SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 21st APRIL 2018
HYTHE & DIBDEN 0 VERWOOD TOWN 1

Martin Smith and Callum Ballard dropped out at the last minute. Morgan Browning had to miss the game with a hamstring problem and Callum O’Hare had escaped to the Far East. Matt Gilham luckily was available and able to join us making a 12 man squad.

A lively Hockey worked a passage through the middle with only 3 minutes gone and a defence splitting pass gave Guthrie a sight of goal. Guthrie was on target but H&D defenders got in the way and the ball was cleared up field.

We stayed focused. A corner forced by Davies, was headed on to the bar by Glatzel. H&D hit back on a counter. A ball heading for the top corner was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Haigh.

Shortly afterwards Dyer slipped his marker and a low shot was beaten round the post by the keeper. The corner was met by Gales right peg but the ball went high and wide.

Manley broke up a dangerous raid on 5 minutes. Then - one for the scrap book. Webber made a strong tackle that was viewed by the Referee as 'cynical'. A yellow card !!

We pushed on. 31 minutes had Guthrie trying a long distance ball over the keeper but the ball dropped just short giving a defender a chance to boot clear.

Half Time 0-0

Matt Gilham came on at the start of the second half for Sam Hockey leaving a bare bench and prayers that we survive without injuries.

24 seconds gone. A looping Glatzel ball caused a major defensive cock up and gave a half chance for Gale. It wasn't wasted. 1-0.

48 minutes saw Guthrie slice open H&D's defence. A slide rule pass found Gale. Although his shot was on target a defenders arm got in the way. The ref decided it was accidental !! A minute later it was Gilham blasting for goal but another defensive block cleared danger.

Our G force was buzzing. H&D's defence was fully stretched trying to contain them.

60 minutes and a Gilham pass wide gave Turner a run into the box. Turner was upended but yet again the ref decided no penalty and gave a Yellow for simulation!!

Webber blocked an angled shot as H&D gathered momentum. Glatzel and Manley stood firm and anything sneaking through was well policed by Haigh.

On 82 minutes Watkins and Davies worked the flank with Davies delivering a great pass into the area. The ball was hammered clear.

Then we appeared to have gone to sleep as H&D picked a way through the middle but Manley saw the danger and put the ball into the stand.

The whistle blew on a gutsy performance and a well deserved 3 points.

Result 1-0