DORSET PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2026
VERWOOD TOWN 1 GILLINGHAM TOWN 2

Big boot into our third heralded Gills opening attack of the game. They must have studied our failure rate at defending in opening minutes. Pope denied them a score board change with a solid header out wide. Kerr set up a counter but his cross was taken by the keeper.

A good opening spell of attacking football followed until the 12th minute when McKinlay’s effort was saved by the keeper. A long high ball cleared midfield. Our defence got caught out and let in a runner 0-1. A regular and unwanted feature.

We defended in numbers for the next 10 minutes as Gillingham pushed on. We did counter a couple of times but failed to score although good opportunities popped up,

Hard work by Knott and Colarelli gave us a good spell of possession and although threatening in the visitor's box still failed to put the ball in the net.

Towards the end of the half Gillingham’s energy levels put hem back in charge giving Penn and Pope a lot to do centrally and Best along with Joyce defending the flanks.

Half Time 0-1

Gillingham’s opening few minutes was a continuance of their first half finish. A long spell in our area giving Joscelyn handling practice.

In terms of quality the game deteriorated in quality and producing petty fouls. Kerr was recipient of the more injurious ones.

13 gone and yet again a long punt out of the Gills defence caught us pushing up. Free on goal the runner made no mistake tucking the ball past Joscelyn. 0-2.

14 saw Banwell replaced by Kwaminda. 19 and Knott gave way for Howes.

We picked up on attacks and Steve K had two excellent shots saved by the keeper. Unfortunately his other two finished up in Ferndown.

34 we reduced arrears with Howes grabbing his first goal of the season. 1-2.

Gills, sparked by the change picked up energy again and the game opened up. It made for a rousing finish with both keepers having to make good saves.

Gillingham hung on, dug down, and went home with 3 points.

Result 1-2