SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST 2018
ANDOVER TOWN 0 VERWOOD TOWN 3

A few missing on holiday and other jaunts but we had a good quality in the squad. Mike Johnstone stepped in for his first game for the Club playing alongside Charlie Pierson. The versatile Matt Gilham was our outfield player on the bench sitting alongside Dan Fawcett and a prostrate Andy Betteridge.

Dyer had the first attempt with a couple of minutes gone but watched the ball go wide. Andover’s reply was instant and Pierson won an ‘Up ‘N Under’ fending off elbows and shutting off a threat on goal.

6 minutes on the clock and Gajic brushed off a defender just outside the box. A chip found Hatch free and our deadly hit man slipped the ball past an advancing keeper 1-0.

Eaton’s work rate was on show with good work ethics in tacking back and winning his battles. One was key in blocking an attempt down the right to break through.

Andover persisted with their attacking mode. On the day though we had two brick walls blocking progress in Johnstone and Pierson. Johnstone stopped a shot from the edge of the area but one that was deflected was taken care of by Tierney.

We opened up Andover’s right with a good through ball from Carkeet. Gajic squared back but Kimber slammed his shot over the bar.

Head’s impact in midfield was admirable. Good tackling and distribution meant little room for Andover to respond.

Andover improved their percentage of play with 15 minutes left and almost drew level with a shot from the edge of the box that Tierney earned applause for in making a great save.

Half Time 1-0

We were out of the traps faster than normal and Eaton won a corner on our right. A great pin point Dyer corner dropped on the spot. A skirmish in the area had the ball bouncing around but Johnstone wasn’t messing about. A determined shrug shed a defender and a hooked ball left the keeper stranded. 2-0.

Andover’s response was down their left. A cross from the bye line was a danger until Tierney took over events diving on a loose ball and retaining possession despite lunging feet.

Carkeet on to Gajic on to Head on to Eaton. We split Andover’s middle of the park presence. Eaton’s ball to Gajic was pushed on to Dyer. A deep cross was inches from Hatch’s head.

A penalty taken by inspirational skipper Dyer was too near the keeper to keep the score at 2-0.

69 minutes saw us produce our third when Dyer whipped in a low cross that Gajic turned past the keeper. 3-0

77 minutes and Kimber came off for Gilham to take up Kimbers spot .

We were now enjoying more of the ball. Hatch lobbed the defence. Dyer whipped in round the back and a perfect header whistled past the keeper. Celebrations were short lived as the linesman’s flag went up for offside.

Back came Andover hitting a long ball down their left. Joy had the measure of the runner and took ball off toes. A pass inside found Johnstone on to Pierson on to Carkeet and we sprung an attack down our left. Gajic took up the running and rounding his marker slipped the ball through for Gilham. The race with the keeper finished with the keeper reaching the ball first to try and volley upfield. Gilham’s 12 pack got in the way. The ball spun free and cleared.

Dyer, Gilham and Eaton all went close in the closing minutes but the game finished with a 3-0 victory well deserved.

Result 3-0.