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WEYMOUTH SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB 2006-2007 | 2007-2008 Match Reports
SATURDAY 14 APRIL WINCANTON TOWN V WEYMOUTH SPORTS Weymouth Sports finished off their season in disappointing fashion with a 5-0 defeat away to Champions Wincanton Town . It was a case of one game too many for the seasiders who never really got themselves into the game. Playing in hot conditions the home side set the tempo and never allowed Sports to settle on the ball, eventually taking the lead with an over head kick, after Sports failed to clear a bouncing ball in the area. The visitors were creating chances of their own, two falling to Hastie, who narrowly missed with both. Sports then conceded again, allowing a low corner to travel right across the box for it to turned in from close range. Then with 5 minutes of the half remaining Sports were dealt a massive blow, losing keeper Jason Carter to a broken leg, while dealing with a high ball, Carter was challenged strongly and landed awkwardly with the challenger coming down on his leg causing the injury. After lengthy treatment the game resumed with defender John Cropper taking on the gloves for the remainder of the game. The second half was delayed by nearly half an hour while the ambulance dealt with the injured Carter and both sides struggled to get going after such a long break. Eventually Wincanton extended their lead firing past the hapless Cropper in the visitor's goal. With the game now over as a contest Sports conceded to further late goals to round of what was a miserable afternoon. “When a player suffers a nasty injury the result becomes a little immaterial” said manager Gary Bailey. “We all wish Jason a speedy recovery”. “It was always going to be tough today, after securing second place 2 weeks ago and then not playing last week it almost felt that the season had already finished and our performance showed that at times, and certain people disappointed me today, having said that I am more than happy with the season overall and coming runners up in our first season at this level is a real achievement by the players. Congratulations to Wincanton for winning the league, they have been the most consistent side this season and it's that level of consistency we need to achieve here. We will now be looking to strengthen in the summer and take the club forward again”. Sports:- Carter, (Manaldino), Wallis, N. Evans, (Garbett), Alcock, Cropper, Doidge, Mason, Thorne, C. Evans, Hastie, Mcgarrigal, (Greeno). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SATURDAY 31 MARCH STALBRIDGE V WEYMOUTH SPORTS Weymouth Sports secured second place in the league with a 2-1 away win at Stalbridge. With players missing through injury, holiday and work commitments Sports travelled with a patched up squad, several of the 14 carry injuries of their own. The game began with Sports playing into a gale force wind and at times both sides found it almost impossible to keep the ball on the pitch, let alone play any attractive football, although it was the visitors that looked the most likely to score, on the rare occasions that they managed to string some passes together, with Chris Evans, Mason and Hastie all going close. The home side's only threat coming from long balls forward, that at times caused confusion in the Sports defence because of the strong wind. With the first half ending goalless, and now with the wind in their backs, Sports poured forward looking for the goal they needed, and at times their finishing reflected their urgency to score, with several good opportunities wasted because of hurried and wayward shooting. Then with 20 minutes to go all the pressure paid off when Chris Evans found the net with a firm drive from inside the box. The goal seemed to settle the Weymouth side down and it looked likely that they would extend their lead, then with 10 minutes remaining Stalbridge hit their visitors on the break, moving the ball swiftly from one end to the other and firing home to bring the scores level. Now desperate for a winning goal Sports went to 3 up front, and the gamble paid off, after some good work on the left flank by substitute Greeno, the ball fell to defender Nigel Evans on the edge of the box and his deflected shot fell at the feet of Gerry De la Planque, who made no mistake from close range to turned the ball home and give Sports the win they needed to guarantee themselves runners up spot in the Senior League. “It has been a difficult week with the number of player unavailable” said manager Gary Bailey “and credit to those who played even though not fully fit. The wind was a real leveller today and at times we made hard work of things. But we showed some good character after they scored and I am delighted we got the win that secures second place. At 0-0 you always wonder if the goal is going to come but little by little we got on top and even though we left it late I think we deserved the three points”. Sports:- Carter, Wallis, N. Evans, ( Wash ), Alcock, Garbett, (Greeno), Mason, Hastie, Malendino, (Hillier), Mcgarrigal, De La Planque, C. Evans ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SATURDAY 24 MARCH MORETON V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) It looked like it wasn't going to be Sport's day when they found themselves 2-0 down after half an hour in their game at Moreton, but the Weymouth side battled back to come out 5-2 winners. Playing on a very uneven surface and with a strong wind blowing both sides struggled to play much attractive football. The home side, with the wind behind them in the first half, adopted the long ball route trying to get in behind the Sports defence, but with little success. Then after 15 minutes Sports conceded a penalty, Doidge committing the foul in the box. Carter in the visitor's goal saved the resulting penalty only to see the rebound turned home, after the penalty taker reacted quickest to the loose ball. After this early set back Sports still tried to play some football on the tricky surface and Cole, Hastie and Chris Evans all went close to equalising. Then after some shaky defending, Sports conceded a corner, and soon found themselves 2 down after a poor near post corner was allowed to squeeze past several defenders and the keeper to end up in the net. With time running out in the first half Sports pressed hard for a goal, which eventually came from Mcgarrigal, the midfielder seeing his shot loop over the keeper and into the net, giving the Weymouth side a lifeline going into halftime. Now defending against the wind it was backs to the wall stuff from Moreton as they tried to hang on to