PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
THURSDAY 30TH JULY 2015
MERLEY COBHAM 3 VERWOOD TOWN 1

Evans, Buck and Swann were away for this one but in came newcomers Ryan Reeves James Bailey Pearce and Dan Burton Hemming

Back from their recent sojourn James Bergin Jack Smith and Matt Head.

Cobham tested Lynch in the first minute with a break down their left, a cross from the bye line and a shot that Lynch took well.

Fisk broke clear a couple of minutes later picking up a Joe Wood through ball and making ground down the right. Cutting in from the line Fisk's effort flew just wide.

Wood then went close as we maintained possession.

6 minutes and a Smith Wood combination sent Bailey Pearce free. A good cross earned a corner. Up went Kelly and a forceful header into the roof of the net put us ahead. 1-0.

Cobham's response was another break down their left and a powerful header flew over the bar. It was a good open game with goalmouth activity at both ends.

24 minutes and we had a lapse of concentration. Result was a break through our mid field and a low shot heading for the corner of the net. Lynch did well to stop with feet but the ball re bounded for a tap in 1-1.

Tails up, Cobham's desire increased and we found ourselves on the back foot. Reeves cut out a cross from the left and Brimson was equally busy on our left hand side blocking access into the box.

In the first 20 minutes of the game Kelly and Donachy had found space to push forward. This changed dramatically as Cobham forced us back. Donachy headed two crosses clear and Kelly's trusty left boot did well to clear the area as a shot destined for the net was hoofed clear.

Burton Hemming gave hope for an increase to our goal tally with a great run and shot but the top of the cross bar took the brunt of the effort.

We gained possession back for ten minutes during which Smith and Head were prominent in mid field.

Then with only a minute left of the half a delicate lob over our back four dropped nicely for collection and volley. It was a well executed move and deserved the increased score line of 1-2.

Wood's shot on the whistle was diverted but there was insufficient time left for Fisk to convert as he raced in to shoot.

Half Time 1-2.

A few changes at half time were made and we kicked off the second half on the attack with McGilchrist cutting through the middle releasing Wood with a scything pass. Wood slipped the ball past a central defender finding Fisk. Fisk went wide and tried to chip the keeper. The roof of the net received the ball.

53 minutes and our concentration totally went into reverse. A quick raid down our left went unchecked and a runner raced free to measure a shot that hit the back of the net. 1-3.

Cobham increase their dominance as we coasted. Gone had gone the challenges and we shadowed runners rather than tackle them.

Cobham's control in mid field was the main feature of their attacks. An excellent pass wide right opened us up and Kelly did well to get underneath the cross to clear.

Donachy was next to help keep the score down with a great tackle on the corner flag as Cobham worked the ball wide.

Lynch was busy. Cobham's attacking flair took them near the box on several occasions and there was always a shot expected as they tried hard to grab a fourth.

Our response was token for most of the second half. We were taught a lesson in 'wanting to win'.

We had a couple of chances sparked by Gajic and Dyer. Wood went close a couple of times but generally we were second best.

All the squad had time on the pitch as Carl Poore swapped players and positions. It was useful in that way to get game time but disappointing that we couldn't give a better showing of ourselves

All credit though to a rampant Cobham whom we feel sure will do extremely well this season if they retain the same squad.

Result 1-3.