SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017
UNITED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH 0 VERWOOD TOWN 2

A couple missing still and with Ballard and Watkins injured from last week’s Follands game we had need for a few changes to personnel and positional.

We had a torrid start. USP hit down the flanks, particularly on their left and swung balls in to the area. The first bombing raid was on 30 seconds as the ball landed in the six yard box, A left foot shot was superbly tipped round the post by Daniels. The corner was headed clear by Browning but USP collected the ball on the edge of the box and a rising volley was tipped over the bar. In came another corner and this time O’Hare managed to clear.

We settled down a bit and Frost produced the first counter attack sending Davies away on the left. Davies’ cross was palmed out by the keeper.

We pushed on and grabbed a throw in. Frost found Guthrie in the box. Good feet and Guthrie beat the advancing keeper giving us the lead. 1-0.

USP made us play. They made us work and it produced some good football from both sides.

Daniels was in action frequently but Browning O’Hare and Kimber were solid at the back reducing USP’s threat.

Half Time 1-0

This was the tester. Would we wilt like last week. ?? 30 seconds and a cross from the left was headed onto the bar. 30 seconds later a shot from the edge of the area went wide. 63 minutes we were still being pushed back and left a gap on the edge of the area. A volley was heading for the bottom corner but a flying Daniels finger tip save turned the corner for us.

We got to grips in mid field with Gale and Dyer winning personal battles. Guthrie deserved his reward for effort and persistence on 77 minutes when after a melee in the USP box the ball was half cleared and Guthrie pounced to hammer an angled shot past a very good keeper. 2-0.

Frost linked with Davies on 80 minutes and a cut back from the bye line found Smith racing in. His header on target was superbly saved by the keeper.

Webber had a cross shot skim the post and Dyer hit bodies with a 25 yarder that had the keeper wrong footed. A couple of efforts from USP went close … BUT ..

Result 2-0