Tuesday 12th February 2008
Sydenhams (Wessex) Premier League
Poole Town 1 V
1 Brockenhurst
Attendance: 143
Brockenhurst were the visitors to Tatnam
for this latest Wessex Premier match and with the visitors looking for a league double
over Poole, it was always going to be a difficult match. The 2-1 defeat at Brockenhurst
earlier in the season and the penalty shoot-out victory for Poole in the Wessex League Cup
has proved that there is little to choose between the sides on their day and tonight's
match only confirmed this.
Stuart Brown was unavailable which meant Dan Cann celebrated his 50th league appearance in
a more striking role alongside Ben Osborne. Andy Culliford came back into the starting
line-up after his stint on the bench against New Milton Town.
Chances were few and far between in this tight game as play centred around a packed
midfield. The Brockenhurst goal came on 10 minutes - a rare Luke Whitley error at the back
saw his touch desert him and the ball dropped to Ben Knellar and he took full advantage of
the gift and planted the ball past Harvell to give the visitors the lead. Poole battled to
get back into the game but Brockenhurst proved to be a very well organised and capable
side - defending in strength when required.
On 37 minutes Dan Cann fired in a freekick which was pushed away for a corner and that was
probably Poole's best chance of the half. Just before half time Andy Culliford suffered a
facial injury and was immediately replaced by Steve Smith.
Half time: 0-1.
Like Saturday Poole produced a better second half performance than the first forty five
minutes and they enjoyed huge spells of possession. On 50 minutes Cann broke away,
chesting the ball down and carrying on his run down the left. He produced a great cross
into the six yard box but Osborne ballooned the ball over under pressure from a defender.
It always looked as though it would take something special to get back into the game and
so it proved just three minutes later. The ball dropped to Steve Smith some 35 yards out
and after a quick look to see the keeper off his line he produced a stunning volley which
dipped just under the bar.
Poole now looked to try and take the three points and everyone seemed to gain just that
bit more energy. However, Brockenhurst again defended very well and Poole just could not
break through. Aaron Skelton was left hobbling after a crunching tackle in the middle of
the pitch and he was soon replaced by Charles Culliford. Shane Ayres came on for Yelland
with a quarter of an hour to go but despite some decent football at times, the winner
never came. Indeed injury time saw Poole go all out to get the winner and Brockenhurst
broke on a couple of occasions and threatened to take all three points.
A fair result on the night which neither manager could complain about.
Poole: Harvell, Whitley, I. Richardson, Yelland (Ayres), Saadi, Cann, Skelton (C.
Culliford), Gill, T. Smith, A. Culliford (S. Smith), Osborne
Tuesday 11th December 2007
Sydenhams (Wessex) League Cup 2nd Round
Poole Town 2
aet 2 Brockenhurst
(Poole win 4-3 on penalties)
Attendance: 102
Unfortunately no full match report available.
Summary as follows:-
15 mins - Brockenhurst take the lead with deflected freekick.
40 mins - Ian Richardson scores from the spot to level the game.
44 mins - Brockenhurst score great second goal to hold a half time lead.
Half time: 1-2
55 mins - Ryan Lucas equalises for Poole.
All Poole Town in the second half but Brockenhurst hold out.
85 mins - Steve Smith replaces Ryan Lucas
End of 90 mins: 2-2
105 mins - Leon Lima replaces Andy Culliford.
110 mins - Jordan Fisk replaces Gary Funnell.
Full time: 2-2.
Poole score with all four penalties from Ian Richardson, Steve Smith, Jordan Fisk
and Ben Osborne. Brockenhurst score two but Adam Tong saves one and the other hits the
woodwork.
Poole Town will now be at home to Romsey Town in the 3rd Round on 8th January 2008.
Poole: Tong, Whitley, I. Richardson, Skelton, Funnell
(Fisk), Sturgess, C. Smith, Culliford (Lima), T. Smith, Lucas (S. Smith), Osborne
Tuesday 2nd October 2007
Sydenhams (Wessex) Premier League
Brockenhurst 2 V 1 Poole Town
Attendance: 148
Despite their 6-0 home defeat to Maidenhead United in
the FA Cup on Saturday there was never any question as to how tough this game was going to
be for Poole Town. Brockenhurst have won five of their six league game so far including a
win over much fancied VT and right from the start of the game the home side was extremely
pumped up against the league leaders. With Stuart Brown and Sean Hogan unavailable, Stuart
Cannie came back into the starting line-up along with Andy Culliford.
