WYVERN LEAGUE DIVISION 1 (WEST)
SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2017
VERWOOD TOWN 2 ROMSEY TOWN RESERVES 4

Top of the division Romsey Town showed intent with pressure play from the kick off. We were still settling with several positional changes to gel when Stroud had to race from his line to clear as the ball was threaded through a static mid field for runners.

It was a wake up call. Snow, Harding and Thomas closed ranks forcing play wide. It gave Wells and Pope more to do as Romsey’s switch of play went to flanks. Pressure paid off with 10 minutes on the clock with another attack breaking through and the ball clipped past Stroud to put Romsey ahead. 0-1.

We spluttered at this stage showing signs of cohesion but nothing continuous. Kimber was more involved in the middle alongside Warren and sparked a move halfway through the half. Following up on a Fletcher cross Kimber powered a header over the bar.

We were having a bit more of the ball. Webber created space on the left with a good run but his cross rolled across the face of goal with no one there to touch it over the line.

Boer and Thomas worked the right flank to grab an opportunity but again the final ball wasn’t converted so yet another chance was lost of drawing level.

10 minutes left and Romsey’s persistence paid off when we allowed a clear run and shot on goal … 0-2.

Half Time 0-2.

52 minutes gone and a strong Harding tackle in the box resulted in a penalty and sending off. 0-3 and 10 men.

Oddly it sparked a revival. Warren and Kimber opened up gaps in Romsey’s defence and Fletcher benefited from one break sliding the ball past the keeper to make it 1-3. Kimber quickly followed with a cracker making it 2-3 and giving Romsey a need to up the pace.

A good open game followed with both defences holding tight until on 90 minutes Romsey stole the show with a goal making it 2-4 on the final whistle.

It was a good second half performance showing some grit and determination from 10 men.

Result 2-4