Report: Lymington Tn 3-1 Bournemouth - Wessex Premier

FRUSTRATED: Poppies
boss Ken Vaughan

AS much as Bournemouth Poppies will be sick of the sight of Lymington Town for one season, Ken Vaughan’s underachievers could learn a lot from the Southampton Road strugglers.

Andy Leader’s men completed a Wessex Premier double over the Poppies to put back to back league wins together for the first time this season and move out of the bottom two.

Their six point haul from matches against Bournemouth doubles their win tally for the campaign as the hard working New Foresters turned their visitors over through sheer determination.

Town shocked the Poppies with a 3-0 win at Victoria Park on the opening day but failed to win again in the league until December.

Leader was forced to completely rebuild his new side over the summer and is finally starting to reap the rewards, but in truth this was another Bournemouth display that was well short of what was required as inconsistency continues to frustrate Vaughan.

Having reached the FA Vase quarter-finals last term, Poppies were expected to mount a serious challenge this season with the likes of Scott Joyce and Fawzi Saadi on their team sheet.

But Joyce’s injury woes, along with the loss of dependable defender Wayne Crutcher to work commitments and popular keeper Max Frampton to Christchurch have left Vaughan juggling players at an alarming rate.

And the inconsistency in selection has made its way to the pitch, a fact proved by Poppies’ latest setback.

The visitors’ defence were absent without leave as Roy Viner and Luke Watts missed gilt-edged chances with close range headers in the opening ten minutes before Sam James flashed a shot narrowly wide of the far post with Kenny Vaughan Jnr stranded.

Former Bashley midfielder Matt Vokes waltzed through the middle of the park with ease to flash a shot just wide as the Poppies rarely looked like competing and it came as no surprise when Lymington finally got their breakthrough via another gift.

A poor clearance came back into the penalty area where Fawzi Saadi needlessly clattered into Vokes to concede the softest of spot-kicks which James duly despatched.

Watts cut into acres of space and floated an effort just wide and Poppies failed to heed the warning as another Viner effort whistled across goal on the half hour.

Bournemouth finally found their composure, stringing some passes together before the break but made little impact until the restart.

But Lymington were left to rue missing their multitude of chances two minutes after the break as Poppies hit back and seemed set to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Saadi made up for his earlier aberration by planting Connor Phillips’ cut back low to Stuart Williamson’s left, levelling the match much to the relief of the visiting contingent. Poppies had got away with their first half pummelling, or so they thought.

The visitors were on the front foot but got caught by a sucker punch just after the hour as a long throw found Viner at the near post to turn Ollie Phillipson-Masters and rifle home via the crossbar.

It was another preventable goal and it hit Poppies hard. Vaughan’s men never recovered from the setback as a buoyant Town sought victory with gusto.

And the win the hosts craved was finally sealed with seven minutes to play as a half cleared corner fell to defender James Fry on the edge of the penalty area whose tame effort should have been saved but crept past Vaughan Jnr. 

However, there could be little argument that both teams got exactly what they deserved and the contrasting looks on the players' faces as they trudged off the pitch told its own story.

While they have struggled this season, Lymington have never thrown in the towel and their recent run is testament to that. As for Poppies, the white flag has been waved too often by talented but, at times, half-hearted players. Those behind the scenes at Victoria Park deserve better.

*POPPIES boss Ken Vaughan blasted his players in his post-match interview for the Bournemouth Echo. His thoughts can be found here.

LYMINGTON TOWN: Williamson, Baker, Blake (Gray 90+2), Fry, Ansell, Rizzo, James (Sen 70), Vokes, R Jones, Viner (Fairhurst 80), Watts.

Goals: James 25(p), Viner 62, Fry 83.

BOURNEMOUTH: Vaughan, Ayrton, Lockyer, Ward, Batchelor, Saadi (Bautista 85), Martinez (Warren 73), Phillipson-Masters, Joyce, Caslake (Clarke 64), Phillips. Unused subs: Watt, N Jones (g/k).

Goal: Saadi 47.