The pitch at Grigg Lane is never one of the best and again it was bumpy and the grass in
places was very long. The drizzle added to the difficulty but also helped to raise the
tempo and make this a very fast paced game indeed.
It's fair to say that Brockenhurst shaded the first half. They defended well and broke on
the counter very quickly and always looked dangerous going forwards. Their first goal came
on 17 minutes. Another quick break looked to have been snuffed out as Poole keeper Max
Frampton raced from his line to clear. However, his kick was poor and veered straight to
Danny Veal who produced a neat finish to place the ball beyond the retreating Frampton.
This was only the second time this season Poole have been behind in a league match and was
a real test of their mettle.
Chances were relatively few and far between in the first half. On 37 minutes Taffy
Richardson cushioned a header on the edge of the box to Stuart Cannie but his volley flew
just over the bar. A couple of corners quickly followed and the pressure ended with Luke
Whitley just poking a shot just wide of the post. A scare for Poole late on in the half as
a Brockenhurst corner was met with a free header which left Frampton rooted to the spot -
luckily the ball went wide of the post.
Half time: 1-0.
Poole's attitude in the second half was superb. From the restart they took the game to the
home side and totally dominated the half. On 49 minutes a static defence was caught out by
Benssaouda and after he side-stepped a defender to get into a good position he slipped on
the wet grass. Cannie picked up the ball but his shot was weak and dragged wide. Super sub
Steve Smith replaced Funnell on 52 minutes and Poole gradually created more and more
chances.
On 63 minutes Taffy Richardson robbed a Brockenhurst player in midfield and played the
ball into Benssaouda's feet. He turned but his shot was aimed straight at the home keeper.
Good pressure followed as Brockenhurst looked more and more desperate at the back. Whitley
delivered a great ball in from the right and after the slenderest of deflections the ball
came off the inside of the left hand post and rolled agonisingly across the goal line
before being hacked away from danger. Five minutes later and a throw dropped to Taffy
again and his volley beat everyone but cannoned back off the crossbar. It really did look
like it was going to be one of those nights but then Poole equalised on 72 minutes. An
underhit backpass was chased down by Steve Smith and as he and the keeper got to the ball
at the same time, it was Smith who managed to get the crucial touch and put the ball into
the net. All square and only one team in it at that point, it really looked like Poole
would now go on to win the game. Credit to Brockenhurst however, they kept their heads up
and hit straight back at Poole.
Frampton had to make a couple of very good saves, one point blank and the other from a
good freekick as both sides looked for the winner. On 78 minutes however, a scramble in
the Poole box finally saw Tate poke the ball home to give Brockenhurst the three points
and end the only unbeaten side in the league.
Disappointed as manager Killick will be to lose the game, there are a number of positives
to take from the match. Poole's attitude in the second half to being a goal down at the
break was first class and they created enough chances to win it. And Brockenhurst are a
much better side than in previous seasons - it will be a very tough place to go for most
teams this season.
The run is over but maybe that gives the Poole boys even more incentive for the important
Vase game this Saturday against Liskeard Athletic. It also adds extra flavour to the
Wessex League Cup second round match against Brockenhurst at Tatnam later this month!
Poole: Frampton, Whitley, I. Richardson, Funnell (S. Smith), Skelton, Culliford, Cann, T.
Smith, S. Richardson, Benssaouda, Cannie
Saturday 17th February 2007
Sydenhams (Wessex) Premier League
Poole Town 0 V 1 Brockenhurst
Attendance: 129
With the rain finally abated it was a chance for
Poole Town to get back into action as they took on Graham Kemp's Brockenhurst at Tatnam.
Brockenhurst have certainly come on since the 3-1 win for Poole earlier in the season so a
hard game was always expected. Despite that, this result (and performance) was
disappointing to say the least. Stuart Brown was away and so Cann partnered Karim
Benssaouda up front.
