WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
TUESDAY 31ST JANUARY 2023
VERWOOD TOWN 0 DOWNTON 0

Mason and McHale opened up Downton in the first minute with an attack down the left. Downton’s defenders blocked a shot from the edge of the area and countered quickly giving Davis a first touch with an interception across the box.

The game continued at a fast pace with both sides intent on attacking football.

Phillips was tested with 10 minutes gone and displayed safe hands taking the ball from under the bar.

Carswell and McWilliams shook off defender’s shackles to set up Joe Smith for a shot. The side netting was the recipient.

Play for a while was confined to the central areas where Storey and Cam Smith excelled.

Joe Smith went close on 18 minutes and 5 minutes later McWilliams grazed the upright with the keeper beaten.

Just before the whistle Burpitt and McWilliams had shots saved but there was no added pressure on the keeper before half time.

Half Time 0-0

Downton spent the first couple minutes in our third. Good football tested our back four but on the day we were tight knit.

Tempers frayed slightly and Mason received a yellow for a ‘strong’ tackle with only 4 minutes gone. Then we were shocked as Davis received a Red !!! The decision for a verbal challenge on the decision left us with ten men for the next 41 minutes.

The character of the side then came through.

Downton pushed on. We re adjusted and although under the cosh for a while we hit back with good quality football and on numerous counters had the Downton rearguard on the back foot.

On 12 minutes Fishlock came on for Burpitt then on 24 minutes Joe Smith upset the Ref and was despatched to the Sin Bin.!!! Down to 9 men.

Resilience was immense. A great fighting spirit and although under intense pressure we kept a clean sheet with Phillips proving his abilities and grabbing man of the match.

It was a nail biting finish containing 5 extra minutes but we were rewarded with a well deserved point.

Result. 0-0.