their 1 goal lead, with Sports now pilling on the pressure. The equaliser came with about half an hour to go, Cole latching onto a through ball and smashing the ball past the home keeper from a wide angle. Now the visitors sensed victory and continued to push forward, although Moreton still posed a threat on the break. Sports moved Hastie forward to make a 3 man attack and the move brought almost instant success, with Hastie netting to give his side the lead. Having seen their lead disappear, the home side's heads went down and Sports scored 2 further goals in the closing stages, Cole getting his second and Gerry De la Planque rounding off the come back with a close range header. “We had to deal with some players pulling out at the last minute so that is never the best preparation for a game, and with the conditions out there we made a shaky start” said manager Gary Bailey. “Once again we let in some sloppy goals and gave ourselves a mountain to climb, but I always thought we had enough about us to get the result. Getting the goal just before halftime was crucial, and we told the players at the break to have a little patience and the goals would come, and that's what happened. To get the win was vital for us as we had lost our last 3 games, so it was nice to get back to winning ways”. Sports:- Carter, N. Evans, Doidge, Cropper, C. Evans, Greeno, (Mason), Thorne, Mcgarrigal, Hastie, Cole, De la Planque. Subs not used Wash , Garbett. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SATURDAY 17 MARCH WEYMOUTH SPORTS V WINCANTON TOWN (D.S.L.) Top verses second met at Cranford Avenue and it was Wincanton who came away with the win. Both sides appeared fired up for the game in the opening exchanges and there was no shortage of tackles flying about. Wincanton maybe shaded the possession but Sports more than matched them with hard work and endeavour, with both sides going close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions, Sport's best chances falling to Nigel Evans who went close with a header, and De la Planque who won several challenges in the visitor's box before shooting narrowly wide. The home side survived a late first half scare, seeing the ball come out off the bar following a corner, after Carter had made several smart saves to keep the scores level. Wincanton seemed to up their tempo in the opening minutes of the second half and eventually took the lead with a well worked goal that split the home defence. Sports should have got back on level terms almost immediately, Cole finding himself clean through only to shoot weakly straight at the keeper. The Yeovil side then extended their lead finding the net with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. Now really up against it Sports could have folded but instead rallied and made a game of it, pulling a goal back from a Mason penalty after Hastie had been pushed in the box. With time running out the home pushed hard for the equaliser but the goal wouldn't come and it was Wincanton who held on for the three points and probably the title. “We are disappointed with the result but cannot fault the performance” said Manager Gary Bailey. “We asked the players to regain some pride after two less than impressive displays and they did just that. I thought it was a decent game of football between two good sides. I always thought whoever scored first would go on to win it and maybe if we had taken one of our earlier chances it might have been different, but the lads gave their all today and you can't ask more than that”. Sports:- Carter, Wallis, Evans, Alcock, Doidge, Mcgarrigal, Mason, Thorne, Hastie, Cole,( Wash ), De la Planque,(Greeno), sub not used Cropper. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SATURDAY 10 MARCH WEYMOUTH SPORTS V TINTINHULL (D.S.L.) Weymouth Sports title challenge has all but ended after they suffered their second 2-0 defeat in a row, this time at home to Tintinhull. Sports started the game with the bit between their teeth and looked determined to put right the previous weeks defeat. Playing on a bumpy surface the home side were passing the ball with confidence and were creating chance after chance in the opening twenty five minutes, the best falling to Cole who ran onto a through ball, only to see his shot go agonisingly wide. Although Sports were on top the goal would not come and as the half wore on Tintinhull gradually got more into the game, looking lively on the break, but without really threatening to score. Their best effort coming from some sloppy play by Sports right by their opponents corner flag, allowing their visitors to break away and only a good block from Carter in goal and then a goalmouth clearance keeping the scores level at halftime. Sports again started the half well, with Cole, Hastie and Mcgarrigal all going close. Then with twenty minutes of the second half gone Sports were caught on the break and Tintinhull took the lead. With only a win good enough to stay in the title race Sports went to three up front in search of goals, although their football was now showing signs of desperation and the game became very scrappy. Then with time running out the visitors scored a second to seal their victory and end Sports title hopes. “This result realistically ends our title challenge” said manager Gary Bailey. “Once again we paid the price for not scoring when we are dominating games and that has cost us dear over the last two weeks. We must now regroup and keep the faith to make sure we secure second place in the league and see where that gets us. To say that I am disappointed with the last two performances would be an understatement.” Sports:- Carter, Wallis, Evans, Alcock, Garbett, (De la Planque), Evans, Thorne, Nicholson, (Hillier), Mcgarrigal, Cole, ( Wash ), Hastie. