SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2019
VERWOOD TOWN 1 UNITED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH 4

A good first half was followed by a lousy second half. Driscoll’s run in from the right with 4 minutes gone would have been a great opening had it not been for a flying keeper save tipping the ball round the post. denying a goal.

The corner had a USP head on it so an opportunity lost.

We worked hard and with Danvers and Dyer having space to overlap we should have capitalised but squandered chances.

USP looked dangerous on the counter and Thompson pulled off a couple of good saves from shots just outside area.

Dyer ‘s defence splitting pass with 12 minutes gone gave Vint a clear run. No mistake this time as Vint hammered an unstoppable low volley into the net 1-0.

We continued with most possession and although Maddocks held an unfamiliar role at joint centre back looked solid at the back.

Half way through the half a Hall Driscoll move finished with Driscoll crossing. Davies stooped and the FB blocked the effort but using his arm.. Claims for a penalty fell on deaf ears.

Half time 1-0.

The second half opened up with USP showing a remarkable energy splurge. Gajic and Dyer cleared crosses and on 10 minutes a low ball across the box whistled past players in the area. A USP forward was sorry he didn’t wear size10’s.

We were pushed back. USP found time to play out of defence and good movement had us on the back foot.

On 76 minutes we sparked a move from a Nicolson ball wide for Davies. A great shot was brilliantly saved. A big boot upfield and we got caught on the counter 1-1.

8 minutes left and Gajic fired in a shot from the edge of the box. Another save and long ball 1-2.

5 to go 1-3 as we lost our way letting in runners. On 45+ 1 a final nail in the coffin as we pushed up too far and left a gap wider than the M5. 1-4.

It was a disastrous second half for which lots of lessons were learned.

Result 1-4.