SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2020
NEWPORT 5 VERWOOD TOWN 3

Early pressure from Newport kept our defence on the back foot. Long Balls meant a lot of aerial battles but both Elsom and Kelly proved more than capable of handling the central threat.

Elsom sparked a counter with a strong tackle and forceful run through the middle, but his pass for Butler was intercepted and a boot upfield took play back into our third.

It was the story of first half play.

15 gone and we lapsed concentration allowing a run through for Newport to go ahead 0-1.

Another Newport goal half way through the half was ruled offside. We had several chances but couldn’t put the ball in the net.

We persevered. Danvers won a tackle and opened a gap for Evans to continue the move releasing Nicholson. Nicholson slipped past his marker and low cross into the box gave Vining a half chance. Sliding in on the far post a deft touch leveled the score. 1-1.

Newport forced a couple of corners but Watkins and Kelly dealt with them. The game then went topsy turvy. A free kick for Newport hit a defensive wall and a deflection spun into the top corner . 2-1.

Vining carried on a Maddocks move and cutting inside the backs slid the ball for Evans to race in and volley past the keeper. 2-2.

The game went end to end and became a little bit feisty. Smith was booked for a good tackle said to be ‘late’.

Newport claimed more and more territory and inevitably produced a move giving a 3-2 score line.

Just before half time Newport grabbed another goal after a scrap in our box left space for a shot. 4-2

Half Time 4-2

We looked better from the re start and inter play between Vining and Evans ripped open a gap for a Nicholson run on goal. A cut back and Butler put his shot over the trees.

Watkins run down the left finished with a great cross but hooked out for a corner. A lethal Elsom pounced in the box making it 4-3.

Although we deserved a point from this second half rally a mistake just before the whistle gave away a soft goal giving the score line a false impression of the performance.

Result 5-3.