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SATURDAY 3 MARCH WITCHAMPTON V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) Sports titles hopes took a blow after the Weymouth side lost 2 – 0 at Witchampton. The visitors never really got going in the early stages and it was The Witches who controlled the opening minuets, but without looking like scoring. Then after 20 minuets Mcgarrigal went on a run down Sports left flank, cut inside, and was felled in the box, only for the referee to turn down a clear penalty. This seemed to spur Sports in to life and it was now the Weymouth side asking all the questions, going close on several occasions, their best chance coming from a Cropper header that was cleared off the line, after a succession of four corners. Then with one minute of the half remaining Sports went a goal down, after failing to clear a low near post corner, the ball travelled along the six yard box and was turned home from close range to give the Witches a 1-0 half time lead. Sports began the second half on top again, pushing hard for an equalizer. Then with ten minuets gone they found them selves 2-0 down, the goal coming again from a corner, this time going in directly after a misjudgement by Carter in the visitor's goal. Sports went to three up front in an etempt to get back in to the game and were now creating plenty of chances, hitting the post, the bar twice and seeing the home keeper make several top class saves, to earn his side the win. “We are obviously disappointed” said manager Gary Bailey. “Especially with the way we conceded the two goals. We created enough chances to win it, but just couldn't score and their keeper made two fantastic saves. It was just one of those days where things didn't go our way. We will put it down to a bad day at the office and look to bounce back next week”. Sports from: - Carter, Wallis, N.Evens, Alcock, Cropper, (De La Planque), C.Evans,Thorne, Nicholson, Mcgarrigal, (Hillier), Hastie, Cole, Sub not used Garbett. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY WEYMOUTH SPORTS V ALLENDALE (D.S.L.) After an early morning pitch inspection, and some hard work with a fork by the Chairman and Manager, Sports home game against Allendale beat the weather and went ahead. Both sides took time to get used to the difficult conditions under foot, and it was the home side who took control, creating several early chances with Cole and Hastie both causing problems with their pace up front. Sports eventually went ahead after twenty five minutes, with Cole running onto to a through ball and calmly slotting the ball past the advancing keeper. Now a goal up Sports continued to press and shortly doubled their lead, good work down the right wing by Chris Evans saw the ball played across the Allendale six yard box and it was Mcgarrigal who slid in, to turn the ball home. The home side seemed to ease up towards the end of the half and this allowed the visitors to enjoy some possession, although without really threatening the home goal. The second half began with Sports playing at a slower pace and enjoying long periods of possession, then a long ball over the top released Cole, the striker making no mistake forcing the ball into the net under the challenge of the keeper, to score his second and Sports third. With the points now secure the Weymouth side seemed to relax too much and allowed Allendale to score. Given too much freedom to run through midfield and some sloppy defending the visitors converted from close range to get their consolation goal. That seemed to jolt Sports back into life and with time running out they completed the scoring, a great cross from Evans on the right wing saw Thorne ghost in behind the defence, control the ball on his chest before slotting home to round off an impressive win for the league leaders. “It was a very good performance from us today as we dominated most of the game.” Said manager Bailey. “To score 4 goals in any game is always pleasing and we could have had more. We got a little sloppy at 3-0 and it would have been nice to keep a clean sheet, but we controlled the game and were good value for the points.” Sports:- Carter, Wash , (Alcock), Evans, Wallis, Cropper, Evans, Nichloson, Thorne, Mcgarrigal, Cole, (Greeno), Hastie, (De La Planque). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY EASTON UTD V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) Weymouth Sports recorded their tenth victory of the season with a 3-0 win at local rivals Easton Utd on Portland . Conditions were difficult for both sides with the pitch suffering the effects of the recent bad weather. The visitors started the game trying to play football and posed a threat on several occasions through striker Paul Cole, only for a bad final ball or poor finishing costing them the chance of opening the scoring. Easton played their part in Sports frustrations, working really hard to close down their opponents, although any threat on goal from the home side was limited to long range efforts. Sports eventually broke the deadlock after twenty five minutes, the ball falling to Dan Mcgarrigal on the edge of the box and the midfielder driving the ball home with a fierce shot. As Sports continued to press for a second Easton were causing problems on the break, getting in behind the visitor's defence several times, but were unable to capitalise with a goal. The second half began with the Weymouth side on top, and was only a couple of minutes old when they scored their second. A high ball into the box from Chris Evans on the right wing saw Hastie challenge the keeper, the loose ball fell to Mcgarrigal who squeezed it past the prone keeper to leave Hastie with the easiest of tap ins. After the second goal Sports were now dominating large periods of play, so it was no surprise when the third goal came, once again good work from Mcgarrigal allowed Hastie to score, his second and Sport's third, from close range. Easton then suffered another blow, going down to ten men. With Cole through on goal, the covering defender brought him down, just outside the box, and was shown the red card. With Easton down to ten men and Sports three up the game was over as a contest and the last ten minutes were played out without any real incident. Sports manager Gary Bailey said “It wasn't pretty out there today, and at times we found it hard going, credit to Easton they worked hard and made it difficult for us. It is always a nervous time at 1-0 even when you are on top, but once we got the second we were able to relax, and went on to win it comfortable in the end. Dave Wallis, making his debut, had a good game at the back and Dan's goal was a cracker. We are pleased with the three points that keeps us top going into the latter stages of the season.” Sports:- Carter, Wallis, N. Evans, Walker, Cropper, (Garbett) C. Evans, Mcgarrigal, Thorne, Hastie, Cole, (Greeno), Hillier. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY OKEFORD UTD V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) Sports travelled to Okeford on Saturday and came away with a 2-0 win. The game was played on a very soft pitch, which cut up early on, and made life difficult for both sides to play any quality football. Sports started the game on top and created some early chances but as the half wore on the game became a real scrappy affair with neither side able to retain possession for any length of time and chances at both ends were few and far between. With the score goalless at half time the second period started in much the same way as the first had finished, with both sides struggling to get to grips with the playing surface. It was the visitors who started to show signs of getting on top with Chris Evans on the right wing getting in some telling crosses. It was from one of these that Sports first real goal scoring opportunity came, with Hastie causing problems on the near post the ball fell to Cole, inside the six yard box, who unbelievably managed to shoot against the bar with the goal at his mercy. With ten minutes remaining Sports brought on veteran Greeno for Cole and it had the desired affect with Greeno playing in Dan Mcgarrigal who squared for Hastie to slot home from close range. Sports and Hastie had the ball in the net again shortly after only for it to be ruled out, for what was a controversial off side decision. With time running out Hastie was felled in the box and it was left to Greeno to complete the scoring from the resulting penalty. “It was a tough game today, played in difficult conditions” said Gary Bailey. “When you are involved in games like that you have to stay disciplined at the back and take your chances when they come and that is what we did today. It won't go down as a classic but we got the all important three points, Greeno came on and had an influence on the game, although we won't hear the end of it now”. Sports:- Carter, Wash, N. Evans, Walker, Cropper, C. Evans, Thorne, Mcgarrigal, Read, Hastie, Cole, (Greeno). -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 27 JANUARY WAREHAM RANGERS V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) Weymouth Sports bounced back from their loss to Chickerell with a hard fought but much deserved 2-1 win away at Wareham Rangers. The game was played on a less than perfect playing surface at Purbeck Sports Centre and it was Sports who started the game in bright fashion, enjoying the best of the early exchanges, with Tom Hastie causing problems down the left flank. Then after twenty minutes, and against the run of play, Wareham took the lead. Sports back line failed to deal with a long ball from defence, and then stopped to appeal for offside, allowing the home striker to run on and slot home past Carter in the visitors goal. Going a goal down never stopped Sports from playing good football and they created several good goal scoring opportunities, the best falling to Paul The second period started in much the same way, with Sports playing all the football and constantly asking questions of the home defence. Then with twenty five minutes remaining Cole made up for his earlier miss when he ran on to the ball at the far post and fire home from a tight angle. After that there was only going to be one winner with Sports becoming even more dominate, although Wareham still posed a threat on the break. The winner came on eighty seven minutes when substitute De La Planque ran on to a long ball from Nigel Evans and lifted it over the advancing keeper to secure the points for Sports. Manager Gary Bailey said “I am delighted with the way we played today, especially after last week, Mike and I asked the players for a response before the game and they certainly did that. What pleased me most was that we played some good football today on what was a difficult surface. Even after going a goal down we kept on playing and I always felt we were going to get back in it. At half time we told them to stay patient and they will get the goals they deserved, and that's what happened. To come here and get three points, against a good Wareham side, is a big result for us and sets us up well for some big games that are coming up.” Sports:- Carter, Wash , N. Evans, Read, Cropper, C. Evans, Thorne, Mcgarrigal, Hastie, Hillier, (De La Planque), Cole, (Greeno). Sub not used Garbett. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 20 JANUARY WEYMOUTH SPORTS V CHICKERELL UTD (D.S.L.) Sports returned to action after four weeks without a game and suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chickerell United. With both sides being out of action for so long the early exchanges were understandably scrappy, although Sports did start the brightest, and enjoyed some early possession without really threatening Chickerell's goal. Gradually Chickerell were getting more and more into the game and always looked dangerous on the break. Eventually the deadlock was broken when Etherington was allowed a free header in the box to open the scoring for United. Sports responded to going a goal down and almost levelled the scores when Cole latched onto a through ball and lifted it over the advancing keeper, only to see his effort bounce short of the line and rebound off the bar, with no one following up for Sports the visitors survived the scare. Shortly Sports found themselves two down, after failing to deal with a long, high ball that fell to Ethrington, who volleyed home from a wide angle. Starting the second half two down and with Andy Mason on, as a half time substitute, the home side were showing signs of a revival and created several chances, the best an effort that was fumbled onto the bar, but somehow stayed out. With time running out, and pressing for a goal, Sports were hit on the break, and conceded a third that secured the points for Chickerell. “We are obviously disappointed with the result and the way we played” said manager Bailey, “But take nothing away from Chickerell, they looked much sharper than us after the long lay off. Nick Etherington's second goal was a tremendous finish, although our defending for the first two goals was poor. We need to show some character now and bounce back next week”. Sports:- Carter, Walker, Alcock, Doidge,(Garbett), Cropper, Evans, Thorne, Nicholson,(Mcgarrigal), Hastie, Hillier,(Mason), Cole. