SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 10th MARCH 2018
DOWNTON 0 VERWOOD TOWN 2

Heavy overnight downpours put the game in doubt but Downton’s staff worked like Trojans to make the pitch playable. It was slippy in places but was judged OK.

Only 2 minutes old and Downton clipped the top of our bar with a dipping shot from the edge of the area. A warning on complacencies.

Downton seemed to be more active than us and Browning and Warren were over employed for a time as balls dropped into our third.

We steadied and a Turner Davies combination broke shackles for Davies to go close with a low shot inching past the post.

10 minutes and pressure paid off with Guthrie being dropped on the edge of the box. Guthrie elected to take it himself and a stunning well placed shot was out of reach of the keeper rifling into the net just under angle of post and bar. 1-0.

We continued pressure and Vining took a Turner cross on his left peg to fire just wide.

Dyer was instrumental in a succession of attacks down the flanks. Balls pumped across the area should have yielded but Downton’s back four remained reasonably untroubled.

Daniels was under pressure for a while but excellent handling kept the sheet clean for a half time lead.

Half Time 1-0.

Downton changed more to long ball at the start of the half and a good cross into our box was headed just wide after 6 minutes.

55 minutes though saw Vining being shouldered on the edge of the box to stop a shot. The ball spun out and Guthrie’s predatory instincts took over for a right foot low shot to fly past the keeper. 2-0.

Daniels made a good save shortly afterwards as Downton pushed on to reduce arrears.

Gale came off on 70 minutes to give Manley a run and 8 minutes later Webber came on for Davies. Positional changes were needed but we remained solid and towards the end of the game were enjoying a slightly higher possession percentage.

Vining and Turner almost grabbed a third with a good move down the left but Turner’s drive across the box was turned just wide of the post by Vining.

Watkins chipped a classic high ball down the right and Webber’s lob onto the penalty spot on 90 minutes found Turner. Downton’s defensive wall was enough to keep the score where it was.

The whistle blew on a solid three point win.

Result 2-0.