WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2022
FLEETLANDS 1 VERWOOD TOWN 0

Although playing excellent football we lost to a rugged and no nonsense Fleetlands. We failed again to capitalise on opportunities.

Only 3 minutes on the clock and we broke through Fleetlands right flank. Mason and Fishlock worked the ball to the area but Fishlock’s entry into the box was blocked by defenders. A swift counter was swept up by Kerr.

Fleetlands pursued a long ball game but with a good percentage of accuracy.

A ball down their left with 7 minutes gone was covered by Broad resulting in a corner. A topped clearance reached the edge of the box and a low shot whipped through our defence to put the home side ahead. 0-1.

Broad Broom Kerr and Mason did well under pressure from the continued barrage and Coombes did well to take several shots whipped in from hopeful efforts.

Midfield took a time to settle but Carswell and McWilliams had the edge on their opposite numbers creating a few chances up front.

Joe Smith broke free half way through the half but put the ball into the side netting.

Minutes later a counter from Fleetlands was cut out by Broom and a slide rule pass found Cam Smith on the edge of the area. Good feet took him past a marker, a shot from 20 yards whistled wide.

McxWilliams went close shortly after but the story continued of good football without a finish.

Half Time 0-1

It was a carbon copy of the first half after the re start with a couple of counters from Fleetlands occupying Coombes and our back four.

We persevered, gradually gaining more possession. Joe Smith hit the side netting from a narrow angle after following up a Broad free kick and Fishlock’s volley deserved more than a clipped bar.

Carswell’s volley on 14 minutes had the keeper beaten but followed the flight of our earlier attempts, over the bar.

Cam Smith made way for McHale on 16 minutes.

We got on top of play but despite several breaks on goal couldn’t add the finishing touch.

26 Stock came on for Broom and on 29 Fishlock made way for Storey.

30- Farndell and McWilliams burst through the middle with good interpassing. McWilliams run on goal though was brought to an end by a scything tackle. The free kick was safely gathered by the keeper.

41 minutes saw Broad earning a well earned rest giving way for Bailey Tabor.

5 minutes added time saw Coombes camping in Fleetlands box as we gained successive corners. BUT…no finish.

Result. 0-1.