SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2009
VERWOOD TOWN 0 EAST COWES VICTORIA 1

Elysee's head banging session against Amesbury meant a spell on the line so Evans moved to right back and Ben Kelly came in as joint central defender with Lynch. Arnold was still away so Lanahan continued in midfield. Haskell came in at centre forward allowing a breather for Newbery.

We had a packed bench with Anderton Jones Newbery and Williams sharing the splinters.

2 minutes only had gone when Haskell slipped a ball through ECV's defence for Truan to volley wide.

East Cowes weren't playing that well but equally we couldn't score so the game had no punch and tended to drift. It needed a lift but we had to wait until we were half way through the half before any activity level was produced.

It was Faulkner who sparked things with a good ball to Haskell a great lay back and Faulkner's shot was still rising as it flew over the bar.

Dyer got into the mix and a mazy dribble on the right resulted in a low cross that found Lanahan. A swivel to send his marker the wrong way worked but the shot was topped giving the keeper an easy ball to collect.

A free kick from Evans found Haskell and a good header was tipped over the bar. The corner swung in from the left created panic but a size 11 boot cleared the danger.

Haskell then had a clear chance but shot straight at the keeper. Another chance beckoned and the shot this time beat the keeper but went wide of the post.

It was another of those days when it seemed as if we would never score no matter how many chances we had.

Half time 0-0

49 minutes and another Evans free kick dropped over the box. Homer this time read it well and chipped the ball back into the penalty area. Haskell topped his shot and the keeper thankfully gathered the ball.

ECV picked up their pace and forced us to defend. Fawcett made a couple of saves but still there was no major threat.

Truan moved wide left, a deep cross to Haskell was moved on to Lanahan but the shot was blocked and cleared.

The clearance was high into our half and gathered by Murray. A high ball back found Lanahan but the header went over the bar.

We then became philanthropic. Passing was directed to our visitors and a few gaps were presented to allow ECV a look at Fawcett. A few shots followed but they were easily dealt with.

32 minutes gone and we had pushed up too far leaving a major gap in the middle. ECV exploited the opportunity and a break away resulted in a shot that hit the bar.....bounced out and follow up header finished up in the back of the net. 0-1.

By this time Anderton was on for Faulkner and a neat passing move involving Anderton Murray and Homer brought a tremendous save from the keeper.

We pushed forward looking for the equaliser. Homer crossed deep and Dyer smashed he ball wide of the keeper but also wide of the net.

We stayed forward and almost paid the price as the ball was worked down the right, whipped across the box and met by a flailing boot. Fawcett brought off an excellent save. His throw sparked a run from Williams who had come on for Truan. A ball wide to Homer a run for the return, and then a rough and tumble in the area trying to head the ball. A bunch of defenders stopped the flow and once again we felt frustrated at not making that all important opening for a goal.

It stayed that way and we ran off the pitch once again losing valuable points.

Final score 0-1.