WYVERN LEAGUE DIVISION 1(WEST)
SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 2017
VERWOOD TOWN RESERBES 0 FAWLEY RESERVES 1

Tom Jackson out of football for the last couple of months because of injuries made a welcome and timely return particularly in that Ray Stroud and Harrison Harding were both suspended.

Manager Graham Pope plumped to maintain our youth development and the team was one of the youngest to take the field this season.

A disastrous start though. A long ball from the kick off sailed over our backs and a topped shot slipped past Jackson. So in 30 seconds we had given away one of the softest goals of the season. 0-1.

Fawley tried to copy their success and sent their left flank on a run. Mason cut out the danger and turning his opposite number created space for Webber to run free. Webber’s ball wide found Simkins but Simkins effort was blocked on the line.

Fletcher and Smith produced an opportunity for Wells with 20 minutes gone but Wells’ shot was high and wide.

Hardiman had an oxygen shortage following a 20 yard sprint but still managed to put the ball in the box for Simkins. Bodies blocked the shot. Fletcher whipped the ball off toes and tried a left footer but watched it inch past the post.

Half Time 0-1

Kimber made a bow at the re start coming on for Hardiman in a one for one.

We pushed hard from the whistle and with 47 minutes gone we forced a corner. Webber delivered and Wells latched onto the ball but headed over the bar.

We were now on top and Thomas alongside Purton grabbed more possession. Purton’s ball out to Kimber was crossed and Wells again had an opportunity to level the score but hammered his effort over the bar.

Pushing up almost cost us but a very attentive Jackson was off his line half way through then half to boot clear.

Louis Ryan came on for Webber with 15 minutes left and 6 minutes later Gill came on for Simkins.

7 minutes to go we forced our way through a tightly packed mid field and Gill rounded off the move with a thunderous shot that hit the bar and bounced out.

Despite having the lions share of possession we couldn’t put the ball in the net so finished on the wrong end of the score line.

Result 0-1.