SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 3rd JANUARY 2018
LAVERSTOCK & FORD 5 VERWOOD TOWN 0

It was frantic opening few minutes. Haigh had saved a low shot near the post. Gale’s cross on the counter was cleared by a big boot, and James then blocked a shot as the ball went end to end.

It steadied up with Laverstock looking the better of the sides as they pushed on.

Ballard stood firm against a good centre forward and helped provide a barrier to goal.

Browning and Dyer worked the middle of the park and a couple of robust tackles were whistled up. Browning’s dispute on the decisions resulted in a yellow card.

Turner’s first game for the Club was eye catching with some good footwork wide right. Manley linked well and a couple of snap beaks down the right deserved more than a couple of dead ball kicks.

30 minutes gone Laverstock’s corner was left unchallenged and we went 0-1 as a header slipped under the bar.

Half Time 0-1

James came off at half time to let Lench have a run. Smith dropped in alongside Ballard in central defence.

A penalty on 55 minutes made it 0-2 and Laverstock were suddenly coasting. We entered our suicide mode on 70 minutes as we opened up to let in runners. 70 minutes 0-3. 72 minutes 0-4. 75 minutes 0-5.

77 Minutes we lost Ballard to a knee problem meaning yet another shuffle of the pack. Webber tucked in in the right and 5 minutes later Gilham came on for Manley.

Laverstock’s experience shone through as we tried to get a change to the score line. We gave space for counters but Haigh was outstanding during this spell.

Watkins and Gilham dug in and we survived high pressure.

Skipper Russ Dyer tried to inspire the team but this was one of those days when lethargy called the shots.

Result 0-5.