WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 22ND APRIL 2017
VERWOOD TOWN 1 AFC PORTCHESTER 4

This was our last game of the season. Ray Stroud one of our thirteen keepers this season donned the gloves. Our development squad supplied a major input of players.

In the first couple of minutes Portchester produced a left flank attack. Donachy was across quickly but a clash left him grounded, blood pouring from his nose.

Portchester's corner went uncovered on the far post. A downward header made it 0-1.

Donachy came back on with plugs staunching the blood, seconds later a long, high ball from Portchester's defence was tracked and cleared by him sending Fisk away on the right. A goal bound shot went wide from Fletchers right peg.

Then we suffered a loss of Kimber's mid field skills when he pulled up sharp with calf problems. Off he came giving way for Anderton to tread the turf.

Portchester had the edge on possession but we held them outside the area with close marking from Kelly and Gilham on the flanks and O'Hare and Donachy in the middle.

Dyer was his influential self prodding and probing but also putting in a shift defensively when needed.

15 minutes to go and a Beattie run and cross brought out a terrific save from Portchester's keeper.

Donachy had to come off for more treatment as his plugs dislodged allowing more blood to now cause major concern. We battled on with ten men for a while whilst Adie Arnold took assessment along with Andy Hardiman. Donachy's insistence on continuing was the deciding factor until half time.

Half Time 0-1.

Donachy kicked off the second half but another clash was the deciding factor and off he came. Several positional switches had to be made.

Stroud produced a double save as Portchester piled on the pressure. Then more concern as Stroud pulled up short with a thigh pull. Treatment followed and he continued although with movement difficulties.

Fisk and Gilham worked the right flank with a resultant cross being fired just wide by Ryan Kelly.

Fisk then gave way for Jamie Webber. Webber's first touch was to release Fletcher but bodies filled the area and a good shot was blocked.

9 minutes into the half saw Portchester go 2 up as we gave ground. 5 minutes later we were re shuffling formation and a slide rule pass split us wide open in the middle.. 0-3.

66 minutes and we gave too much space on the left. A simple run and pass across the box was placed wide of a despairing Stroud. 0-4.

Gilham then had to come off doing an "Ibra" so ice packs were in great demand. On came Zach Barrett to take up full back spot.

0-4 oddly seemed to help us re form and we hit back with Fisk shooting just over the bar and Ryan Kelly bringing out a couple of great saves from the keeper.

Anderton and Beattie worked through the middle and Beattie's pass to Kelly was a peach. Kelly swiveled and a great shot was tipped over the bar.

Ryan Kelly's persistence paid off with a minute to go when he slammed home from just inside the box. 1-4.

A very difficult season finished with a trap door exit to the first division, but unlike many who have been through he same emotional dramas we remain up beat and determined to do well next season.

Final game result 1-4