SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2009
VERWOOD TOWN 1 FAWLEY AFC 0

Crisp and accurate passing was the opening feature. We even took part in it.

Fawley looked the part of table toppers as they busied themselves working the ball well and into our domain.

Today we stood firm. Kelly proved invaluable in front of the back four and yet again the understanding between Jamison and Lynch was a highlight.

Only 4 minutes gone and Faulkner whipped the ball across to Goodall. Goodall clipped the ball over a midfielder to find Homer. A direct run into the box and Homer unleashed a tremendous drive that was blocked as the centre half flung himself across the flight of the ball.

It was give and take. Fawley quick on the break needed tight marking and luckily we were up to the task. Elysee and Murray were having excellent games and Fawcett's chat was enough to keep attention on the visitor's attacks.

Baguley;s glancing header skimmed across the goalmouth, in came Homer and a shot from only 10 yards was brilliantly turned away for a corner. The corner was almost slotted home by Jamison but a leg on the line blocked the goal.

Fawley then turned the screw. Some excellent attacking football followed but we defended brilliantly. Lynch was exceptional with tough but clean tackles protecting the box and Jamison's support in picking up runners gave a solid feel for a clean sheet.

Fawley should have had a goal with 9 minutes left but the ball was screwed wide from 6 yards.

Half Time 0-0.

For the first five minutes Fawley had the edge. Fawcett made a good catch from a deep cross and Jamison's long leg deflected a ball from testing Fawcett again.

Lynch got under a couple of high balls in the box and Elysee's pace came in handy as Fawley pressed on their left.

Goodall's running off the ball came in useful for Baguley as an opening gave the opportunity for a shot.

Tackles became a bit fiercer. Hand Bags threatened but the referee did a good job in keeping the flow of the game and not unnecessarily brandishing coloured cards.

Dyer was coming more into the game as he persevered on the right. Crosses were causing concern for the Fawley back four. Baguley spun on the edge of the box and slammed a great shot for the top corner. The keeper made a cracking save to keep the score sheet blank.

At the other end Kelly and Jamison linked on the edge of the box to stop a central attack. Kelly spotted Goodall free and a slide rule pass split Fawleys back four. Goodall raced through, spotting Homer free, a pass wide gave room for a shot and again the keeper made a brilliant save.

Faulkner's volley deserved a goal. The keeper deserved a medal.

75 minutes Dyer sped wide, an inside ball to Goodall and Goodall rounded the centre half leaving him free for a run on goal. The centre half had other ideas and a scything tackle took Goodall's legs in the opposite direction to where he wanted them to be. The centre half walked.... clothed in red. Faulkner floated the ball into the box but a regrouped defence cleared easily.

84 minutes and Homer lashed a ball that hit the foot of the post, the rebound fell to Goodall... a volley blocked and then Faulkner's shot was cleared off the line.

87 minutes Dyer collected a line ball and outpacing his marker cut inside to unleash a low right foot drive. The ball was cleared off the line and bounced back to him .....no mistake this time...a left foot shot whipped up the top corner of the net with the keeper this time grasping air. 1-0.

A Fawley last gasp effort went wide, and the whistle went on 1-0 win.