STAR MAN: Rhys Jones (Lymington Town)

Hard to pick anyone out from a fine team display, but Lymington’s pocket rocket worked tirelessly and showed more desire to win the ball against players with greater physical stature. Watts and James were a thorn in Poppies’ side all night too.

Report: Verwood Tn 3-2 Lymington Tn - Wessex Premier

OFF!: A bad night for
Anteney-Wright

IN a match fraught with indecision and inconsistency, traits that were not limited to the players, discipline was always likely to win through over desperation.

And so it proved as Adie Arnold’s Verwood Town emerged from the fog that slowly settled over Potterne Park and the red mist of struggling Lymington to secure three valuable Wessex League points.

Despite taking an 8^th minute lead, the Potters fell behind to two quality strikes within three first half minutes, but after levelling before the break the hosts battled their way to victory in an otherwise dour second half.

Following the frenetic pace of the first 45 minutes, Verwood’s calmer approach deservedly paid dividends as Lymington, winless in 14 leaguematches since their opening day victory at Bournemouth Poppies, cracked under the pressure in a closely fought clash.

Merl Anteney-Wright may have been at the hub of the Linnets’ downfall in the second half, but in reality problems began to surface from the outset.

Verwood started the brighter with Anteney-Wright hacking Ben Kelly’s effort from a corner off the line shortly before Nathan Saxby’s driving run ended with Jack Satterley seeing his shot deflected wide. The Potters’ pressure was soon rewarded, though, as Mike Haskell bundled home the resultant corner inches from the goal line.

Lymington boss Andy Leader pulled no punches, screaming through the thick haze at his defenders “That’s embarrassing!” He wasn’t wrong.

But the visitors’ frustration continued to boil over as they tried to work their way back into the game with most of the venom fired at dithering referee Paul Knight. Leader seemed to lambast the match official with every whistle, setting the tone for a barrage of dissent from the visitors during the second half.

It was a shame, because the two goals in three minutes that turned the game on its head were as good as you’re likely to see at this level. First, a break in numbers saw Jordan Rogers burst through the middle and lay the ball off for James Fry who found Elliott Wykes at the far post. A calm touch was followed by a cool finish as Wykes nestled the ball in the bottom near corner.

The shell-shocked hosts then conceded another as Lymington broke again, working the ball from left to right with Jack Igglesden twisting back inside from the corner of the penalty area before blasting inside Chris Lynch’s far post.

Despite the setback, Verwood continued to probe while the visitors continued to moan. Granted, some of Knights’ decisions were questionable, but with a precious lead in their hands, Leader’s men should have lived up to their gaffer’s name instead of squabbling with the man in the middle.

With greater assurance on the ball, it came as no surprise when Verwood equalised before half time with a goal equal to Lymington’s high quality strikes. A well worked move down the right saw the ball pulled back to Satterley on the edge of the area who sent a rasping drive in off Stuart Williamson’s left hand post.

However, anyone expecting the same entertainment levels during the second half would have found the disappointment bite as hard as the chilling temperatures as Verwood lost their impetus.

Simple balls from left to right caught the Potters backline out too often, but Igglesden and substitute Roy Vinor spurned presentable openings either side of James Fry managing to hit the corner flag from a promising position.

It was from there that the frustrations boiled over with Anteney-Wright wrapping an early Christmas present for the hosts.

First, he crashed through Satterley out on the right after taking the ball with team mate Williamson lucky to escape with a booking for a lengthy verbal assault on referee Knight.

The real punishment was still to come though as Kris Anderton’s free kick was glanced across goal by Charlie Gajic, finding the top corner to add to Lymington’s disgust.

The visitors became ragged and Satterley almost sealed the victory when his thunderbolt rattled the post with three minutes left, but there was still time for Anteney-Wright to blot his copybook further, getting in a tangle and stamping on Verwood’s top scorer right in front of Knight who had no choice but to dismiss the fuming full back.

Knight found it difficult to leave the pitch at full time with Lymington skipper Luke Ansell, goalkeeper Williamson and staff from the visitors’ bench having plenty to say, but in truth they had only themselves to blame.

