WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2017
VERWOOD TOWN 1 ALRESFORD TOWN 5

This was one of the youngest sides we have fielded all season. Kris Anderton though elevated our average age over the three figure mark.

We started well with Dyer creating space for Bergin to have a run down the left. A low cross into the area was diverted for a corner. Dyer floated the ball onto the spot but a size 14 cleared the ball upfield.

Alresford’s reply was instant and a good move down the left tested Mason’s pace. He won. A good strong tackle blocked progress and the danger was cleared.

10 minutes old and we committed the cardinal sin of losing the ball in the middle. A swift counter attack gave space for a shot from the edge of the box. James went high to make a good catch.

Alresford pressed us back and after some excellent defending from O’Hare and Kelly we were opened up on the left and a cross was diverted past James for an opening goal. 0-1.

Anderton and Dyer stamped authority in the middle and we produced some good football. Kimber went wide left to deliver a great ball into the middle of the box. Ryan Kelly almost pulled us level with a volley but the keeper made a brilliant diving save.

The game was end to end for a period with both defences stretched at times. Mason and O’Hare battled away against their opposite numbers and Ben Kelly’s mustering of his defence was superb against a lively forward line.

Half Time 0-1.

Max Mason had to be substituted because of a groin strain so on came Max Purton in a one for one swap.

2 minutes gone and Purton picked up a long line ball. Turning inside, a chip found Ben Kelly. On to Kimber and a slide rule pass found Bergin for a run at Alresford’s defence. A good cross was well taken by the keeper.

On 51 minutes Dyer and Anderton worked the ball through the middle. Dyer finished off the move slipping the ball through the backs for Fisk to run on to. A tremendous shot was beaten out by the keeper.

It was a promising start to the half but short lived as we slackened in the middle letting in a runner for the score board to record 0-2.

Our quality on the ball suddenly disappeared. 56 minutes and poor passing gave Alresford possession. We were instantly punished as a sweeping move cut through and a low shot beat James. 0-3.

There was a suspicion of tired legs as we ploughed on. Dyer worked hard to compensate and sparked a counter from one attack having tracked back and won the ball on the edge of the area. A raking pass found Fisk. Fisk went wide and crossed for Ryan Kelly. Alresford had closed ranks so the shot hit defenders and was cleared.

65 minutes on the clock and Fisk went free from a Purton / Anderton move. A low cross into the box was collected by Max Fletcher. Good feet took him away from his marker. A volley beat the keeper. 1-3.

There was no euphoria. We looked sluggish in comparison to Alresford and gradually lost ground.

Webber came on for Bergin and within a minute of the change Webber picked up O’Hare’s crossfield ball on the edge of the box. A quick turn gave space for the shot but a right foot topped ball was easily gathered.

Fletcher almost had a second as we pushed up. A Webber/Anderton link resulted in Fisk going free to deliver a cross. Fletcher got on the end of it but the keeper made a great save on the line.

78 minutes and Alresford’s stamina gave them an edge. We had pushed up too far and couldn’t get back to defend a two on one. James came off his line but a good chip cleared him and nestled in the back of the net. 1-4.

86 minutes and what was viewed by many a very harsh decision, Alresford were awarded a penalty. 1-5.

Ryan Kelly went close on the finish but it was too late for any change to the result.

Result 1-5.