VELOCITY WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY 2024
VERWOOD TOWN 3 EAST COWES VICTORIA 1

1 minute 20 seconds and we were in front from a Jack Broad curling right foot shot that whipped just inside the upright 1-0.

We almost had a second 2 minutes later when McHale cut in from the left, rounded a marker and delivered a daisy cutter the keeper managed to save with feet on the line.

ECV countered with some good attacking play testing a re shaped back line. We stood firm with Davis Smith Broad and Ferguson keeping a tight rein on their opposite numbers.

A long ball over our defence dropped into the penalty area. Mitchell's safe hands took care of the danger.

ECV continued to press. We dug in. It was a testing time but a good strong work ethic and a willingness to work hard for each other kept the score in our favour.

Halfway through the half we were under intense pressure but with a no-nonsense approach to defending and a very much on form Mitchell between the sticks made it difficult for ECV to draw level.

We worked our way back into the game and gained possession. King went close with a rising shot from the edge of the box and McHale brought out a good save by the keeper with a shot from the corner of the box.

Tackles got harder. There was no sign of taking prisoners.

10 minutes to go and McHale shrugged off his marker, cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable volley making it 2-0.

46 minutes and a harsh decision gave ECV a penalty. It was a Mitchell day. A brilliant dive to his right palmed the ball to safety.

Half Time 2-0

ECV's half time chat gave them extra adrenalin. We matched it. A good opening had Smith and Ferguson clearing efforts and Mitchell palming a shot over the bar.

At the other end Haenshel created a chance for King. A volley hit defenders and a big boot cleared the area. White won the header finding Richardson. On to McHale and a slide rule pass gave King a free run. 3-0.

ECV's response was emphatic. A couple of corners in succession looked dangerous but Davis and Smith dealt with the aerial threat.

Mitchell was called in to action several times and dealt capably with what East Cowes threw at him.

Handbags flourished with 15 gone. The game got feisty. It was all hands to the pumps. Brazier gave a typical example working back to help defence when threatened.

33 and Fiachi made a bow replacing Haenshel.

35 a dubious FK decision in favour of ECV resulted in East Cowes pulling a goal back. 3-1.

Tails up ECV pushed on. We defended well. Brazier was evident again in putting in a tremendous shift.

40 minutes Brazier gave way for Forwaker.
47 on came Tilsted for McHale.
51 Off went Tilsted for the Sin Bin !!!!!!!

54 The referee found his whistle
Result 3-1