WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 11TH MARCH 2023
VERWOOD TOWN 3 PETERSFIELD TOWN 6

This game ranked as one of our most lethargic first half performances to date. Only two minutes had elapsed when Dave Kerr had to produce a last ditch tackle to take the ball off toes in the area.

Two minutes later Broom headed clear after a run down Petersfield's right finished with the ball dropping on the penalty spot.

A quick retaliatory effort from McWilliams and Carswell finished with a Carswell volley bringing a fine save from the keeper.

Then it was as if Moses had come on for Petersfield as we parted like the Red Sea. We dropped deep. Coombes luckily was on form and kept a clean sheet until the 34th minute when Petersfield's right flank cut us up and a rising shot from the angle made it 0-1.

We were on the back foot and look vulnerable at every attack.

Joe Smith was like the Lone Ranger up front but without Tonto. A couple of breaks looked as if they could yield but Petersfield's back line was solid.

43 minutes and there was Moses again opening up the middle to allow a runner go free and slot the ball past an advancing Coombes 0-2.

Thankfully the whistle went on time.

Half Time 0-2.

Mason proved the hero within a minute of the re start taking the ball off toes in the box. 4 minutes though and we went 3 down as we gifted space for a simple run on goal. Another minute and almost 4 on the score board as relentless pressure produced a shot that took varnish off the post.

13 minutes into the half and it was another simple opening allowing No. 4 for Petersfield to hit the score line.

Five minutes later Petersfield had a nap hand as we buckled to gift them number 5.

Then resurrection. What sparked the retaliation we're not sure but we could do with a bit more of it.

Broad robbed a runner and good feet took him to the half way line. A good through ball found Storey a pass wide found an advancing Mason. A slide rule pass found Matthews and another good ball gave Smith an opening. It was enough. Smith's run took him clear of his marker and a chip over the keeper made it 1-5.

Three minutes later Fishlock and Ponder worked space in the middle and Smith continued the attack claiming his second of the game with a low volley from just inside the box. 2-5.

We were now on top of the game but squandered chances as we pegged Petersfield back in their third.

Pushing forward we left ourselves open for a counter and suffered when Petersfield made it 2-6 with ten minutes of the half left.

No heads dropped. Fishlock hammered a shot just wide and a glorious McWilliams shot skimmed the bar.

Farndell made it 3-6 with a couple of minutes left and then Carswell almost scored our fourth with a drive but tipped round the post by the keeper.

A dreadful result but one thing emerged from the game. We can be beaten on off days but wont give up trying.

Result. 3-6.>/b>