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V OKEFORD UNITED (D.S.L.) Sports finished their football for 2006 with an excellent 4 – 0 win over Okeford United at Cranford Avenue . The game began in open fashion with both sides playing attacking football and creating chances at both ends. As the half wore on the hosts started to gain the upper hand and were now dominating possession, although their youthful opponents always looked a threat on the break. Sports came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions late on in the first half, with a long range Hastie shot, that was superbly saved, and a Mason free kick, that hit the post, the closest. At the other end Steve Dodge, deputising for the holidaying Carter, was at his best, making a double save to keep the scores level at half time. The second half began with Sports really piling on the pressure, forcing Okeford to concede a succession of corners. After eight second half minutes Sports opened the scoring through defender Nigel Evans, who found the net with a powerful header. That was the goal that spurred the Weymouth side on and it wasn't long before they doubled their lead, when Chris Evans scored from a free kick from just outside the box, the ball taking a slight deflection off the wall on its way to goal. The home side were now in total control and were playing some fine attacking football, this leading to their third goal, Chris Evans scoring his second after some neat interplay between Thorne and Mason in midfield. Paul Cole made it three in three games since rejoining the club when he netted with a powerful strike from close range to complete the scoring and earn a well deserved win for Sports. “That's three wins in a row now, and all with clean sheets, which is particularly pleasing” said manager Gary Bailey. “We played really well today, in what was a very open game. Mike and I have asked the lads to play a certain way in recent games, and all credit to them, they have listened and taken it on board well. I hope we return from the Christmas break in the same form”. Sports:- Dodge, Hicks,( M.Wash) N. Evans, Walker, Doidge,(Garbett), C. Evans, Thorne, Mason, Hastie, Hillier,(Greeno), Cole. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V EASTON UNITED (D.S.L.) Steve Alcock was the unlikely scorer of the opening goal that set Sports on their way to a comfortable 5-0 win over local rivals from Portland , Easton United, at Cranford Avenue . The home side started really brightly and were causing Easton 's rearguard problems right from the start, with Hillier and Cole looking lively up front. The break through came after ten minutes with the ball dropping to Alcock, who was up for a corner, and the defender smashing a shot into the roof of the net from eight yards. Sports continued to press and the second goal was not long in coming when Hastie ran onto a lovely through ball. by Captain Karnan Thorne, to calmly slot the ball past the advancing keeper in the visitor's goal. With half an hour played Cole made it three, converting a left wing cross from Hastie, and effectively ending the tie as a contest. Three up at the start of the second half and Sports seemed to take their foot off the gas, this enabled Easton to enjoy their best period of the game, although at no time did they threaten Carter in goal. With half an hour to go the hosts found another gear and Hastie scored his second and Sports' fourth after a good run and cross from the right wing from Chris Evans. Andy Mason, on as a substitute, rounded off the scoring with a fine left foot shot, that flew into the net from just outside the area. “We were in total control today”, said Gary Bailey. “Going two up early on let us dominate the game and I thought we played some nice football at times. What pleased me most was the quality of the goals. It is always nice to score five in a game but the clean sheet is just as important. We stayed disciplined at the back and that gave us the base to build this victory on”. Sports:- Carter, Walker, N. Evans, Alcock, Cropper, (Garbett), C. Evans, (Mason), Nicholson, Thorne, (Hicks), Hastie, Cole, Hillier. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER ALLENDALE V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) Weymouth Sports returned to winning ways with a hard fought, 1-0, victory against Allendale at Redcotts. Sports started the game very brightly with Marc Hillier and new signing Paul Cole causing the home defence problems early on. Then, on 8 minutes, the pressure paid off with Cole scoring from a tight angle to give Sports the lead. As the half wore on Sports continued to dominate and missed several chances to extend their lead. With 10 minutes of the first half remaining Allendale had their best period of the game. After conceding several free kicks around the edge of the area, Sports found themselves on the back foot and had to survive a succession of corners and attempts on goal, with Carter, in the visitor's goal, making some important saves to take Sports in at half time 1-0 up. The early exchanges in the second half were scrappy, with both sides unable to maintain possession for any length of time on a very heavy pitch. Eventually Sports regained the upper hand with good work from Chris Evans and Tom Hastie, who were starting to cause Allendale problems on both flanks and although Sports had two chances that hit the woodwork they were still unable to score a second goal. Allendale had a couple of chances late on but the visiting defence held firm to claim a well deserved win. Manager Gary Bailey said “I am delighted to get back to winning ways. The lads played really well today and did exactly what we asked of them. After three defeats it was the response I was looking for and now we must put a winning run together leading up to Christmas.” Sports: - Carter, Walker, N. Evans, Doidge, (Alcock), Cropper, C. Evans, Nicholson, Thorne, Hastie, Hillier, (Hicks), Cole. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER WINCANTON TOWN V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L) Sports travelled to play top of the table Wincanton Town and came away suffering a 5-1 defeat, losing their unbeaten league record. Sports were missing several players through injury and unavailability going into the game and had to make some positional changes because of this. It was the visitors who took the lead on 17 minutes, when Marc Hillier stabbed home from close range. Unfortunately that was about the only bright point of their afternoon. Wincanton soon found their passing game and equalised when Sports failed to close down the ball after a defensive header and allowed the ball to be drilled into the bottom corner. Worse was to come, after losing possession in the middle third of the pitch, Wincanton ran at the Sports defence, who failed in several attempts to make a tackle, and found the net to take the lead. Sports did have the ball in the net again themselves, late in the first half, only to find the official had ruled it out for, what looked like, a harsh offside decision. From the resulting free kick, the home side launched the ball forward, Sports once again failed to deal with it, and found themselves going in at half time 3-1 down. There was no joy for the visitors in the second half either, conceding twice more and rarely troubling the home keeper. Manager Gary Bailey said “To say I am disappointed with our display today would be an understatement. We were second best in all departments and I will not tolerate too many displays like that. I can accept losing and being outplayed by a very good side but what I won't accept is the lack