SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER 2017
VERWOOD TOWN 1 DOWNTON 2

The suicide pills worked quickly. 3 min 40 seconds into the game and a hopeful ball into our box from Downton’s left clipped a skull and finished up in the top corner. 0-1. In the words of Kris Kamara…Unbelievable.

Browning tried to shake off the suicidal overhang with a good run in the centre of the park and threading a ball through the Downton deference freed up Guthrie. Guthrie swiveled on the edge of the box and tried a left foot volley. The keeper defied gravity, leaping to his left to make a good save at the foot of the post.

We were getting better but delivering frustrating football. Gale picked up a ball from Frost and racing away from our third decided on a mazy dribble. Nutmegging Richardson came first and then a dipped left shoulder sent Guthrie the wrong way. Surging down the right Gale rounded a defender and then appeared to go round the corner flag twice before trying a cross that hit defenders. It was wonderful footwork but no goal.

Downton’s response was a simple one. Long ball down their left and a runner getting to the edge of our box. O’Hare had recovered from his soporific state making a strong tackle to stop the threat on Haigh’s goal.

A dominant Frost provided the barrier to Downton’s central attacks and we got better as the half wore on.

Watkins, steady approach and Dane James strength in the tackle was a major factor in stemming Downton’s attacks. Then …. a minute to go .. Mental aberration .. No tackle .. and defended as if hoping for a role in Madame Tussauds … 1-2.

Half Time 1-2

Sam Joy made his debut at the start of the second half getting chalk on his boots. George Richardson made way.

Browning sent Gale through with only a minute gone after the whistle and Gale hit an angled shot on target but disappointment was etched as the keeper took a clean catch. 5 minutes later Gale had the ball in the net but had the ‘goal’ disallowed for a foul on the keeper.

Downton’s answer was to force a double save from Haigh.

The game was end to end for a while but both side were woeful in front of the sticks. We had clearer chances towards the end of the game but couldn’t score.

Gilham came on for Watkins with 15 minutes left helping to keep Downton’s score down to 2.

The game finished with Downton defending their goal desperately but successfully.

Recommend from spectators was a Mass Lobotomy. Maybe it was the thought of the Bournemouth Senior Cup Final on Tuesday night that took out discipline but the bottom line we lost a valuable three points.

Result 1-2