SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 14th OCTOBER 2017
ALTON 4 VERWOOD TOWN 2

Despite 6 members of the regular squad missing (including the whole back line) we started well and forced the first real threat in the game when Frost delivered a long throw that Guthrie diverted but agonized to see it kicked off the line.

Alton looked crisp and good football gave them a high percentage of possession for a spell. Frost and Dyer worked hard to hold the midfield and it was Dyer who broke through on 15 minutes only to be upended before he could reach the box. Dyer’s free kick dropped on the spot. The keeper made an excellent save taking the ball off Hockey’s head.

Watkins was having an impressive debut. Good reading of the game enabled him contain a dangerous break on the left and a line ball reversed Alton’s attack into a defensive mode as Davies took up the running playing Guthrie in. Guthrie slid past a defender on the edge of the box and brought out a great save by the home keeper.

Daniels had to show his capabilities as Alton countered and the game proceeded to be end to end.

A minute to go and Webber released Guthrie down the right. Guthrie laid the ball back to Dyer and we went 1-0 ahead as the ball whipped past the keeper.

Half Time 1-0.

Only 3 minutes had elapsed when Alton drew level. We failed to clear a ball on the edge of the box and a scramble finished with the ball being hammered past Daniels. 1-1.

52 minutes and we were back in front. Frost crossed an inch perfect ball to Gale and a powerful header flew into the corner of the net. 2-1.

We had a couple ‘blowing’ as the game continued at a fast pace. We wilted on 58 minutes allowing a header nodded back from the bye line to go unattended and Daniels was beaten by another header in front of the sticks. 2-3.

Hockey then went close but we had lost rhythm and shape Alton benefitted and looked the fitter and more accomplished side at this stage.

Bergin came on for Gale with 19 minutes left. 2 minutes later we were still shuffling spots when a melee on the edge of the box allowed a volley to spin past Daniels 2-4.

9 minutes left Smith came off for Anderton. It couldn’t change an inevitable outcome of a game we should have at least had a point from but lost the lot.

Result 2-4.