Match Day 1

The start of the 2020/21 season saw the first team travel to newly promoted Itchen Saints on the opening day.

The only previous meeting between the two teams ended in a heavy defeat for Dynamos during preseason in 2019.

Itchen Saints were promoted from senior 1 where they were unbeaten before the season was halted earlier this year. They had also picked up some impressive cup victories so we knew it would be a tough fixture on a small bobbly pitch.

The tone for the first half was set straight from kick off where two poor passes saw Dynamos nearly concede inside the first minute. Itchen Saints continued to apply pressure through the half creating a few good chances but unable to convert any. Dynamos slowly grew into the game and managed to create a couple of chances, the best being a drilled cross which was only an inch away from being poked home by Chris Armstrong. Half time score 0-0.

Dynamos came out much stronger second half and really took the game to Itchen Saints for long periods. A host of opportunities went begging and the Itchen back line put in 4 great last ditch blocks to save certain goals. Joe Dudley then his the bar from close rage and we wondered if anyone would score a goal. After sustaining some strong pressure Itchen got on the attack later in the half and missed a few good chances on the break, a free kick was smashed against the bar and the game became a lot more open for the last 10 mins. In the 88th minute, a quick counter down the Itchen left saw them in behind our defence and the chance was finished to put them in the lead. Dynamos didn't give up, within a minute the pressure was back on the Itchen back-line and a scramble in the box saw Harrison Moore slot home for his first goal since returning to the club. The last few minutes we very tense but the game finsihed 1-1.

Itchen Saints were a very strong, organised side who will be a force in the league this season, especially at home. While playing well in the second half there is plenty of room for improvement for Dynamos who will look to be much more positive next week.