The Potters were worthy winners, not just for their mental strength in a testing match, but for creating the better chances. Back-to-back wins sees Arnold’s men climb to 14^th in the table with a nice gap emerging between themselves and the danger zone. Lymington may wish to take note.

*A SLIDESHOW from the match by Verwood photographer Roy Mortimer can be found here.

VERWOOD TOWN: Lynch, Evans, Kelly, Delaney, Dyer, Saxby, Gajic, Webb, Haskell, Satterley, Hill (Anderton 46). Unused subs: Smith, Murray, Roades, J Jones.

Goals: Haskell 8, Satterley 40, Gajic 76.

LYMINGTON TOWN: Williamson, Stacey, Anteny-Wright, Baker, Barnes-Andrews, Pancaldi, Igglesden, Ansell, Rogers (Vinor 46), Fry (Simms 77), Wykes. Unused subs: R Jones, Huggins.

Goals: Wykes 23, Igglesden 25.

STAR MAN: Jack Satterley (Verwood Town)

A constant danger, working hard to cause an error prone defence plenty of problems. Could, maybe should, have had more goals. Occasionally, the ball didn’t quite run for him, or the post denied him a wonder strike, but decisively got on the scoresheet at an important time and was a menace until the final whistle. Just ask Merl Anteney-Wright. 

Report: Christchurch 3-0 Bournemouth - Wessex Premier

100% RECORD: Graham Kemp

CHRISTCHURCH are made of sterner stuff these days as their latest victory, a 3-0 success over local rivals Bournemouth Poppies, proves.

The same fixture last season saw Graham Kemp’s men lose 2-0 as the Poppies worked hard to stifle Priory’s passing game before preying on their defensive frailties.

It was a different story this year, though, as the Hurn Bridge outfit stood up to be counted in a clash where the Wessex Premier’s only 100% record remained intact.

Russell Cook’s hat-trick secured the points, but it would be harsh on his team mates to single out the former Poole Town frontman – indeed there was much more to Cook’s game than his goals on the day.

Bournemouth were clearly up for their derby day, hoping to upset the host’s perfect start to 2012-13 with ex-Priory striker Martin Warren spurning a decent chance after only 18 seconds, shinning his effort wide after James Wilson’s throughball.

Christchurch quickly upped the ante though, bombarding Poppies’ centre halves Steve Llewelyn and Charlton Clarke with a series of testing crosses from all areas.

Sam Griffin was in the thick of the action, seeing a goalbound shot cannon off Llewelyn and drift agonisingly wide before drawing two point blank saves from stopper Kenny Vaughan.

Scott Joyce wasted the visitors’ only other clear opening of the half as his low daisy cutter rolled wide of the far post after a slick one-two with early substitute Sam Purdy.

Cue more incisive Priory passing with man-of-the-moment Harry Cornick harassing everyone in his wake with pace and purpose – the wonder winger’s mazy run was just about halted by Wilson in the 38^th minute, but he turned provider soon after, taking full advantage of some static defending.

Clarke had two chances to clear a Christchurch corner but only nodded as far as the 17-year-old maestro who crossed for Cook to plant his header inside the near post with ease.

That goal, three minutes before half time, opened the second half floodgates as Bournemouth were battered into submission.

Veteran Mark Smith pelted the crossbar with a 20 yard free kick, Griffin saw another deflected effort creep wide of a gaping net and Cornick skewed wide after some sublime footwork on the edge of the box within ten minutes of the restart.

The Christchurch of old would have rued so many missed chances, but Cook’s second doubled their lead, neatly finishing across Vaughan following Smith’s measured throughball into the right channel.

Cook was in the mood for more and Poppies struggled to handle his movement as their stoic resistance tired as the match went on – another clever run saw Priory’s number nine peel into the left channel and curl his finest effort of the day around Vaughan for number three.

Griffin missed a sitter and Smith’s shot squirmed wide as Christchurch didn’t let up in the closing stages – this was a clear signal of intent.

