DORSET PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 2026
VERWOOD TOWN 1 SWANAGE TOWN & HERSTON 4

What didn't help was the absence of some key players due to sickness bugs and domestic issues. Nonetheless a full squad and bench made the fixture possible despite atrocious weather conditions.

A shuffled formation was still settling when the whistle went and with with only 40 seconds gone a ST&H corner was scrambled away. The ball fell nicely on the edge of the box for a crack at goal. `Knibbs proved he was on top form punching out the hopeful drive.

20 minutes gone and ST&H benefitted from a free kick 30 yards out. A scramble to clear was turned past Knibbs to put the visitors ahead. 0-1.

An immediate reaction from the restart put Craciun free on the right. Cutting in and out manoeuvring his marker Craciun's left foot drive levelled the score at 1-1.

The game opened up and produced activity at both ends. Norris blocked and cleared a flank run and then Ewang was upended just outside the ST&H box before being able to get a shot away.

12 minutes left of the half a clearance from the ST&H box caught us too far upfield and a runner had room to chip an advancing Knibbs to make it 1-2.

3 minutes later we gave away a free kick in our third. The ball looked as if it was in a pin ball machine and finished up skidding past Knibbs to send the teams in at half time with the scoreboard showing a 1-3 score line.

Half Time. 1-3

We picked a bit in the second half but passing was still erratic resulting in the visitors having more possession without exerting themselves.

Formation disciplines drifted as the game progressed leaving a few openings for ST&H. Danvers and Knibbs caught the eye with some great defensive work made even harder by Kerr's injury and having to come off. Found was the replacement meaning another shuffle of the pack.

A couple of opportunities popped up in the closing stages that if converted would have justifyingly closed the gap. Our malaise continued however with blunt efforts in front of the sticks.

Only a couple of minutes left on the clock was when we fell foul of pushing too far up and leaving an ocean of space for a runner and late goal.

Result. 1-4