VELOCITY WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2023
VERWOOD TOWN 3 NEWPORT IOW 3

Our attacking flair and current finishing standards were highlighted in the first thirty seconds. Cam Smith collected a Sam Danvers cut back from the kick off, made space on the edge of Newport’s box, and hit a fierce volley fortunately missing a few cars in Ringwood’s car park. Emphasis on our attacking style followed a minute later with a Jack Broad NASA style rocket that nestled alongside our other match ball in Ringwood.

We maintained an offensive, but Newport defended in numbers and with our qualities in front of the sticks didn’t look like going behind.

A couple of counter attacks had Richardson busy and with 5 minutes gone Richardson robbed an attacker and freed up McWilliams. Good feet and a slide rule pass to Shepherd should have yielded but Shepherd’s volley hit defenders in the six yard box and cleared.

We lost our way again. Newport gradually got on top of the game testing our defence.

13 minutes gone they punctured our midfield and a simple through ball was followed up and the score board rattled … 0-1.

The game then stalled in terms of quality. Activity in both thirds was reduced to poor passing and lack of enthusiasm.

15 minutes to go of the first half we succumbed to an attack down the left, failed to cover the cross… 0-2.

McWilliams and Shepherd went close with shots just before the whistle.

Half Time 0-2.

Newport carried on where they left off. First minute and Phillips was in action taking a difficult ball under the bar. We staggered on.

Davis saved blushes with a last ditch tackle on the edge of the box and a minute later Danvers blocked a dangerous run on their right.

9 minutes on the clock, Carswell came on for McHale. 5 minutes later Hockey made way for Haenshel.

21 minutes of the half gone and we wilted again. 0-3.

Then… we had a remarkable character display. No heads dropped and we picked up standards. The team rallied.

27 minutes McWilliams spun off his marker and a delightful chip over an advancing keeper made it 1-3.

Carswell‘s left foot volley two minutes later shaved the foot of the post, and five minutes later Danvers had a brilliant run and volley beating the keeper but seeing his shot kicked off the line.

Constant pressure paid off. 9 minutes to go and Haenshel lashed a right footer past the keeper 2-3.

43 on the clock and an inter passing move sparked by Pope winning an aerial battle and finding Carswell. Carswell’s though ball freed up King to smash an unstoppable shot…3-3.

We hadn’t finished trying for three points. Carswell shot over the bar. Shepherd hit the side netting in a rousing finish.

Newport went home not disappointed at losing three points but thankful for the one.

Result 3-3.