SYDENHAMS LEAGUE (WESSEX) DIVISION ONE
TUESDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 2017
VERWOOD TOWN 0 AFC STONEHAM 5

We had a better squad for this game than of late and looked for a much better performance than we experienced against Totton and Whitchurch.

Stoneham made the earlier running but we matched endeavor and the game opened up giving both defences an opportunity to shine. Stoneham’s forwards looked to be more dangerous than ours and Horton was forced to make a good catch under the bar from a floated cross.

We bounced back and Davis coasted past a couple of defenders to smash an angled shot across the keeper but watched it flash past the foot of the post.

Browning and O’Hare supported by Jack Smith and Joe Manley did well to contain a bustling Stoneham forward line. Russ Dyer in midfield toiled away and Jimmy Setters tucked in alongside him to help stop Stoneham’s midfield from dominating play.

We had breaks and a couple of opportunities but couldn’t put the ball in the net.

On 31 minutes a good break on Stoneham’s right got round the back of our defence and a low cross was run in by an unmarked player. 0-1.

On 42 minutes a floated ball into our box went unchallenged and a solid header flew past Horton. 0-2.

Half time 0-2.

The second half was a mirror image of the first with more determination showing in our play.

Stoneham continued their pressure and on 56 minutes hammered a low ball across the box. We failed to clear and a simple tap in made it 0-3.

Max Williams had come on for Jordan Fisk with 56 minutes played.

We continued to have a good slice of the ball but when we got in front of the sticks seem to freeze. Stoneham showed us how. 75 minutes Meyer came on for Fletcher and witnessed another simple break. A shot from just inside the area whipped past Horton. 0—4.

The killer was a minute left and we left the back wide open for a clear shot on goal. 0-5.

Result 0-5