SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2019
VERWOOD TOWN 2 ALTON 3

Some good performances emerged from this defeat but simply because of the defeat were black edged.c

Simple stuff like passing the ball quicker closing down the ball and staying onside particularly were the problems.

Alton went ahead after only 8 minutes. Slack marking on the edge of the box gave space for a left foot curler 0-1. The play had been slightly in Alton favour but the difference was the cutting edge.

Landon Arthur’s debut was a good one. The partnership with Ben Kelly looked very solid and in time should meld. Good reading of the game and sound anticipation were on show to give confidence going forward.

17 minutes gone and Cowland won the ball on the edge of our box. On to Dyer then a cross field pass found Gajic. Good feet and delivery of a peach of a ball into the box. Vint nipped in between two defenders to plant a glancing header past the keeper 1-1.

Hall and Maddocks prompted by Dyer claimed more of the midfield making it a good spectacle for the spectators.

However we were caught constantly by a flat back four pushing up to catch us offside. A bit more nous and we would have gone in at half time ahead. Instead with 6 minutes left we slackened at the back and were taught how to finish. Bad marking. A runner … 1-2.

Half Time 1-2

A bright start to the second half should have produced a couple of goals but we were woeful when it came to finishing.

Gajic went close with only 20 seconds gone. The side netting was recipient. 2 minutes Sam Danvers should have been awarded a penalty but the ref decided to wave play on despite Danvers being dropped on the spot.

Ollie Davies shone on the right. Marking got tighter. We were on top and looking like we could grab the three points. It wasn’t to be. We dallied on the ball and lost impetus. Alton took the opportunity and punished our laxity so 10 minutes into the half long ball clearance – a runner -- 1-3.

We continued to be naïve and allowed pressure to build forcing us back. Passing was slow and gave time for Alton to grab the first ball.

76 minutes and Cowland came off for Nathan Gray to have a run.

Ollie Davies got his name on the sheet with 8 minutes left but we went to the dressing room with a 2-3 score line.

Result 2-3.