SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
TUESDAY 29th AUGUST 2017
TOTTON & ELING 2 VERWOOD TOWN 0

The team had a lot to prove after recent poor displays. This was a good response and led by inspirational skipper Russ Dyer.

Harvey Elsom’s task of keeping a quick and tricky flank player under wrap was a success and excellent distribution gave numerous opportunities for our forwards to push on.

We blundered in front of the sticks, something we need to address very quickly. T&E defended in numbers and provided a solid defensive wall for long periods of the half but we did break through and one occasion a threaded ball found Vining racing through but a cynical tackle stopped him on the edge of the box. The free kick floated into the six yard box and O’Hare beat defenders but put the ball into the side netting.

Will Dennis made a great save on the line as T&E hit back, Jack Smith matched an industrious winger and overall we looked solid.

The malady of losing concentration on set pieces remains. A corner on 36 minutes floated into the box. Up went heads, but all T&E’s. 0-1. A lesson learned?

Half Time 0-1.

There was a need for a passionate response and Dyer provided impetus for forwards to become more of a threat, Davis benefitted and rounding two defenders hit an angled shot just past the foot of the post.

T&E’s response was to try and drop a ball over our backs for runners but Anderton stood firm and supported by an ever impressive O’Hare gave a barrier in front of Dennis.

T&E’s best effort came from a slight lapse in our pressure but Dennis made a superb save flicking a rising shot onto the bar.

Harry Boyt’s debut proved a success and came off to rest tired legs giving Ryan Kelly a spot up front to refresh options. Fisk came off for Fletcher and Vining came off for Hockey.

We still couldn’t score. Chances were there but no takers.

Ryan Kelly hit the foot of the post with a couple of minutes left. A long clearance and we suffered at the hands of a runner slipping in behind a too far forward defence and making it 0-2 with a minute left of the game.

Result 0-2