SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2007
VERWOOD TOWN 0 - SHAFTESBURY 1

We needed to carry this game and get back on a winning track. Two games, two defeats, we had to change what appeared to be a developing bad habit.

We kicked off in an upbeat mood. Goodall tried a shot, Elysee headed wide and Arnold fired just over the bar. Only four minutes gone and a signal of intent. It looked good.

Defensively, any attempt to penetrate our area was snuffed out quickly by an alert Yerby and a non comprising Lynch. Freeman and Homer appeared to have their opposite numbers in their pocket and we pressed forward.

Dyer, fed by Homer went down the line and fired a great cross met by Elysee but steered wide of the net. Out came the ball to Goodall and a volley hit a defensive wall.

Shaftesbury defended well and weathered the storm. A good move on the right split us open and a shot from the edge of the box was tipped over the bar by Willis. The corner gave Willis a chance to show his catching prowess and a throw to Elysee allowed a swift counter attack. Homer overlapped and collecting the ball on the edge of the box fired a great effort into the keeper's gloves.

Yerby was outstanding at the back and had to head clear from a long ball into the box.

A minute left of the half and Elysee linked with Arnold. A pass inside the full back gave room for Elysee to fire the ball across the box. In swept Dyer and a rocket of a shot went inches wide.

Because of injuries in the half 7 extra minutes were played but the score stayed at 0-0.

Wise but earthy words had been spoken. We came out fired up but it was apparent, misfiring. A couple of raids on Shaftesbury's area should have yielded but we were wayward.

The response from our visitors was to be applauded. They moved the ball slightly quicker than we did and in front of goal were looking the more likely to score. The mid field was now more in favour of Shaftesbury and we were pushed back to defend in numbers.

Reeves had to come off because of an ankle problem so Matt Newbury came on wide right and the versatile Elysee moved into the middle.

Lynch was having a battle keeping a robust centre forward in check and Yerby was continuing his good work sweeping at the back. Pressure was mounting and we were lucky not to have conceded as a flurry of shots moved closer to putting us behind.

Halfway through the half and we recovered slightly to test the keeper. Homer was urging us forward and Freeman was pushing up to join the attack.

Goodall, Elysee, Dyer and Newbury tried shots and headers but frustration was setting in. We couldn't put the ball in the net.

Shaftesbury wanted this game more than we did.

Ten minutes to go and Willis had to make several saves as long shots peppered the area. Lynch and Yerby again were under pressure as Shaftesbury hit us centrally.

Two minutes to go and Shaftesbury's persistence paid off. An attack on the left caught us out and a rasping shot this time flew past Willis into the net.

We had nothing left in the tank and the game petered out with Shaftesbury picking up three points.