First XI v South Wonston Swifts

South Wonston Swifts U16 - 0
Bishops Waltham Dynamos U16 - 0
Testway League U16 Division 2
Our first competitive match of the season, perfect playing conditions at the very nice South Wonston Rec. Manager Adam's first task was to replace the injured JT with JV who responded with a couple of good saves and a clean sheet. The opening exchanges were fairly even, Dynamos were missing their shooting boots but creating chances. At the other end South Wonston (SW) had better pressure and had forced a couple of corners, the second of which was punched well clear by JV. By midway in the first period Dynamos had gained the upper hand overall, some good approach play won a couple of corners, both were delivered well by Jordan but were well defended. Another corner from the other side but the same outcome. Dynamos defence were looking comfortable, Ads was getting the better of the SW right winger, Joe was getting enough time to plat some excellent penetrating through balls and the centre pair of Greg and Rob R were snuffing out the threat down the middle. Dynamos won a free-kick a few yards outside the area, Tom B floated an excellent ball to the far post but neither Arron or Jack could get the tap in it deserved. More Dynamos pressure saw shots from Tom B and Matt Summers but without really troubling the SW keeper, on the half hour Joe Dudley fires a great ball to release Arron through on goal, he lobs the advancing keeper only to see his shot slip just wide of the post. Another Dynamos attack and Matt held up the ball well for Jordan to shoot just over the bar, the half ended without further drama, Dynamos just about on top but still 0-0.
SW began the second half brightly and had an early chance with an overhead kick which flew just over the bar. The referee prevented Dynamos executing their best chance with an odd decision, Tom B enquired politely and seemed to get booked for his trouble and remained on the wrong side of the referee for the duration of the match. Dynamos defence were rarely troubled in this half, having seen off the SW first choice, they had to deal with numerous SW player changes throughout the second period. Aaron had a couple of good chances but was unable to convert either, there was a long stoppage for an injury to a SW forward who didn't see Greg coming ! Matt had a shot turned past the post by the keeper and Greg shot over from the resulting corner, Ads released Jordan down the left, he took the ball around the SW defence and crossed to Matt who was unable to keep his shot below the crossbar. All the play was in the SW half but Dynamos still had nothing to show for all their dominance. SW did have a rare chance to test JV from the edge of the area but he saved comfortably. Dynamos were caught offside on two or three occasions, of which a couple were hotly contested, especially the one which saw the ball in the back of the SW net ! Undeterred, Dynamos continued to push forward and were now playing the ref as well as the SW boys. Tom B played Jordan through but his shot was half saved by the keeper and cleared by his defence. Dynamos had another half dozen corners in this half but still failed to convert all the pressure into goals, SW faded away as the game wore on, could this be evidence of all Dynamos pre-season fitness showing through ? At the final whistle the biggest mystery was how Dynamos had failed to win the game.
Afterwards, manager Adam was full of praise for the boys, there had been many great performances today, man of the match going to the excellent Greg at centre back.