Crouchie rescues point for Reserves
Bournemouth Hayward League Division 1
Sway Reserves 3 Ferndown Sports Reserves 3
5th December 2015
The Reserves had to wrestle back a point from fellow Division 1 strugglers Ferndown after looking in control in the first half.
In blustery conditions Sway Reserves took on Ferndown Reserves at Jubilee Fields on Saturday. The conditions were not conducive
to good football and both sides struggled early on. Sway were looking the more dangerous and having the majority of possession but it took until the 15th minute before for them to have a meaningful attempt when after a scramble in the box following a corner Clark's powerful shot rebounded back off the bar.
Crouch was next to threaten firing a low free kick that the keeper saved well after a good Smith run had been halted on the edge of the box and then Hillyar was put clear after good work by Gates and Clark only to fire straight at the keeper.
Sway pressure finally paid off after half an hour when keeper Sque's long clearance created confusion in the Ferndown defence. Gates challenged the keeper for the high bouncing ball and it fell kindly for the supporting Haffenden to fire into the unguarded net.
Sway held on to the lead up to half time thanks to 2 sharp saves from keeper Sque as Ferndown looked to respond. They only had to wait a minute in to the second period to equalise however as Sway came out looking very lethargic after the break.
This proved to be the shock they needed to get them playing again and Clark restored their lead within 2 minutes with a delightful chip over the keeper when put clear on the right.
The wind continued to be a leveller between the teams and helped Ferndown get back on equal terms as a hopeful lobbed cross from wide on the left drifted and dropped into the Sway net.
The game was now even as both teams battled for control. Haffenden had a further shot blocked but Sway lacked the killer instinct as on 3 occasions dangerous crosses flashed across the 6 yard line with no one able to provide the final touch.
It was Ferndown who then snatched the lead with 15 minutes remaining as good build up play down the flank led to a powerful volley into the net.
Having fallen behind Sway pushed forward leaving gaps at the back and appeared to be further punished when Ferndown were awarded a fortunate penalty. To Sway's relief however the forwards kick came back off the post and this seemed to give the whole team a boost and the confidence to push forward.
The well-deserved equalised came after 85 minutes as Mahy won back the ball and drove forward. Crouch supported and switched the ball to the right wing where Waller took on the full back and his pin point cross from the by line was met by a powerful Crouch header into the roof of the net.
Sway were now playing as well as they had all game but were unable to force a winner with Smith coming closest with a shot over from the edge of the box
Sway Res: A Sque. S Quinn. B Johnson. P Cole. J Crouch. B Haffenden. T Ritchie. M Smith. M Hillyar. A Gates A Clark. subs: J Waller. P Mahy. A Russell.
Bournemouth Hayward League Division 1
Sway Reserves 3 Ferndown Sports Reserves 3
5th December 2015
The Reserves had to wrestle back a point from fellow Division 1 strugglers Ferndown after looking in control in the first half.
In blustery conditions Sway Reserves took on Ferndown Reserves at Jubilee Fields on Saturday. The conditions were not conducive
to good football and both sides struggled early on. Sway were looking the more dangerous and having the majority of possession but it took until the 15th minute before for them to have a meaningful attempt when after a scramble in the box following a corner Clark's powerful shot rebounded back off the bar.
Crouch was next to threaten firing a low free kick that the keeper saved well after a good Smith run had been halted on the edge of the box and then Hillyar was put clear after good work by Gates and Clark only to fire straight at the keeper.
Sway pressure finally paid off after half an hour when keeper Sque's long clearance created confusion in the Ferndown defence. Gates challenged the keeper for the high bouncing ball and it fell kindly for the supporting Haffenden to fire into the unguarded net.
Sway held on to the lead up to half time thanks to 2 sharp saves from keeper Sque as Ferndown looked to respond. They only had to wait a minute in to the second period to equalise however as Sway came out looking very lethargic after the break.
This proved to be the shock they needed to get them playing again and Clark restored their lead within 2 minutes with a delightful chip over the keeper when put clear on the right.
The wind continued to be a leveller between the teams and helped Ferndown get back on equal terms as a hopeful lobbed cross from wide on the left drifted and dropped into the Sway net.
The game was now even as both teams battled for control. Haffenden had a further shot blocked but Sway lacked the killer instinct as on 3 occasions dangerous crosses flashed across the 6 yard line with no one able to provide the final touch.
It was Ferndown who then snatched the lead with 15 minutes remaining as good build up play down the flank led to a powerful volley into the net.
Having fallen behind Sway pushed forward leaving gaps at the back and appeared to be further punished when Ferndown were awarded a fortunate penalty. To Sway's relief however the forwards kick came back off the post and this seemed to give the whole team a boost and the confidence to push forward.
The well-deserved equalised came after 85 minutes as Mahy won back the ball and drove forward. Crouch supported and switched the ball to the right wing where Waller took on the full back and his pin point cross from the by line was met by a powerful Crouch header into the roof of the net.
Sway were now playing as well as they had all game but were unable to force a winner with Smith coming closest with a shot over from the edge of the box
Sway Res: A Sque. S Quinn. B Johnson. P Cole. J Crouch. B Haffenden. T Ritchie. M Smith. M Hillyar. A Gates A Clark. subs: J Waller. P Mahy. A Russell.