Poppies, in many ways, looked better than some of their early season showings – they certainly competed for 45 minutes, but the plaudits stay with the Priory. Are Christchurch title contenders this year? It is early days, but as their soft centre gradually gets tougher it becomes harder and harder to rule them out. 

*Post match thoughts from Priory boss Graham Kemp and Poppies assistant Stuart Underwood with the Bournemouth Echo can be found here. 

CHRISTCHURCH: Collins, Thompson, Legg, Crutchley ( c ), Lloyd (Burt 82), Yelland, Smith, Griffin (Cullen 79), Cook (Osborne 72), Burden, Cornick.

Unused subs: Kittle, Hicks (g/k).

Goals: Cook 42, 56, 68.

BOURNEMOUTH: Vaughan, Wilson ( c ), Lockyer, Llewelyn (Saadi 72), Clarke, Corby, Maguire (Purdy 31), Phillipson-Masters, Joyce, Warren (Swann 82), Jackson.

Unused subs: Coverley, Frampton (g/k).

STAR MAN: Russell Cook (Christchurch)

Okay, so he has to take the man-of-the-match award, but only just – so many sparkled for the home side in a real, physical test. Sam Griffin, Harry Cornick and James Burden were unplayable at times, while old fox Mark Smith whipped so many teasing crosses into the box and Jason Collins dominated his penalty area at the other end, but scoring all three goals decides it in favour of Cook after his surprise inclusion at the expense of Ben Osborne. 

Report: Bournemouth FC 0-1 Pewsey Vale - FA Cup Extra Prel

LABOURED DISPLAY:
Poppies' Scott Joyce

BOURNEMOUTH Poppies crashed out of the FA Cup at the Extra Preliminary Round stage against Wessex One side Pewsey Vale after a dour clash at Victoria Park.

Ken Vaughan's men lost out to Tom Ritchie's second half strike as Pewsey created one of the shocks of the round.

The match report for the Bournemouth Echo along with full reaction from Vaughan can be found here. 

Report: Verwood Tn 1-2 Horndean - Wessex Premier

CHANCE: Tom Chapman thumps a header over

Excitement, pride, and an air of reserved confidence could be felt around Potterne Park ahead of Verwood Town’s first Wessex Premier home match, but the bubble was more trampled than burst as savvy Horndean left with three deserved points.

The visitors hassled and harried in every position, with Verwood, now playing at the highest level in their history, looking nervy and unable to comprehend the lack of time and space afforded them in the opening half.

After the break at 2-0 down, the hosts improved and looked more composed with the ball, though still more than a little suspect without it – Martin Edwards’ goal renewed the hope, but his glaring miss late on summed up a frustrating night.

The opening was frenetic and scrappy, but Horndean gradually worked their way into the match with man-mountain Jamal Fenelon drawing the Verwood backline all over the place, creating room for others to work in.

Town’s cause was not helped by the early withdrawal of left back Luke Homer through injury, and his replacement Charlie Elysee had a tough evening alongside centre half Ben Kelly.

A free kick from the right handed Horndean the lead on 19 minutes, defender Dan Hayes thumping a header back across goal from Tommy Woodward’s free kick.

Chances continued to come and it was no surprise when the visitors doubled their lead four minutes before the break – Elysee and Kelly were caught square as Fenelon darted through the offside trap and curled the ball beyond Chris Lynch from close range.

Tom Chapman thumped a good chance to make it three over the crossbar for Horndean after the interval, while an improving Verwood should have scored when Jack Satterley volleyed over when well placed.

Hope came Verwood’s way just before the hour mark as Hayes was denied Horndean’s third by Dean Evans’ goal line clearance. At the other end, Town’s full back caught Simon Stone in possession three minutes later and set up Edwards to pull one back. Game on.

Evans had a weak shot saved by Derek Harding, but the visitors still carved out openings too easily, Hayes, Gavin Spurway and Fenelon all going close.

As the match drew to a close, Evans was involved again in what should have proved to be the leveller, crossing for Edwards at the far post, but his stooping header bounced wide with the goal at his mercy and Verwood were left to wonder what might have been.

The quality is clearly there for Town to compete in the Wessex League’s top flight, but they will need learn fast and box clever against experienced and rugged sides to make an impact this season.