All in all this was a pretty drab game. Both sides cancelled each other out for much of
the time and despite dominating possession in the usual way it was again a complete lack
of finishing ability which cost Poole the game. This has been apparent (especially at
home) since before Christmas and was cruelly underlined again. Everything else looks
pretty solid and dependable but unfortunately Poole are simply lacking a Jamie Laidlaw, a
Scott Joyce or, to be honest, a Leigh Phillips!
Poole's first chance took until the eighteenth minute to arrive. The Brockenhurst keeper
rushed out of his goal and kicked a poor clearance. The ball feel to Dan Cann about 40
yards out and his instant shot towards an empty net fell just over the bar - it was a
great effort. A few minutes later though the same player had a golden opportunity to put
Poole in front when he met a cross from the left but somehow he managed to put the ball
wide from just a couple of yards out. A short freekick from Funnell to Aaron Skelton saw
his fierce shot find the side netting.
Despite these chances it was perhaps Brockenhurst who looked more dangerous on the break.
Time and again they would counter and have three or four players running into space but
more often then not the final ball let them down. One such break on 35 minutes was ended
by a fantastic last ditch block from Luke Whitley as the skipper managed to deflect a
dangerous looking shot. On 38 minutes Funnell fired a right foot shot just past the post
and a minute later the Brockenhurst keeper spilled a Benssaouda shot but nobody could pick
up on the rebound.
On 42 minutes a Brockenhurst cross from the right eluded all but another Brock player and
his shot produced a superb point blank save from Frampton. At the other end Whitley found
himself through against the keeper but his shot was saved. From the corner Dan Cann swung
a deep cross into the box but Ian Richardson could only head over the bar.
Half time: 0-0
Two minutes into the second half and Benssaouda pounced on a defensive error but again the
resulting shot was wide. Manager Killick rang the changes on 56 minutes as Glenister and
Hogan replaced Benssaouda and Skelton respectively. Poole's best move came soon after on
62 minutes. Cann did really well on the left to beat a couple of players and then produced
a superb cross which was met by a firm header from Taffy Richardson. Everyone expected the
back of the net to bulge but somehow the ball went just wide of the post. Two minutes
later and a good run from Hogan down the right saw him cut in and square the ball to
Taffy. He played the ball wide again to Cann but his shot was wild and wide.
During all this time Brockenhurst worked so hard to close the Poole players down. With the
vocal support of Kempy urging them on they chased and harried right across the pitch - to
a man. With twenty minutes to go you could visibly see the belief in the visitors that
this game was there to be won and on 72 minutes a Brock corner saw a flicked on header
miss everyone and go just wide of the post. Their goal came on 79 minutes and it was a
goal worthy of winning any game. A neat build up saw the ball played into feet in the box.
A great little flick set the ball up for Ben Osbourne to hammer the ball home into the
roof of the net.
With time running out Chivers, on for Cann, sent Glenister clean through but his shot went
wide and in the dying seconds Funnell produced a superb pass to Glenister but his volley
was well saved by the keeper, parrying it away to safety.
No complaints regarding the scoreline. Brockenhurst worked harder than the Poole lads and
the three points were richly deserved. It's just a shame that with the other sides behind
Gosport and Totton all doing their best to throw away points at the moment Poole really
could, and should, have been firmly away in third place by now. As it is, the scrap goes
on.
Poole: Frampton, Whitley, I. Richardson, Gilbert, Funnell, C. Smith, Skelton (Hogan), S.
Richardson, T. Smith, Cann (Chivers), Benssaouda (Glenister)
Tuesday 17th October 2006
Sydenahms (Wessex) Premier League
Brockenhurst 1 V 3 Poole Town
Attendance: 110
Poole Town's league campaign continued
on the road as they travelled into the New Forest to take on Graham Kemp's Brockenhurst.
After the last league disappointment of the home draw against Downton it was crucial that
Poole pick up all three points to maintain some pressure at the top of the table.
On a bobbly pitch the opening quarter of an hour saw no chances for either side as both
teams fought to gain the upper hand. On 17 minutes a good move from Poole saw the ball
eventually crossed in from the right. The ball fell to Dave Sturgess just a couple of
yards out but he couldn't get a shot in and when the ball was eventually cleared to the
edge of the box, Aaron Skelton hammered a low shot through a crowd of players into the
back of the Brock net. 1-0 to the Dolphins.
