WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST 2022
VERWOOD TOWN 4 FLEETLANDS 0

A Long ball launch 2 minutes into the game had Smith heading clear. A follow up high ball across the area and it was Davies’ turn to block an aerial attack.

Phillips made a brilliant save with 9 minutes gone of Fleetlands’ pressure and it took another 5 minutes before we started to settle.

Carswell and Storey prised the middle of the park open with a good interchange and Storeys wide ball left gave Fishlock an opening. Bodies defended the box and Rossiter’s shot from Fishlock’s cut back hit a defensive wall diverting for a corner.

A strong header cleared the box but Mason latched on to the ball and a neat pass to McWilliam’s made ground. A volley was half cleared. Up stepped Storey to slam the ball into the roof off the net. 1-0.

Davis and Broad did well to contain the flanks as Fleetlands pushed on. Fishlock and Storey were busy taking care of the midfield threat and we benefitted from a good team work ethic.

With 10 minutes of the half left Fleetlands had more possession but couldn’t break the barrier thrown up by our back four.

We hit back and with a minute left of the half split Fleertlands open. Rossiter’s angled toe ender grazed the post.

Half Time 1-0

We continued where we left off. Davis freeing Mason for a run. A low cross was half cleared. McWilliams predatory instincts kicked in and seizing the half chance made it 2-0 with an unstoppable volley.

It sparked Fleetlands to a rally. Pushing forward down our right Fleetlands tested Broad. Broad’s strong tackle won the ball and a great pass gave our counter space for McWilliams to try a shot. A part clearance fell for Storey but Storey’s legs were chopped stopping a run. A free kick 25 yards out. McMonagle stepped up and blasted home number 3 leaving the keeper stranded. 3-0.

Harley Stock came on for Elliot Rossiter with 12 gone and 4 minutes later Kerr made an entry replacing Davis.

Fleetlands made several changes but on the day it made no difference. We had a grip on the game and should have had a couple more as we pushed forward.

Tempers frayed half way through the half with one or two hand bags flourished. McMonagle ate grass. Storey had to be resurrected by JB after being floored and McWilliams suffered the same fate as he headed for goal.

Kerr then blocked a central run and linking with Stock made ground. A ball wide sent Mason into Fleetlands’ third. Stock followed in and tried a volley. The ball was still in the air when the whistle went for full time.

All credit to this Fleetlands side. No heads dropped and shuffling the pack they pushed up.

Broad Kerr Mason and Smith held the line well and with Phillips on top form resisted Fleetlands from altering the score line.

McMonagle made way for Haynes on 29 minutes.

Carswell’s shot was too hot to handle with 30 gone and the keeper managed to scramble the ball off the line preventing our 4th.

36 gone and Joey Towers made a bow replacing Jack Broad. He’d only been on a minute when judged to have fouled a runner. !! Phillips took care of the high ball into the box.

A minute left and a Fishlock Stock link, paved the way for Haynes to cut into the box and steer the ball wide of the keeper to finish the scoring. 4-0.

Result 4-0.