SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 18TH AUGUST 2018
VERWOOD TOWN 1 FOLLAND SPORTS 0

It wasn’t the prettiest of games to watch but it did produce a few anxious moments for both dugouts.

Follands mixed up their style with some carpet football but alternated with missile launches. We did the same. Not usually our style but effective.

14 minutes into the half and Richardson suffered a thigh strain giving way for O’Hare. A shuffle of positions followed with Head taking the central midfield role and O’Hare slotting in at right back.

Follands pushed forward and tested Daniels with a break on the edge of the box followed by a left foot rising shot that Daniels did well to hold.

Pierson’s experience paid dividends with a cool presence supported well by an impressive Sam Joy. An equally inspirational Dyer worked hard linking defence and attack.

Mills was a revelation at left back and very little crept through on his flank.

On 23 minutes a barrage of high ball’s was capably dealt with by our back four. One dangerous drone was monitored by Joy. Good feet and Joy slipped past his opposite number. A wide ball found Eaton but progress was stopped by Follands’ defenders.

The game remained scrappy with passes going astray meaning a series of stilted attacks.

47 minutes of the half and a ball dinked over the top of Follands backs let in Ben Hatch (AKA Verwood’s answer to Usain Bolt). Rounding the keeper Hatch put the ball into the bottom corner. 1-0.

Half Time 1-0.

We had the better percentage of play on the re start. Cole fired a shot over the bar and then Kimber coasted through the middle, only to see his cross into the box headed over the bar by Hatch.

Kimber hit the side netting minutes later as we retained most possession.

Head beavered away combining his central role with support to our defence. A break by Follands was tracked back and Head won the ball with a strong tackle near our corner flag. Mills made himself available for a counter and chipped a line ball to Cole. Cole whistled past his marker to plant a cross on Hatch’s head. The ball sailed over the bar.

Follands almost drew level with good football down the flank and a low cross being hammered past the post.

Daniels became busier as Follands attacks flourished. A save at the foot of the post was the best example of Daniels excellent handling capabilities.

We couldn’t increase the score line but did the next best thing in producing a clean sheet.

Result 1-0