Gary Funnell produced another excellent performance in midfield and on 20 minutes he
delivered a fantastic ball in behind the Brock defence and straight into the path of
Glenister. Unfortunately the big striker was unable to control the ball and the chance was
wasted. On 31 minutes it was another touch of Funnell magic that brought Poole their
second goal and Funnell his 49th for the club. A Poole clearance from the back dropped to
Funnell about 35 yards out and after controlling it superbly he took one touch and
volleyed it over the stranded Brock keeper and into the net - a great goal.
On the stroke of half time a Funnell freekick skidded through the wall and the keeper
managed to push it away for a corner. From the corner the ball was nodded back across the
face of the goal and Luke Whitley fired in a shot whci was blocked and cleared by a
defender off the line.
Half time: 0-2.
Brockenhurst raised their game at the start of the second half and pulled a goal back
almost instantly. A left foot shot from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection off a
Poole player and looped up and over Frampton. Suddenly the Badgers were back in it and for
five minutes looked like adding an equaliser. However, it was a Poole goal on 49 minutes
which effectively killed the game off. A poor clearance from a Brock defender fell to
Trefor Smith and after a great run jinking past two players his left foot shot flew into
the bottom left hand corner of the net - his first goal for Poole.
On 71 minutes a Brock cross from the right was nodded down and a shot from three yards out
was hooked high over the bar. A minute later and Funnell found Sturgess on the edge of the
home side's area and his shot was tipped away for another Poole corner. Four minutes later
and Poole produced the move of the match. Taffy Richardson sent a good ball down the line
to Glenister on the right. Glennie did very well, beat his man and then pulled the ball
back to Trefor Smith on the edge of the box. His shot was well blocked and Sturgess picked
up the rebound before firing another shot just over.
Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Guetling, Sturgess, Richardson (Gilbert), Skelton, C.
Smith, Funnell, T. Smith, Glenister (Benssaouda)
Tuesday 24th January 2006
Wessex League Division 1
Brockenhurst 1 V 3 Poole Town
Attendance: 142
Match Report courtesy of Ian Claxton.
It was bitterly cold Tuesday night for Poole’s first visit to Grigg Lane for many a year, with both teams keen to get going, if only to keep warm. Brockenhurst applied the early pressure and it was one way traffic for the opening ten minutes that produced several pops at the Poole goal with the pick of the bunch being at 3 minutes when Badgers centre-forward Dan Marks split the Dolphins defence and laid off a pass to Trefor Smith who’s shot just cleared the far post.
Eventually Poole began to get in the game and a real midfield tussle ensued with neither side gaining any advantage. Poole’s first shot at the Brock goal came on 21 minutes when Matty White’s curling shot went the wrong side of the post. Two minutes later Poole went close again when Leigh Phillips lob set Carl Chivers off on another run at Brock’s left flank, his shot being turned away for a corner. The Poole players crowded the box as the corner kick floated in but Brock cleared it’s lines and a quick clearance to Dan Marks found the Badgers strike man clear with only one defender and the Poole keeper to beat, but he fluffed his shot and it sailed over the Poole goal.
Brock renewed their attacked again and finally were rewarded on 32 minutes with a goal to put them ahead. Ben Krauss sent a cross in from the corner flag with Marks as his target on the near post, but the ball slipped past Marks and the Poole defenders but was turned in by Darren Crook’s outstretched boot at the far post to score against his old club.
Poole came straight back at Brock from the restart and a well timed lob found Phillips splitting the Badgers defence on 37 minutes only for the Poole striker top stumble at the crucial minute. Poole kept the pressure on and two minutes later Alan Wright upended a Poole player in a goalmouth scramble and the referee pointed to the spot. For some reason, Brock’s Joe Bye took great exception to the decision and argued with the official at great length and through a caution. His petulance was eventually rewarded with a red card and his marching orders. Finally, Leigh Phillips stepped up to blast home the penalty to level the score. Up to this point Brockenhurst had been the more dominant side, now down to 10 men, Poole began to seized the initiative.
