WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2022
VERWOOD TOWN 4 FAWLEY AFC 2

After a disappointing display against Millbrook we needed to show improvements all round. We got it.

Passing accuracy was better and with energy levels high we edged possession keeping Fawley pegged.

For the first 15 minutes play was concentrated in the middle of the park. Stacey and Carswell worked hard to influence the game and with Hall’s industry gradually gained the upper hand.

Fawley’s defence was tested several times but held tight.

Davies and Vining looked our best bet to open the scoring and after a robust Stacey won the ball in the middle of the park, Vining benefitted from the pass and rifled a great shot into the roof of the net 1-0.

We continued to be on top but Fawley’s counters were dangerous with their runners trying to get round the back. Danvers and Hockton were resilient helping Phillips to keep us from losing the lead.

Hall’s prompting sparked several attacks towards the end of the half but we couldn’t improve the score line.

Half Time 1-0

It was a lift for team management to see a promising start to the second half with Stock putting Davies through for a shot on goal.

The clearance caught us stranded. The result was a runner going free on goal to make it 1-1 after only three minutes had elapsed.

The lift on managements hopes at the start of the half dipped even further when on 6 minutes a replica scenario gave Fawley a second goal to go in front 1-2.

Today we saw character emerge. No heads dropped and we hit back straight away.

Hall sparked a Vining run on goal with Fawley’s defence sprawling. The shot on target was well saved by the keeper.

10 gone and Watkins came on for Hunt. A shuffle of the pack and we got on with the job of pulling the score line back.

Smith and Stock coupled to Danvers and Watkins defensive qualities made a good barrier to goal. At the other end Davies was becoming more prominent.

On 20 minutes Stacey came off for Broad to have a run.

Hall was busy in the middle and gave Carswell a great through ball that finished up being clawed from under the bar.

We spluttered in front of goal until with 6 minutes left Davies slammed a shot past the keeper from the edge of the box 2-2.

Hall’s defence splitting pass 3 minutes later was picked up and volleyed past the keeper by Davies. A great brace putting us ahead. 3-2.

Could we hang on ?

Not only did we block immediate retaliation Jack Broad put the game to bed on 43 minutes with a stunning goal, drawing the keeper and steering the ball into the bottom corner. 4-2

. The whistle went on a very deserved and welcome three points.

Result 4-2.