FA VASE 2ND ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2015
NEW MILTON TOWN 3 VERWOOD TOWN 2

Both Donachy and Taylor were missing for this F A Vase game, so the multi positional McGilchrist slotted straight in alongside Kelly to make up the central pairing. Evans and Brimson made up a back four.

It was a sedate opening with a very polite Verwood side ambling their way into the game. New Milton conversely had the bit between their teeth and in only the third minute had a crack at goal that Lynch was thankful to see whip past the post.

2 minutes later a high ball almost caught us out on the edge of the box but Kelly back pedalled quickly to steer a header towards Evans. Evans run down the line went uninterrupted into the New Milton third. A good cross went over the bar. It wouldn't have been any danger had it stayed in play as we had no one following in to convert.

New Milton's football got crisper and they were first to the ball as the game past us by. A couple of breaks on the flanks gave hope for a shot on goal but we were lack lustre in approach and finishing.

New Milton's willingness to have a crack almost paid off with a good move on their right and a good strike from the edge of the box. Luckily Lynch had it covered and gathered low to his right.

We had a short adrenalin rush with Fisk going free and crossing for Swann to dummy his marker and try a shot. The ball stuck to the keeper's gloves.

18 minutes gone in pleasant warmth and sunshine. A ball floated into our area was carefully watched but nothing more. A grateful forward nipped in to place a header past Lynch to put the home side in front 1-0.

Gajic and Dyer picked up energy and we got back a bit of pride as we worked the ball forward. Swann had a shot that went wide then Wood planted a volley just over the bar.

26 minutes on the clock and pressure on the New Milton defence earned a deflection and an OG. 1-1.

Brimson joined in an attack with 43 minutes gone and a 'grubber' almost slipped through the keeper's legs but stopped on the line.

On 45 minutes we pushed up and a long ball drifted over our back four for a runner to get in the box. A hard tackle brought the inevitable penalty award. 1-2. The whistle blew as we kicked off again.

Half Time 1-2 A pumped up New Milton set off the second half with an attack from the kick off. Evans cut across to block a shot. The re bound fell nicely for a volley from the edge of the area. Lynch took it well.

2 minutes and another high ball into our defence was gathered by McGilchrist, a good pass wide to Fisk gave space for Fisk to have a run on goal. A good shot followed but the keeper was on form to make a comfortable save.

We picked up pace and Brimson worked the line with Fisk. Fisk cut inside his marker and chipped the ball across for Dyer. An excellent cross found Wood just inside the box and a header almost dropped over the keeper into the net but a good back pedal gave the keeper just enough closure to take the ball under the bar.

We went lax again with some sloppy passing giving New Milton another period of possession. It was frustrating for VTFC Management and supporters but on the day it didn't seem as if any improvement was on the cards.

66 minutes had Masson stretching his legs in place of Fisk. 77 minutes had Swann replacing Rutten on the bench.

The changes didn't make one iota of difference. We maintained our image of being a very pleasant and polite side giving the ball away numerous times and allowing a vibrant New Milton space and time to dictate play.

83 minutes and we deserved what we got. Another goal against.

Pushing up without leaving cover at the back has been a problem many times this season and this one cost dearly. A lost ball on the edge of the New Milton box was pumped wide and a runner broke into our box to score a well taken goal .1-3.

7 minutes left plus a bit of stoppage time. A spark seemed to ignite effort and first Wood went close with a shot and then Rutten was judged to have fouled a defender when going free. Atkinson slipped past the full back to deliver a shot into the side netting and then Gajic blasted a shot high and wide. At least there was some effort but so late in the game.

New Milton's defence generally were comfortable coping with what we had but pressure paid off with 5 minutes left wen a corner was headed home by Wood. 2-3.

We pushed on and Dyer's cross should have resulted in a leveller as Masson tried to steer the ball wide of the keeper but only into the back barriers.

87 minutes and Atkinson broke away to cross into the box. Up went Gajic and a tremendous downward header beat the keeper but bounced up of the line, hit the underside of the bar and bounced out.

The whistle blew on a New Milton victory and we wish them well in the next round of the competition. Hopefully we will get some steam back for our Blackfield and Langley game on Tuesday night.

Result 2-3