SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
TUESDAY 19TH MARCH 2019
ROMSEY TOWN 3 VERWOOD TOWN 0

Romsey proved to be too much for us in this fixture. Their mind set and desire for the three points was evident from their first touch.

Thompson saved at feet as a runner broke through with only a minute gone. A minute later Johnston won a high cross sending Evans free. A line ball gave Nicholson space but a solid tackle by the full back took out the ball and Nicholson.

It was our only real spark in the opening spell as Romsey dominated the game. Shots rained in. It was like the Alamo as we struggled to get to grips. Fortunately we had a good defensive line up and Kelly, Johnston Evans and Lewis did well to keep the flow outside the box.

Dyer and Gajic worked hard but Romsey had the edge and we defended well until the 22nd minute when good passing and movement cut us open to let in a runner. An angled shot this time beat Thompson. 0-1.

The onslaught continued. Lewis headed clear a cross from his flank and Gajic won a tussle in the middle of the park but prevented from progress by a sliding tackle flooring him. Dyer took the free kick. Nicholson put it wide. Our attacks were spasmodic compared with Romsey’s style.

On 27 minutes another high ball into the box was carefully monitored by Thompson. A high catch was well taken but an exceptionally strong challenge while Thompson was still in the air meant a hold up of 6 minutes while Physio Jon Brewer attended to the damage.

Although bruised and battered Thompson continued.

45+2 minutes Romsey’s left flank punched a hole in our blockade and a volley gave Thompson no chance. 0-2

Half Time 0-2

Romsey continued where they left off. Evans tackle was judged ‘over exuberant’ and a lengthy chat followed with the ref. Then it was the turn of Romsey to discuss tackles with the ref when Nicholson was cut down on what might have been a counter.

Nicholson’s energy levels and determination were at peak but Romsey still managed to curb his opportunities.

63 minutes and a volley from the edge of our box squirmed past Thompson. 0-3.

We dug in. Kelly and Johnston made a superb pairing and coped with central pressures. Evans and Lewis had one of their busiest games and with Thompson in excellent form we shut up shop.

Dyer had a shot tipped over the bar and Davies was scythed down a couple of times as he threatened to break through. There were no prisoners in this encounter.

Grays thigh muscle injury meant a substitution on 78 minutes with Adam Holmes joining midfield, Haskell remained up top as our only threat on goal.

We had a short spell in the Romsey third but without converting chances,

Result 0-3.