SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST 2019
WHITCHURCH UNITED 1 VERWOOD TOWN 1

Russ Dyer’s tackle with only three minutes gone was crucial. A quick Whitchurch attack down their left looked dangerous but Dyers reading of the threat was spot on. A good strong tackle won the ball and a pass inside found Rutten with space. Rutten’s pass inside the backs found Vint. A knock past the defender would have put Vint free on goal but an obstruction and elbow floored Vint denying the chance of an early goal. Nicolson took the free kick. A terrific save by the keeper tipped the ball round the post. The corner drifted in on the far post but Whitthurch heads cleared the area.. It was good start.

Whitchurch’ reaction was instant. Good football using both flanks kept our midfield and back four extra busy.

Glatzel and Kelly had forged a good understanding as a central pairing and with Cowland and Dyer’s competency in full back spots gave us a solid feel.

Then 12 minutes on the clock a Whitchurch ball into our box was monitored by Thompson but runners had converged and Thompson went down under a heavy challenge. A disaster for Thompson and the team as Thompson was carried off with suspected ligament damage.

Lee Vint donned the gloves so the game continued with 22 minutes gone. Gray came on to take up the CF spot.

Vint took the dead ball kick, Madodcks spun with the ball. On to Rutten, wide to Davies and Davies dummied the back to put a left foot shot into the bottom corner 1-0.

The game continued with good football and Whitchurch putting in an extra shift to test Vint’s capabilities. They got zilch. Vint’s confidence and handling was as good as it gets and we went in at half time 1-0 ahead.

Half Time 1-0

Whitchurch came out for the second half with renewed vigour. For some inexplicable reason we backed off slightly and Whitchurch took advantage of a bit of space mounting a series of attacks. We were now under pressure. Madddocks and Hall did well in midfield but with 18 minutes of the second half gone we allowed a bit too much space outside the box and an excellent shot dipped over Vint to level scores.

Dyer Glatzel Kelly and Cowland did well to stem several attacks and Vint’s handling was exceptional as we weathered a series of crosses into the area.

Jack Stuttard replaced Tyler Rutten to give a fresh pair of legs to the game and was instrumental in a couple of attacks but that were snuffed out in the box.

Davies and Nicolson were our main threat on Whitchurch goal after Gray’s recurrence of a groin strain meant him being subbed. Lewis came on to take over the lone ranger role. He did well in the short space of time available but was marked closely denying space.

A good team effort finished with a hard earned draw.

RESULT 1-1