SYDENHAMS (WESSEX) LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2018
AMESBURY TOWN 1 VERWOOD TOWN 0

A goal on 16 minutes gave Amesbury three points. It was sheer persistence in pushing up for a long ball opening that finally nailed it.

The opening spell was scrappy. The ball represented a drone. Neck ache kept our Physio’s John and Tara busy. MJ and Chas Gajic did well to maintain a solid central block. Both Sam Joy and Tyrone Carkeet in full back spots were constantly back pedaling to cover the high balls but until the 16th minute we kept discipline and presented a good defence.

We got over zealous and pushed up with Nicolson skinning his marker. A cross intended for Hatch shimmed over the bar.

Amesbury’s immediate response was to increase their aggressive attacking style. It paid dividends with another long ball finding their right flank clear. A cut back from the bye line was tapped in from the 6 yard box. 0-1.

A more physical game emerged. Head was dropped heavily when he escaped a lunging tackle. Dyer took the free kick and although Hatch got a head to it the ball flew high and wide.

Eaton was next to almost lose a shirt as he tried to coast past midfield. A body hold reminiscent of WWF brought him down. Dyer’s free kick this time caused a skirmish in the box. Two efforts were blocked before a big boot cleared the area.

Hatch had a tussle off the ball and booked by the Ref. The danger was another fracas developing into a red card. The decision was to heave Richardson off the bench in a one for one substitution.

We didn’t threaten much after that episode but Tierney Johnstone and Gajic all earned plaudits for resisting Amesbury’s efforts to increase the score line.

Half Time 0-1.

Mike Johnstone had to come off at half time because of a pulled back muscle so it meant a shuffle. Morgan Cole came on at full back, Elliott Head took centre half spot with Sam Joy making up a central defensive pairing. Chas Gajic was then tasked with the centre forward position.

Amesbury produced another strong attack early in the half finishing with the ball skimming the cross bar.

We dug in and a Carkeet Nicolson break down the left finished with Nicolson shooting just over the angle.

Davies was tightly marked throughout the game but with 20 minutes left shook off close attention to drop the ball on the spot. Gajic was inches away from leveling the score.

On 74 minutes Elliott Head was sent off !!!! Unbelievable decision!!!. A calm cultivated footballer dismissed. !!!! Sam Joy and Chas Gajic then made up yet another central pairing in the need to stem Amesbury’s ambitions .

Tierney produced a great save from an angled shot and then an astonishing left handed save pushing the ball round the post. The corner was headed clear by Cole. Cole followed up his clearance taking the ball away from danger and releasing Nicolson. Richardson took up the running and a slide rule pass found Davies. His 25 yarder flew wide. It was a good response by ten men to a very solid Amesbury.

Richardson, Eaton & Davies produced shots that were defended well but the game finished with a victory for the home side.

Result 0-1.