of effort and desire. We will be working hard in the week and I am hoping to see a reaction next weekend”. Sports:- Carter, Hicks, N. Evans, (Garbett), Doidge, Cropper, Mason, Thorne, C. Evans, Hastie, Hillier, (Wheeler), De La Planque, (Greeno). -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V CHICKERELL UTD (SENIOR CUP) Sports unbeaten run has ended, but it took 120 minutes and a very fit young Chickerell side to do it. Both teams were pumped up for this local derby in the Dorset Senior Cup and it was Sports who started the brighter, winning the early exchanges. Sports deservedly took the lead on 17 minutes when Gerry De La Planque headed home at the back post. Instead of spurring the home side on, the goal seemed to have an adverse effect on Sports and it was Chickerell who were now dominating the game, eventually equalising through substitute Nick Ethrington. It was Ethrington again, causing Sports problems, and scoring Chickerell's second to take his side in at half time 2-1 up. Sports changed to a 4-4-2 formation for the second half and were looking more comfortable, playing like they had at the start of the game. With the equaliser not coming the home side brought on striker Marc Hillier and his bustling style certainly unsettled the Chicken's young defence. Then with 15 minutes to play, Sports broke down the right, with Chris Evans carving through the visitor's defence and driving the ball home into the bottom corner to bring the sides level. It was Sports now bossing the game and, with only minutes to go, spurned a golden opportunity to win the tie when Hastie rushed his effort with an open goal begging. So it was into extra time and Sports continued to dominate in the first 15 minutes, going close on several occasions.Then with only 5 minutes remaining, and a replay looking the likely out come, Chickerell broke through a tiring home rearguard to score, what proved to be, their all important third goal. With time running out and Sports gambling with men pushed forward, Chickerell scored a fourth, to really put the tie to bed. Manager Gary Bailey said “Obviously we are disappointed to have lost but I thought we competed well with them in the 90 minutes and could, or really should, have won it right at the end. In extra time we kept going but ran out of steam in the second period. Credit to Chickerell they have a young fit squad who took their chances when they came, although their fourth goal made the score look a bit lopsided considering how close the game was for 115 minutes.” Sports: - Carter, Alcock, Doidge, Cropper, N. Evans, (Garbett), C. Evans , Wash , (Hillier), Thorne, Mason, Hastie, De La Planque, (Greeno) -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V STALBRIDGE (D.S.L.) Two weeks without a game didn't seem to have affected Sports as they took on Stalbridge at Cranford Avenue , with the home side starting really brightly, and playing some attractive passing football. It was John Cropper and Tom Hastie who were having the most joy, linking up well down the left flank on numerous occasions. With the half wearing on and Sports enjoying so much possession, but unable to finish any of the chances they had created, it looked like the half was to finish goalless. Then 5 minutes before the break, the ball fell to Nigel Evans, who had stayed up from a corner, to slide in and score the goal that sent Sports in at half time with a much deserved lead. The second half began and it was a complete reversal of the first, with the visitors enjoying all the possession and causing Sports problems at the back. The equaliser came from the penalty spot after Steve Alcock brought down the visitors centre forward, after a tricky run in the box. The goal inspired Stalbridge, and after two poor defensive headers, they scored their second goal to take the lead. With 15 minutes to go Sports took off a defender, threw on striker Marc Hillier, and went to 3 up front in search of the equaliser. It was Hillier, who claimed the last touch on a long range curling effort from veteran Mike Greeno, that brought the sides level. The goal lifted Sports and in a dramatic last 5 minute spell, Captain Karnan Thorne stole into the box, to head home a Chris Evans cross to complete a remarkable comeback and give Sports a 3-2 win. “We played so well in the first half and probably deserved to be more than one up” said manager Gary Bailey. “We were poor for the first 30 minutes of the second half, and with Stalbridge raising their game, it looked like we were going to pay the price for not taking our chances to kill the game off in the first half. But credit to the players, they never gave it up, and we went on to win a game, that last season we would have lost, so that shows me we are moving in the right direction.” Sports:- Carter, Alcock, N. Evans, Cropper, Hicks, (Hillier) Thorne, Nicholson, P. Wash, (Greeno) C. Evans, Hastie, De La Planque. Sub not used Garbett. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER WAREHAM RANGERS V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (SENIOR CUP) Weymouth Sports progressed into the second round of the Senior Cup after a 4-2 away win at Wareham Rangers. Kicking into a strong wind in the first half, Sports found themselves on the back foot for the opening 30 minutes, with their hosts dominating possession and going close to scoring on several occasions. It was then, on 32 minutes, that Tom Hastie burst clear of the Wareham rearguard to calmly slot home and open the scoring. The goal seemed to spur Sports on and with half time approaching the ball dropped to Andy Mason, on the edge of the box, who drove the ball into the bottom corner to take Sports into the break 2 goals up. Wareham , once again, started the brighter and went close to getting a goal back in the early stages of the second half. Having survived that, Sports scored a third goal, with Nigel Evans heading home from inside a crowded six yard box. The visitors saved the best to last, when Chris Wheeler latched onto a cross field ball to fire home and finish off a slick passing move. Sports almost made it five, when a poor clearance fell to Mason, just inside the half, only for his long range volley to crash against the crossbar and deny him a remarkable goal. Sports were forced to make some defensive changes because of injury and the reshuffle seemed to unsettle them, allowing Wareham to score two late goals, the first, a close range header, and the second, from a long ball which Steve Alcock failed to clear, after unfortunately, slipping while attempting to head clear. Manager Gary Bailey said “Our finishing today was excellent. We stayed patient and took our chances when