VERWOOD TOWN: Lynch, Evans, Homer (Elysee 14), Delaney, Kelly, Gajic, Dyer, Clark (Webb 62), Edwards, Satterley, Hill.

Unused subs: O’Sullivan, Steer, Anderton.

GOAL: Edwards 58.

HORNDEAN: Harding, Errington, Stone, Hayes, Chapman, Lofters-Desporte (Sebuliba 71), Fennemore (Warren 78), Spurway, Woodward, Austin, J Fenelon (Bell 86).

Unused subs: Perkin, C Fenelon.

GOALS: Hayes 19, J Fenelon 41.

STAR MAN: Tom Chapman (Horndean)

A few Horndean players in contention after a stoic away performance – Fenelon bullied his way through, Woodward was lively around him, and Hayes’ marauding runs from centre half were levelled out with a mature positional sense. But when it got a little bit nervy at 2-1, Chapman barked out the orders and calmed everything down – lead his team to victory.

Report: Bournemouth FC 0-3 Lymington Tn - Wessex Premier

DISAPPOINTED:
Scott Joyce

THE new football season is a time for optimism, the level playing field at the outset giving everyone the belief this could be their year.

But as two new look sides kicked off at Victoria Park it was the visitors Lymington Town who left with that belief firmly intact thanks to Luke Watts’ treble after both sides took their time to settle.

Both Poppies boss Ken Vaughan and his Lymington counterpart Andy Leader faced the prospect of bringing in several faces over the summer, and it showed during a first half that lacked cohesion, especially in the attacking third.

Bournemouth had their chances – Max Cream threatened to light the blue touch paper after 11 minutes, cutting inside and pelting the post with a fizzing low drive while Jack Swann should have done better just before the break, smashing his finish over the bar after some clever movement saw him peel away at the far post.

As the match went on the warm weather as well as a difficult pitch drained two sides that lacked impetus to begin with, and the first goal became increasingly important.

Poppies were left to rue their profligacy early in the second half as Lymington, showing more courage and conviction in possession took their chance when it came.

Midfield lynchpin Martin Harris caught the Poppies back four flat and latched onto a ball over the top, cutting the ball back for Watts to finish across Max Frampton.

The host’s heads dropped and Bournemouth looked ragged, static defending almost handing Town a second shortly after, but Alex Blake’s shot was saved one-on-one by Frampton after Watts’ throughball.

Poppies huffed and puffed, but were laboured in their efforts to equalise – a corner flashed across the face of goal and the returning Scott Joyce drew a full stretch save from George Passingham with ten minutes to go, but in reality, Joyce should have found the bottom corner.

CLOSE CALL: Bournemouth Poppies were left to rue missed chances against Lymington

Lymington’s workmanlike approach was rewarded late on as Jack Iggleston crossed from the right for Watts to bundle home at the far post, and Watts’ third soon came, dashing in behind a static backline to lift the ball over Frampton from Harris’ flick on.

It’s hard to know what would have been harder for Ken Vaughan to watch – the disintegration of his side, or larger than life Leader swinging his shirt round his head after the third, but the message afterwards will be much clearer for Poppies – must do better.

BOURNEMOUTH: Frampton, Wilson, Jackson, Llewelyn, Crutcher, Leadebetter, Cream (Maguire 73), Phillipson-Masters (Molyneaux 70), Joyce, Swann (Saadi 54), Lockyer.

Unused subs: Clarke, Vaughan (g/k)

LYMINGTON TOWN: Passingham, Horner, Randall, Baker, Ansell, Pancaldi, Harris, Wiltshire (Evans-Hunt 89), Iggleston, Watts (Kapinga 90+2), Blake (Butler 83).

Unused subs: Fairhurst, Williamson.

GOALS: Watts 54, 85, 90+1.

STAR MAN: Luke Watts (Lymington Town)

Who else? Not only for the goals, but for making the ball stick up front in a first half when the visitors were under pressure. His well taken first gave Town a platform to play with confidence – the catalyst for a solid away performance.