SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 21st OCTOBER 2017
VERWOOD TOWN 2 FOLLAND SPORTS 3

A first half of bright football and a two goal lead at half time was tarnished by an inept and insipid performance in the second half.

Isaac was in action after ten minutes as a Follands clearance gave a break down their right. Isaac spotted the danger and raced out to save on the edge of the box.

Watkins and Ballard had control of their opposite numbers and we looked comfortable in defence. Richardson and Dyer created opportunities with threaded balls through the Follands mid field but we missed golden opportunities to go in front until Guthrie rounded his marker and the keeper to slot home an angled shot to give us the lead. 1-0.

Hockey and Davies split the Follands rearguard with a good inter passing movement on the half hour but Hockey’s shot went wide.

32 minutes gone and Dyer took a corner that defied the usual inswingers. A boomerang couldn’t have produced a better swerve as the ball whipped over defenders and the keeper to nestle snugly in the top corner. 2-0.

A rally by Follands was cut out by Ballard but a scything tackle across his ankle forced him to come off giving Smith a run.

Isaac tipped a volley over the bar with a few minutes left of the half sending us in at half time 2-0 ahead.

Half Time 2-0

Was it arrogance or just a pathetic approach to the re start is still up for discussion but after a good first half performance and squandering chances we found ourselves on the thick end of a learning curve.

Follands got stuck in from the whistle and took no prisoners. A much sharper approach coupled to good running on and off the ball left us high and dry.

It was 15 minutes into the half when we let runners free without tackling or shadowing and a final ball split us at the back. Isaac made an attempt to close down the runner but was rounded and Follands made it 2-1.

We drifted through the game. Webber was noticeable with his energy and willingness to graft but as a collective unit we were poor and it was of no surprise when Follands grabbed a second with 9 minutes left of normal time. 2-2. 93 minutes and Follands won the game by simply pressing and forcing us to watch a shot from the edge of the box whip past Isaac. 3 points for Follands.!!!!!

Result 2-3