Scorers : Sam House 75 / Dan Miller 20, Owen Roundell 29 (Penalty), Alex Sawyer 52
Date: Saturday 17th March 2018 3pm - Sydenhams Wessex Premier
Venue: The Sports Ground
Lymington Town: Ross Casey, Callum Davies, Ryan Fuller, Nathan Hurst, Tim Stephenson, Steve Walker [c], Ashley Jarvis, Pip Nolan, Sam House, Charlie Willett, Owen Fee. Subs : Jake King, Tom Man, Ethan Maddocks, Ross Bottomley
Yellow Cards: ?
Sholing: Ryan Gosney, Owen Roundell, Jamie Bulpitt, Pete Castle [c], Dan Miller, Owen Royl, Marlon Mason, Alex Sawyer, Dan Mason (Jean Pierre Alexander 85), Lee Wort, Jake Hoole (Frazer Mclean 85). Subs not used : Byron Mason, Jack Smith, Jamie Bray
Yellow Cards: Owen Roundell & Lee Wort
Attendance: 52 (approx 25 Sholing fans)
Man of the Match: Alex Sawyer
Referee: Derek Pratt Assistants: John Ashley & Daniel Burke
Sholing made it 7 wins in a row with a dominant display, despite having a few key players missing. Traditionally, a tough fixture for the Boatmen against a strong Lymington side, the result was really never in doubt as the visitors bossed the game for long periods.
Team News: Sholing were without TJ Cuthbertson, Marv McLean, Kev Brewster and although Byron Mason was on the bench, he wasn't going to feature. Jamie Bulpitt returned from injury and Jake Hoole retained his place in the starting line up where he was joined by Marlon Mason. On the bench was new signing, Jean Pierre Alexander, who is dual signed from Ebbsfleet United whilst studying in Southampton.
Words can barely explain just how freezing cold it was at kick off and throughout the game. A wicked strong wind was blowing down the length of the pitch, carrying snow into the faces of Sholing in the first half. However, the pitch looked in remarkably good condition as the game got underway and a cagey opening 10 minutes followed. It was Lymington who had the first chance when it opened up for Sam House on the left side of the area, but Gosney did well to parry his effort away. Gosney's long kick out on 14 mins landed at the feet of Lee Wort, who on the left side, cut past the defender to make space, but he fired his shot straight at the keeper.
Sholing took the lead on 20 minutes when a drilled in corner by Alex Sawyer was headed in at the far post by DAN MILLER for his 5th goal of the season. Lymington had a chipped effort by ex-Sholing striker, Ashley Jarvis, that bounced off the face of the crossbar before being cleared.
Boatmen had their second goal on 29 minutes when once again, Lee Wort was able to cut in past the defender, who tripped him as he beared down on goal for a clear penalty award. Having had 4 penalties missed this season, a new face stepped up to try and OWEN ROUNDELL confidently converted from the spot, despite the ball moving just as he was hitting it.
Sholing were in control of the game now and Pete Castle, Captaining the side, had a downward header from a corner, kicked off the line as half time approached. HT 0-2
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As in other recent games, Sholing looked to kill the game off early in the second half and did exactly that when after a period of sustained pressure, ALEX SAWYER scored the third on 52 mins. Sawyer had been denied by a good save just before, but the keeper was helpless as the midfielder broke into the right side of the area and lifted his shot over Casey and into the far corner.
Boatmen were swarming all over the home side now and in the space of a minute could have had two more goals. Dan Mason hit a dipping shot from 20 yards that grazed the outside of the upright. Then, Lee Wort was able to round the keeper, but from a narrow angle, his prodded effort towards goal was cleared off the line with players and supporters thinking it had gone over, but the linesman said no.
Jake Hoole, Alex Sawyer, Dan Mason, Lee Wort and Jamie Bulpitt had shots saved or put wide when in good positions, before Lymington grabbed a consolation in the 75th minute. Ryan Gosney appeared to be caught out as he let a ball slip out of this grasp behind him where Sam House got there first to prod over the line. Was still time for Frazer Mclean to come on and for Jean Pierre Alexander to make his debut and to show some nice touches and a turn near the half way line that left the Lymo player in his wake. All in all, another good performance by Sholing, a good shift by every player and thoroughly deserved win. FT 1-3
Thanks to Lymington for their hospitality and thanks to the Sholing supporters who made the trip on a horrible day to watch football.
Next Game : Sholing v Blackfield & Langley - Tuesday 20 March 7:30pm - Soton Senior Cup Semi Final - Game being played at Follands Hamble