they came. I was a little disappointed to let in two late goals, at 4-0, but it is all about winning in the cup, and we did that comfortably today.” Sports:- Carter, Alcock, Doidge, (Garbett), Cropper, (Hicks), N. Evans, Mason, Thorne, C. Evans, Wheeler, Hastie, De La Planque, (Hillier). -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATUERDAY 30 SEPTEMBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V WEYMOUTH SPARTANS (D.S.L.) Sports got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Weymouth Spartans at Cranford Avenue . The game began with Sports kicking into a strong wind and the home side struggled to get to grips with the game in the early stages, finding themselves limited to only a handful of half chances. With the wind in their backs Spartans resorted to the long ball game, again with limited success, rarely troubling Carter in the home goal. The second half began and it was Sports who gradually started to pass the ball with more confidence, and were dominating possession, but still with little threat on goal. It was then, on the hour mark, that the ball broke for Karnan Thorne, inside the box, to shot into the roof of the net and break the deadlock. It was the goal that Sports had been looking for and were now a threat on every attack, forcing several smart saves from Quinalt in the visitor's goal. With the home defence rarely troubled, getting the second goal was only a matter of time, and it came from new signing Chris Naylor, who curled a free kick from outside the box into the top corner. Gerry De La Planque rounded off Sport's scoring finding the net with a strong far post header from a Mason cross. “We were off the pace in the first half” said manager Gary Bailey. “We played much better in the second half and once we got that first goal we were always going to go on to win.” Sports:- Carter, Alcock, N. Evans, Doidge, Nicholson, (Garbett), Thorne, C. Evans, Greeno, (Mason), Naylor, Hastie, (Hillier), De La Planque. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER CHICKERELL UTD V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.) Weymouth Sports maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought 1-1 draw with local rivals Chickerell United. The game started in typical derby fashion with neither side really finding their passing game and possession changing hands regularly. In the early stages chances at both ends were scarce with the game being played mostly in midfield. It was Sports who took the lead after 25 minutes when Gerry De La Planque headed home a Chris Evans corner at the far post. The goal failed to settle Sports down and it was Chickerell who finished the half the stronger. The second half began in much the same style, with clear goal scoring chances at a premium, although Chickerell were now enjoying most of the possession. The equaliser came after a lapse of concentration in the Sports defence, let in Stanton to level the scores. Sports best chance of the second half fell to Hastie, who found himself clear on goal, but lacked his usual composure and failed to hit the target with a rushed effort. The lads never really got hold of the ball enough today said manager Gary Bailey , although credit must go to Chickerell who made it very hard for us. I think a draw was a far result and to get a point when you don't play your best is ok. Sports :- Carter, Alcock, N. Evans, Doidge, Cropper, ( Hicks), C. Evans, Mason, ( Nicholson), Thorne, ( Greeno), Wheeler, Hastie, De La Planque. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V WITCHAMPTON (D.S.L.) Weymouth Sports maintained their winning start to the season with a hard fought 1-0 win over Witchampton, at Cranford Avenue . There was nothing between the two sides in the early exchanges, with neither side really causing the other any problems. It was after 17 minutes that Sports scored what proved to be the only goal of the game, through Tommy Hastie, who fired home into the roof of the net from a tight angle at the back post. Now in the lead Sports still failed to find any real consistency in their play, although they did come close to extending their lead through two tremendous long range efforts from Andy Mason, one hitting the post and the other, a curling shot, coming back off the bar, with the visiting keeper beaten on both occasions. Sports started the second half much brighter and were enjoying more possession in midfield, having changed formation to 3-5-2 to match up with their opponents. Rarely troubled at the back it seemed to be only a matter of time before they extended their lead but the goal never came. Their best chance falling to De La Planque, who handled a pin point cross from Chris Evans, with Hastie about to head home at the far post. Manger Gary Bailey said he was pleased with the win and the clean sheet. “The lads coped well with the changes at half time and it definitely enabled us to get on the ball more. They were a big side and did cause us problems at set pieces. At 1-0 you are never home and dry but we defended well when we had to and deserved all 3 points”. Sports:- Carter, Hicks, (Nicholson) N. Evans, Doidge, Cropper, C. Evans, Mason, Thorne, Wheeler, Hastie, De La Planque, (Greeno). -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER TINTINHULL FC V WEYMOUTH SPORTS FC (D.S.L.) Sports continued their winning start to the season with an impressive 6 - 1 victory away to Tintinhull in Yeovil. Having started the game brightly, Sports were a constant threat, putting the home defence under real pressure with a succession of testing crosses. The breakthrough came from the unlikely source of defender John Cropper, who bravely headed home an in swinging free kick from Mason. After the goal Sports seemed to take their foot off the gas and it was the home side that finished the half the stronger, although not really causing to many concerns to Sports back four. Tintinhull started the second period with the bit between their teeth, and were threatening to level the scores; it was then, against the run of play, that Sports scored 3 goals in a devastating 10 minute period that won them the game. The first coming from Wheeler, who slotted home from close range after a Hastie shot had been blocked. The next came from a well worked short corner between Evans and De La Planque, who found Mason on the edge of the box, he found himself a yard of space and sent a curling shot into the top corner, past helpless home keeper. The third of this spell and Sports fourth came again from Wheeler, who turned in a Hastie cross from a tight angle at the far post. The game was over as a contest, but the hosts did manage to pull a goal back when they scored with a header from a free kick. Sports responded by getting a penalty, Wheeler being brought down whilst making a run in the box. It was left to Chris Evans to calmly score from the spot. The scoring was completed by Hastie who ran on to finish an excellent through ball from Manaldino. Manager Gary Bailey said he was delighted with his side's performance and to score 6 away from home is a real achievement. “All the lads played well but I thought Dela, although not getting on the score sheet, worked his socks off up front for the team. We have set ourselves a standard in the opening games and it is now down to us to maintain it.” Sports: - Carter, Alcock, Cropper, Doidge, Garbett, (Hicks), Thorne, Mason, (Greeno), C. Evans, (Manaldino), Wheeler, Hastie, De La Planque. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER WEYMOUTH SPORTS V MORETON (D.S.L.) Sports opened up their season with a convincing 3 0 win over last seasons Division 1 champions Moreton at a wind swept Cranford Avenue . Sports started the game kicking into the blustery wind and it took both sides a while to adapt to the difficult conditions. It was Sports who were first to get to grips with the game, carving out several chances, with Andy Mason pulling the strings in midfield. The opening goal came after 25 minutes with Tom Hastie getting onto a ball into the box, before calmly finding the net. Sports continued to put pressure on the visitors defence and could have gone in at half time with more than a single goal lead. The second half began much the same as the first had finished, with Sports on top, eventually doubling their lead, again through the lively Hastie, this time running onto a long ball and coolly slotting home. The conditions then seemed to get the better of both side, neither able to keep the ball for any length of time. Then with 25 minutes to go, Sports scored the goal that made the game safe, when De La Planque headed home a right field cross from Chris Evans. Moreton, who had been forced to play much of the game with 10 men due to an earlier injury, kept on battling and it was left to Jason Carter, in the home goal, to make a smart one on one save to preserve Sports clean sheet. Manager Gary Bailey said he was delighted to get off to a winning start and was particularly pleased with how his side had coped in difficult conditions. Sports:- Carter, Alcock, N. Evans, Doidge, Garbett, Thorne, Mason, C. Evans, Wheeler, (Greeno), Hastie, De La Planque, (Manaldino). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SATURDAY 26 AUG VALE REC V WEYMOUTH SPORTS (friendly) Sports travelled to Guernsey to play their last pre season friendly, against one of the islands top sides, Vale Recreation FC. This is an annual fixture and one both clubs very much look forward to. As the first half got under way it appeared that the choppy crossing (ask Greeno, Snoz and Doidgey for details) had taken its toll on Sports as they struggled to come to terms with the slick passing of their hosts, eventually going a goal behind after 15 minutes. Rec made Sports work hard for the ball and the visitors did not help their own cause by giving it away too easily when in possession. As the half wore on Sports started to find their feet and were awarded a penalty, Tom Hastie was fouled in the box having got in behind to home defence. Hastie himself got up to take the spot kick, only to see his weak effort saved by the Rec keeper. Half time could not have come quick enough for Sports, who started the second half in much brighter fashion, carving out several early chances and generally passing the ball with much more confidence. They eventually got the equaliser through Chris Evans, who latched onto the rebound of his own shot to steer the ball into the top corner. The visitors were now enjoying most of the possession and went close several times to taking the lead, only to get hit on the break and concede, what turned out to be the winning goal, against the run of play. Sports continued to press and wasted several good opportunities late on to score the goal that would have earned them a deserved draw. Manager Gary Bailey said “We struggled to stay with them in the first half and were lucky to only be one down at half time. We sorted a few things out in the break and I thought we were the better side in the second half and probably deserved at least a draw. It was a very good test for us against strong opposition and will stand us in good stead when we start our league fixtures next week.” Final score Vale Rec 2 Sports 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday 23 August. Home v Old Ship (Friendly) Having recorded wins at Portland Utd and Kangaroos and a draw at Wareham this was Sports penultimate pre-season friendly in their preparation for the up coming league campaign. In the first half Sports really struggled to find any rythem to their play and as a result of poor passing and sloppy ball control failed to have any major impact on the Old Ships goal. The Old Ship were proving to be be lively opponents and at times caused Sports' defence a few problems. After half time Sports seem to settle down a eventually found their passing game, which early in the second half, saw Tommy Hastie brought down for a penalty. Veteran Mike Greeno cooly converted, even though before the game he had nominated Hastie to be the penalty taker. (nothing changes). The goal seemed to spur Sports on and they were enjoying a good period of posession, although the Ship still looked dangerous on the break. Having conceeded a corner Sports failed to deal with the ball into the box and it fell to an unmarked opponent at the back post who fired in the equalliser. Sports responded well to this set back and carried on passing the ball well, eventually scoring a second. This came from a great cross by De La Planque from the left, which found Hastie, who scored with a powerfull header. The third was not to far behind, as the Ship started to tire, Sports were finding more and more space in behind and Dela was on hand to tap in a shot from Hastie, that had been saved by the keeper. Sports saved the best to last as they completed the scoring with the goal of the game. Running on to a ball down the left Hastie pulled back his cross to find Andy Mason who volleyed home from outside the box. Sports were also denied a penalty late on when skipper Karnan Thorne was fouled by the keeper as he closed in on goal. Final score:- Sports 4 Old Ship 1. Sports complete their pre-season games when they travel to Guernsey to play Vale Rec FC on Saturday 26 August.
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This page was last updated on the 8th September 2007
