WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2022
BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS 6 VERWOOD TOWN 0

Bemerton took a tighter grip on promotion after their 3 points win in this fixture.

A well drilled and disciplined display outshone us on the day but there are signs of a steady improvement in attitude and effort in our exceptionally young squad.

Bemerton’s opening spell saw Josh Nace clear off the line and Callum Maher make a couple of good saves from close shots.

On 9 minutes we buckled letting in a runner down their right. A cut back was turned in past Maher to open the scoring. 0-1.

Spillane blocked a shot on the edge of the area 3 minutes later and then Stock cut out a mid field attack as we remained on the rack.

We countered a couple of times with Stacey making the keeper dirty his gloves and Carswell releasing Vining to see an effort saved under the bar.

We had a good spell of retaliation but naivety was on show and we spluttered to make impact on the score board.

33 minutes a corner for Bemerton was diverted past Maher, 0-2.

We rallied. Hall won a great tackle in the middle of the park and a pass to Vining resulted in Vining’s marker ankle tapping to stop the attack. A free kick. Broad cut across the box but put the ball over the bye line.

Stacey had a shot that went over and then with a couple of minutes left Hall put Carswell free only for the shot to be cleared off the line.

A long ball and no cover resulted in the whistle going at half time with a 0-3 score line.

Half Time 0-3.

Although we prompted the first attack of the half it was only 3 minutes old when Smith blocked a run through the middle giving away a corner. A bullet header made it 0-4.

No heads dropped. We hit back with Carswell and Vining having shots saved.

Wilcox and Bradley came on for Stacey and Spillane with 10 minutes of the half gone.

24 on the clock and Hunt came on for Vining.

Bemerton controlled the game at this stage bringing exceptional performances from Maher in particular with Stock and Smith close and curbing entry into our box.

Then bad luck as a clearance from a cross bounced awkwardly and although half cleared by Smith was hooked back in and past Maher. 0-5.

With 8 minutes left Maher raced from his line to take a cross but collided with a player in he box. A harsh penalty. 0-6.

We tried hard in the last few minutes to grab a goal but Bemerton’s defence held tight for them to enjoy a clean sheet.

Result 0-6.