WESSEX LEAGUE CUP - ROUND 2
TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2022
RINGWOOD TOWN 1 VERWOOD TOWN 0

Finishing is a major problem. In the first couple of minutes of the game we should have gone ahead. 2 minutes old saw Fishlock ride a couple of tackles but unable to escape the third. Floored unceremoniously he won a free kick. Up stepped McMonagle. Keeper beaten, but cleared of the line.

Ringwood's reaction was to bring the best out of Broad. A sweeping move down their left was anticipated. Broads tackle was spot on stopping the cross.

We were treated to some good football with both sides playing on the deck.

5 minutes gone Carswell broke free of his shackles and looked to be heading for a shot but after floating past a couple of defenders was chopped 25 yards out. The free kick finished up in the high street.

The quality of football deteriorated. Too many balls given away by both sides meant stilted attacks developing

Mitchell made a couple of good saves as Ringwood got more possession.

We worked hard and regained the upper hand. It made no difference though to the score line.

McMonagle on 25, 27 and 29 minutes had three shots on goal. The first a 20 yarder was down the keepers throat. The second whistled inches past the post and the third whipped over the bar.

Ringwood had a good spell towards the end of the half. A corner on 45 minutes was cleared by Davis and a follow up shot was we'll taken by Mitchell.

Half Time 0-0

McWilliams collected a Sumers clearance and sparkling movement opened up a tight mid field. A good ball wide for McMonagle was fired low across the box. No one was close enough to score. Then 8 minutes into the half a quick counter caught us napping and a clear chance gave Ringwood the lead 0-1. We eased off a bit and almost paid the price. A long range effort went high and wide and Mitchell then pulled off a great save diving low to palm the ball away from danger. McHale came on for Taylor after 17 minutes and on 21 we had a double substitution as Towers and Rossiter made an appearance.

We perked up again. McWilliams had a shot cleared off the line and Storey's blaster was palmed out by the keeper.

Carswell almost levelled scores but hit the bar and we then had a series of shots in and on the edge of the box cleared a couple were kicked off the line with the keeper beaten.

Frustration was etched on faces. We had done enough to at least draw level but fell short of doing so with poor finishing.

The last couple of minutes were hectic. Several corners one after the other were pumped into Ringwood's box but strong defensive cover kept the ball out. Even Reece Mitchell joined the crowded box but to no avail.

Result 0-1.