SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST 2009
VERWOOD TOWN 0 WARMINSTER TOWN 0

Our first home league game of the season kicked off in hot and humid conditions. Both sides decided to commence with pace and the crowd was treated to a fast open game.

Both defences looked solid and the paring of Evans and Lynch bred confidence through the team.

A couple of raids opened us up slightly but with Fawcett, as ever attentive, and on top of his game we didn't feel as if we would allow Warminster room to score.

19 minutes gone and Murray broke up an attack with a strong tackle. A line ball found Homer and the counter attack saw the ball hammered goalwards. Unfortunately Warminster's keeper had it covered and the score line remained blank.

Dyer then had a shot saved and the industrious Newbury saw a good volley hit the side netting.

Anderton's strong tackle half way through the half brought a tongue lashing from the referee, and then a reverse situation had a Warminster mid fielder hearing the same dictate.

Haskell and Dyer combined to free Homer and a long range shot whistled over the bar.

We couldn't break the defensive shield thrown up by Warminster and equally our defence was as resolute.

The game tended to be played in the middle of the park as both teams endeavoured to find a way through.

Warminster's crosses into the area gave Evans and Lynch a chance to shine and Fawcett's constant chat from the back kept us solid.

Half time came with the score 0-0.

The second half opened with both sides still holding their disciplined defensive styles. Long range shots became a feature but with both keepers in excellent form it looked as if it needed a bit of inventiveness to prise open the cloak over both areas.

Homer almost had the ball in the net from 20 yards but the keeper gathered at the second attempt.

The heat and humidity looked as if it could be the reason for goals. The teams tired and consequently a few gaps were evident. The game continued at a fair pace and a couple of chances went begging for both sides but no one capitalised.

61 minutes and on came Sean Jones for Kris Anderton. The team was shuffled a bit but the disciplines remained.

Newbury and Homer linked up on the flank and a low cross was missed by Haskell as the ball sped across the face of goal.

Dyer had a crack at goal and then Arnold broke through only for his shot to be blocked on the line. Back came Warminster, A shot from the edge of the box had Fawcett scrambling but he stopped the ball crossing the line.

The game had opened out and we saw more long passing than running. Heat and humidity had bitten.

Homer and Murray created space and Newbury tried a shot but scuffed the effort giving the keeper an easy catch.

Evans and Lynch kept tight as Warminster went for the winner. Crossed were confidently controlled and Elysee provided extra cover across the back when danger threatened.

88 minutes.....We cracked....in swept Warminster's centre forward out came Fawcett...one on one....the ball was fired wide. We breathed a sigh of relief.

The game then petered out and the final result of 0-0 was fair.