This was clearly demonstrated from the start of the second half as Poole pushed forward. They had the lead within two minutes when Phillips headed in his and Poole’s second goal. On 51 minutes Poole’s Carl Chivers while again attacting more than his fair share of the Brock defence, managed a weak shot at goal that Badgers keeper Pete Houkes only parried. The rebound fell to Leigh Phillips and Houkes managed to somehow block the Poole striker’s first shot, but Phillips pounced on the second rebound and made no mistake hs shot nearly splitting the back of the net for his hat-trick. Brockenhurst didn’t seem to have an answer despite their best efforts and both Poole’s Ali Harris and Stuart Brown went close within the next five minutes.
Coach Trevor Parker tried to rally his troops with some fresh legs and a formation change which partially blunted Poole’s rapier, and Brock nearly managed a reply on 80 minutes when a cross from a corner caused a goalmouth scramble that saw Poole’ keeper Spillane save twice. But it was too late by then and the Dolphins ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. Brockenhurst having been undone more by their team mate’s petulance than any superior display by their opponents.
Poole: Spillane, Spalding,
Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Hogan, Richardson (Woolfenden), S. Brown (Bartlett),
Chivers (Toczyk), Phillips
Wednesday 21st September 2005
Poole Town 3 V 3 Brockenhurst
Wessex League Division 1
Attendance: 151
With Danny Hounsell (suspended) and Taffy Richardson (injured) both out, Ross Edwards and Darren Reeks both came into the starting eleven. Sturgess dropped to the bench as Richard Glenister also returned to the side.
With a decent crowd of 151 watching, the match got off to an explosive if somewhat bizarre start. On 4 minutes Brockenhurst took the lead after Mitchener and the defence had contrived to present an easy opening the the ball was despatched across the keeper into the corner. Two minutes later and Brockenhurst doubled their lead - and their total league goal tally for the season! The ball into the box dropped just in front of Mitchener and after failing to catch the ball cleanly a Brockenhurst player had an open goal to pass the ball into.
Poole needed to get going immediately and this did wake them up. Poole's first goal came on 12 minutes and was stranger than the first two. Phillips crossed the ball into the box and the Brockenhurst number 6 controlled the ball before lashing the ball into the top corner from the penalty spot for a spectacular own goal.
This inspired Poole forward and Ryan Woolfenden, causing all sorts of problems down the left, saw two shots aimed straight at the keeper in quick succession. Another goalkeeping error on 30 minutes saw another gift wrapped chance for Brockenhurst but this time their shooting was poor and the chance was wasted. A minute later and Poole were level. Following some good pressure a cross from the left eluded all but Brown on the right and his low cross to the far post saw Glenister on hand to tap home the equaliser. Half time: 2-2.
Straight from the kick off Brockenhurst attacked down the left and Mitchener came racing out of his box. Failing to get to the ball he was lucky that again the visitors finishing was poor. On 50 minutes Glenister was sent clean through but his shot was tame and aimed straight at the keeper.
The second half saw Poole on top and it really looked as though they would go on and win the game. On the hour mark the excellent Stuart Brown got clear down the right and his shot across the face of the goal saw the visiting keeper (ex Poole Neil Potter) get a good hand to it and tipped it just round the far post. Five minutes later and Poole produced the move of the match. Great passing through the midfield saw the ball crossed to Phillips but as he knocked the ball home the linesman had his flag up - offside?
Straight from the freekick Poole amazingly found themselves 3-2 down as Brockenhurst went straight down the field and scored. Tommy Killick brought on the youngsters Sturgess, Chivers and Alli Harris and Harris in particular added an extra element to Poole on the right. As the clock reached ninety minutes the referee added three minutes extra time and in the 93rd minute Poole salvaged a point when Leigh Phillips leapt to head home his fourth of the season.
What can only be described as a bit of a horror show in defence (except Luke Whitley who once again was tremendous) saw Poole drop two points at home in a game they really should have won. With four games at home without a win Poole will probably be relieved to be on the road again this Saturday although a trip to Thatcham may not be the best cure after this display!
Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Kemp, Funnell, Bartlett (Harris), Woolfenden, Edwards (Sturgess), Reeks, Brown, Phillips, Glenister (Chivers)