touching the ball home and the ball was cleared high up field.

Elsom's repeat performance 3 minutes later was blocked on the line and again cleared up field.

Gilbert's movement took defenders wide and a good cross was hammered just wide by Warren.

79 minutes and Gilbert again went wide left to gather a Kelly line ball. Cutting in Gilbert unleashed what might turn out to be goal of the season with a left footer rifling into the roof of the net from 30 yards. 3-1.

Fawley went for broke. Energy levels increased and for the last ten minutes of the game we had two very determined sides looking for three points.

Dare came on for Warren, Eaton came on for Atkinson and Coulson replaced Gilbert in the last minutes of the game.

We produced a gritty display and at the whistle deserved the three points.

Result 3-1.