WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY 2023
FAWLEY AFC 3 VERWOOD TOWN 3

Our uninspiring first half deserved a half time closure of 3 – 1 down. Fawley wasn’t that good but had enough spark to earn the accolades.

Fawley’s pressure started in the first minute with an attack down their right with Tabor blocking the cross but giving away a corner. A Davis, Cam Smith combination cleared the ball for Joe Smith to have a run but only to see his low cross cleared without any follow ups.

McHale was busy getting to grips in coping with long balls down the flanks but managed the aerial onslaught.

27 minutes gone we got caught with a counter and a simple threaded ball through the middle gave a run on goal unchallenged. 0-1.

Passing by both teams left a lot to be desired so for the spectators it wasn’t a classic game to watch.

We had opportunities but couldn’t break the Fawley defensive barrier.

Again, another spell of play in Fawley’s third gave space for another counter. Long ball, runners, a high ball into our area and a scramble left room for a toe ender to poke the ball over the line. 0-2.

All credit to the team, no heads dropped and a determined fight back resulted in Burpitt shrugging off close marking to slam an angled ball past the keeper 1-2.

We picked up a bit but with a minute to go was in total disarray as Fawley found us lacking through the middle. A clear run on goal resulted in a 1-3 score line when the whistle went.

Half Time. 1-3

A good chat at half time did the trick. We moved up several gears and Mason created hopes with a great run down our left and pulling the ball back gave Smith a chance of a shot. Bodies got in the way and a quick counter could have spelled trouble had it not been for good defensive play from McHale.

We gained ground. Davis and Cam Smith sealed up access down the middle and better links with midfield and forwards was evident as Carswell and McWilliams sparked attacks.

We created chances. Football quality had improved immensely and we were finding our men better.

Fishlock and Joe Smith went close with ‘on target’ shots but a clinical finish was missing.

17 gone and Farndell came on for Burpitt. A minute after a Farndell volley inched over the bar.

20 minutes into the half and Mason’s cut back from the bye line was hammered past the keeper by Joe Smith 2-3.

We were now looking for the leveller but shots from Smith and McWilliams finished up in the side netting instead of back of the net.

22 gone and Mason made way for Matthews to have his debut. Two minutes later Storey made his bow in place of Fishlock.

A rally from Fawley gave Phillips plenty to do but good anticipation and clean handling kept the score down.

Then a creative Carswell opened up the middle and a couple of shots went in and out of the area until McWilliams raced on to a loose ball and a tremendous volley levelled the score. 3-3

Injuries meant 6 minutes of extra time during which those spectators who had persevered the previous 90 got a thrilling finish as both sides went for the winner.

Result though. 3-3