SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
TUESDAY 6th MARCH 2018
FOLLAND SPORTS 1 VERWOOD TOWN 1

This re arranged fixture caused some consternation in trying to get a squad together for this mid week game. Positional changes were key and Morgan Browning dropped into centre half spot partnered by Callum O’Hare. Jaco dropped into left back and on the other flank Ryan Watkins continued his impressive form. Joe Manley bolstered mid field alongside Russ Dyer and up front Matt Vining managed to join us before kick off linking with Ollie Davies and George Turner. Jamie Webber and Matt Gilham luckily were available to give quality utility to any changes needed.

Visibility was difficult with a descending thick mist and only 6 minutes into the half Follands benefitted with a high ball into the box slightly misjudged to give away a penalty for handball. The shot went wide of the upright.

Follands pushed hard. A high ball into the area was headed clear by O’Hare. Davies followed up the clearance but was beaten to the ball by the keeper.

Browning was next to clear the area as Follands picked up pace. Dyer though was winning the mid field ably supported by an aggressive Manley.

Turner went close with 10 minutes gone but the Follands keeper was exceptional in his handling. Vining was dropped in the box on 15 minutes and elected to take the penalty himself. 1-0. We worked hard and deserved to go in at half time 1-0 ahead.

Half Time 1-0.

Follands half time chat seemed to have upped their adrenalin. Good attacking moves down the flanks kept Watkins and Jaco busy but with Browning and O’Hare covering well we withstood pressure.

Turner and Davies went close with efforts and Manley stole in on the right to hammer a ball just wide.

We then for some inexplicable reason eased off and suffered as Follands grabbed an equalizer on 65 minutes.

Davies brought out a stunning save from the Follands keeper as we again picked up.

Sam Lench made way for Jamie Webber on 70 minutes and 3 minutes later Joe Manley came off to give Matt Gilham a run. With the pressure from Follands building up again the fresh legs helped considerably to recover momentum.

Vining almost tucked the ball past the keeper on 80 minutes but a stretched leg diverted the ball past the post.

Gilham floated a ball into the box fort Davies to slam a volley on target. Again the keeper excelled.

At the other end Follands went for broke so for the last 3 minutes we had to weather a flood of attacks. Webber did a good job tracking back but we held firm and earned the point.

Result 1-1.