SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 2019
NEWPORT IOW 1 VERWOOD TOWN 2

Defensively we had to be solid and focused as Newport pushed on from the whistle. We had a quick counter after a couple of minutes but Lee Vint’s pace forced a questionable flag for offside.

Newport’s attacking flair kept us busy with Glatzel Tilsted Kelly and Taylor providing the barrier to goal. Taylor’s tackle on the edge of the box was judged a bit fierce and the ref had no hesitation in awarding a free kick to the home team. Our wall did the business.

We finally settled. Heggan and Hall worked the middle and sparked retaliatory attacks. Nicolson went close with a shot from the edge of the box and Davies fired wide after dummying his marker.

Newport’s attack down their right resulted in a couple of corners but we weathered the storm with Thompson thumping away a ball heading under the bar and Kelly heading clearing a second corner destined for the penalty spot.

On the half hour we gave away a penalty. Thompson had no chance and we went behind 0-1.

It sparked us. Hall and Heggan benefitted from a Tilsted through ball and Halls pass wide for Davies gave space. Gray’s intelligent run took defenders and Davies tried an angled volley from the corner of the box. It went over the bar.

Gray and Vint were causing some confusion in Newport’s ranks with good movement and we looked to be well on top.

Another attack and this time Davies hit a screamer into the roof of the net to bring us level. 1-1.

Half Time 1-1

Mick Cowland replaced Jaydon Taylor at half time altering the shape and was instantly in the mix releasing Nicolson. An unorthodox tackle gave Nicolson a free kick but the ball went over the bar.

Vint was now opening up Newport’s defence and a rasping shot soon after the break was well taken by the keeper.

Newport were reliant on counter’s as we gained more possession. Thompson took one shot under the bar and dived to smother another attempt in the six yard box.

Kelly and Tilsted found themselves under the odd aerial threat but were comfortable against aggressive opposition.

A flurry for Newport in and around our box resulted in a corner. Tilsted headed out but back it came and a deflection gave away a second corner. In it came and this time Newport won the header but put it over the bar.

Stuttard came on for Gray. It was a subtle shift in formation and within a few minutes Stuttard had created space for Vint and Vint’s shot was well held by the keeper. We were on top and unlucky with several attempts on goal.

A few minutes left and a classic Lee Vint goal clinched the game. Good feet took him clear and a volley looped over the keeper to finish up in the net. 2-1.

We maintained pressure. Heggan was dropped just outside the box and taking the free kick himself shot over. Nicolson tried a shot but hit the side netting. Stuttard went close but a blanket defence cleared the danger.

The whistle gave us our first win of the season and justified by a good performance.

Result 2-1