Sunday 15th December 2002 V's Testwood

Sarisbury Sparks 1  Chandlers Ford 4 

It was a grim December Sunday afternoon, cold but not bitter as in the previous week, overcast and drizzling a light splattering of rain onto the assembled crowd. The pitch was very obviously wet following the substantial overnight rain, but did not look too bad considering that it had already had one game on it earlier in the morning. The opposition for this Hampshire Cup game were Testwood who play in the Premiership of the Tyro league, three leagues above Sarisbury, but this did not daunt the boys who were looking forward to the match. 

The game started just after two with Sarisbury defending the river end and attacking the car park end of the ground. Testwood assumed early control as Sarisbury were slow to get into their game. The defence held fast as usual against the opposition’s onslaught, until after five minutes fate dealt a terrible blow. Testwood broke through, on their right wing and the ball was played into the crowded box, where it took a wicked deflection off one of the Sarisbury defenders and looped behind Jamie the goalkeeper who was committed in the other direction. One nil to Testwood, but Sarisbury kept their heads up and stirred into action. For the next quarter of an hour the game was anything but one sided, with Sarisbury failing to capitalise on at least two good opportunities which they created. The game was played at a reasonably high tempo with the play switching from end to end, involving all members of both sides, with Sarisbury looking the more likely to score due to their speed on the break. Unfortunately fate was to soon play another cruel twist on the Sarisbury side, James on the right hand side of defence having to be substituted, after having his ankle studded twice and being unable to play any further part in the proceedings. The manager had barely finished rearranging the shape of the team when the referee awarded the visitors a penalty for a completely fair challenge in the penalty area. The Testwood captain confidently slotted the ball into the top corner, giving Jamie absolutely no chance. Two nil to Testwood. The game continued with Sarisbury still adapting to their new formation, when Testwood broke down their left wing, the ball was played perfectly into the penalty area, and a Testwood player rose above all other and scored a fantastic goal in the top corner. Three nil to Testwood. Shortly afterwards the half time whistle was blown. 

Both teams re-emerged from the changing rooms with renewed vigour and the game recommenced with both teams actively chasing a goal. However it was the visitors who managed to apply most pressure, with most of the play being in the Sarisbury half. Then five minutes later the ball was played in from Testwood’s  right wing to a player in space at the top of the penalty area, who fired in a great shot on target, which was kept out by a great save from Jamie. Unfortunately the loose ball was picked up by another Testwood player who slotted the ball in the back of the net. Once again the Sarisbury players picked themselves up and took the game to Testwood with a vengeance. For twenty minutes the game was end to end with Sarisbury testing the visitors defence on numerous occasions. Finally Sarisbury were rewarded for all their hard word with a fine goal by Nick at the end of a build up involving several players combining well and playing good football. Unfortunately it was too late to change the overall result and a few minutes later the final whistle was blown. 

It was the teams first loss of the season, however they should feel proud to have played as well as they did against a very strong opposition, they certainly made the opposition have to play at their best in order to beat them. The supporters man of the match was awarded to Blake for a commendable performance in defence, and the managers man of the match was presented to Harry for his excellent performance in midfield. 

Finally, there were several disparaging remarks made regarding the consistency of the refereeing decisions, it is not this reporters policy to pass comment regarding referees and their decisions and I certainly wont change for a prat that like.