SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2008
VERWOOD TOWN 1 TOTTON & ELING 2

T&E sporting top spot in the division, set off with some good movement and with 5 minutes gone Fawcett watched the ball skim the bar from 25 yards. We fought back and two minutes later it was our turn to put together a good move between Elysee Evans and Reeves. Reeves finished off the move with a rasping shot that cleared the corner of the bar and upright.

Newbury had a crack but had to watch the ball travel the same route as Reeves' effort.

Totton had a good spell of possession but in front of goal we had a resolute Giles and Lynch well supported by a very alert Fawcett. Both Murray and Elysee covered the flanks exceptionally well and were able to link with Evans and Homer on the odd occasion giving us that extra attacking option.

A strong header from Lynch from a Homer corner went just over the bar and then Newbury put the ball into the side netting as we gained momentum.

Newbury again worked his way along the edge of the area and a rising shot looked destined for the underside of the bar but a good catch by the keeper kept the sheet clean.

Fawcett then made a double save as T&E worked hard to catch us on the break.

32 minutes Dyer released Homer with a terrific through ball, Homer's shot was beaten away. A long ball upfield and a lone runner cleared our defence but was then confronted by Fawcett. Fawcett won.

42 minutes and the ball bounced around in our area. A desperate lunge and a toe converted the ball into the top corner. 0-1.

Half Time 0-1.

A cold wind wafted across the pitch and stands as the players returned for the second half. T&E seemed to be the warmer of the two and for the first few minutes knocked the ball about confidently but couldn't get too near Fawcett as Faulkner Dyer and Homer worked their socks off keeping the area tight.

A lapse of concentration with 57 minutes on the clock allowed a cross from the left and a stretched leg diverted the ball past Fawcett. 0-2.

The game was end to end and Homer working the flank with Murray opened up T&E to allow a shot the keeper did well to palm away. A long ball down the right seemed to have broken our defensive wall but Giles raced across to block the attack. A short ball to Elysee, a line ball to Reeves and the T&E keeper again had to make a diving save.

69 minutes and Dyer cut across the area, made space and a great effort was beaten out. In came Reeves but his volley went over the bar.

We pushed up. There was a danger we could get caught out but today we went for broke.

Newbury worked his line and support from Evans and Reeves meant good pressure being applied to T&E's defence. Experienced defenders covered well and some good clearances put them on the attack periodically.

A spell of T&E possession then followed but we persevered and with 7 minutes left an excellent move on the left opened up the flank. Homer drilled the ball across to the right, in came Reeves. A fierce cross shot beat the keeperN.1-2.

Tails were up. We pushed forward and Homer hit the bar.

3 minutes left and Fawcett made a brilliant one handed save.

1 minute left and Giles powered through for a shot. Too many numbers in the box deflected the ball away from danger and the referee then decided 93 minutes was enough and blew for full time. We lost but the performance was worth watching.

Full Time 1-2.