WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2016
NEWPORT 2 VERWOOD TOWN 0

We struggled to get a team for this fixture. Seasonal work loads and injuries robbed us of numbers. Of note was our 10th keeper this season between the sticks, Chris Bennet.

Despite suffering a knee problem through the week Dan Ryan stepped in to make up the 11. We had to wait to see if our subs could make it later and only Harding made the game.

Luckily the team was up for the fixture and a spirited start had Dyer feeding Atkinson for a run on goal. Bodies blocked the route but Atkinson still got a shot away skimming the post.

Newport took it as a wake up call. Good football took them down the left flank. A deep cross and shot from the edge of the box brought out a brilliant diving save from Bennet.

Anderton and Ryan worked the ball wide right and a crossfield ball to Fletcher opened up a gap at the back. Fletcher raced in but his cross was too much for Bergin to catch on his follow up run.

Ryan’s knee problem flared after a hard tackle and a shuffle in positions had to be made with Ryan staying up front and Atkinson working the mid field alongside Dyer.

Donachy’s power in the air was needed as Newport applied pressure. Elsom’s intelligent support had a vital effect with 20 minutes gone when Newport broke midfield shackles to go free to the corner of the box. Elsom cut across and a sliding tackle took away the danger.

Evans joined an attack half way through the half and chipped a great ball onto the penalty spot. Ryan had a clear shot but screwed the opportunity wide.

Kelly blocked an attack with ten minutes left and making ground whipped a great cross into the box. Up went Bergin but his header went wide of the upright.

Half Time 0-0

Treatment on Dan Ryan’s knee gave a few minutes grace whilst Harding prepared to come on.

49 minutes and an attack down Newport’s right finished with a corner. The inswinger was part cleared but bounced on the edge of the box falling nicely for a volley. 1-0.

We worked hard to get an equalizer and on 58 minutes a Fletcher run on the flank brought a corner. Anderton’s header skipped past the foot of the post.

We soldiered on. Dyer worked tirelessly alongside Anderton and sparked off several counter attacks always threatening the Newport score line but on the day our finish wasn’t there.

Fletcher Bergin and Atkinson toiled up front but Newport’s defence was solid and we couldn’t break it down.

With only a minute left of the game a Newport counter attack fell nicely for a runner and good feet in the box gave space for a well taken goal to give Newport victory.

Result 0-2