WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2013
VERWOOD TOWN 5 TOTTON & ELING 0

Fresh from their hard earned midweek victory over Hamworthy Utd, Verwood took to the field looking for a second home victory in a row to push their rise up the table. They would need to do it without the injured Russell Dyer who was replaced by Mark Elsom for only his second appearance in a Verwood shirt meaning a slight reshuffle in the ranks. Chris Lynch was also starting a game for the first time in 11 weeks on his return from injury in goal and with manager Adi Arnold away Andy Darnton took the reins as stand in manager for the day. The first 7 minutes saw little action and no sign of what was to come before a Saxby cross/shot was bundled home at the far post by Oldring 1-0

On 17 minutes a flurry of attacks from Verwood saw a shot from Evans go wide and a Saxby lofted effort over the keeper but headed to safety for a corner by a desperate defender. The kick found Kelly when the ball dropped at the far post and his goal bound first time volley struck a defender and was cleared. Totton were struggling to create much against our well marshalled defence, a couple of half chances was all they had to show from the opening half an hour. Webb's tenacity in midfield was evident but a little over exuberance in the 33rd minute saw him pick up a yellow card. 35 minutes gone and Saxby's shot was well saved but Hill following up scuffed his shot a little and a chance had gone but Saxby was not to be denied and 4 minutes before half time calmly slotted the ball past the keeper after Lovell had put him through.

Half-Time 2-0

Verwood started the 2nd half as lively as they ended the first, an Evans cross found Saxby whose header was cleared. Saxby was arguably having his best ever game for Verwood and his pace was causing T&E numerous problems. He turned a defender on 52 minutes but his hard and low shot was well saved. Our pressure told on 55 minutes when Lovell got to the by-line and crossed low which Homer gratefully volleyed home from 6 yards 3-0. We continued to create openings and Saxby had two further chances which were well saved before he turned provider and after forcing a defender into an error put Lovell through and his cracking shot gave the keeper no chance 4-0.

With 73 minutes on the clock Lovell repaid the favour to Saxby who finished well and the rout was complete 5-0. Darts took the opportunity to use a couple of subs and this meant Murray coming on for Gajic on 80 minutes and Harrison Harding making his Verwood debut after impressing in recent weeks for Neville Munson's reserve team. Two more chances fell to Lovell and Saxby in the closing stages and on another day it could easily have been seven or eight with Saxby receiving a 100% votes for the Supporters matchman award.

Final Score 5-0


Report submitted by Steve Jefferis