Second Half Show Wins It For Jam Boys - Whitchurch United vs. Brockenhurst

Until I get fully caught up, posts will be slightly abridged to clear the backlog quicker.

Brockenhurst attack towards the trees

The previous weekend was sandwiched in between a stag do and a wedding and so I was keen not to be defeated by the wet weather. I had aimed to watch Fleet Spurs but I heard early on that the game in the same league between Whitchurch United and Brockenhurst was definitely on and so I changed course. Brockenhurst had a decent run in this seasons FA Cup, reaching the third qualifying round where they were knocked out by Conference South side Wealdstone. I had previously visited Grigg Lane for another Wessex League game against Newport (IOW). In the league, The Badgers were in mid table but had games in hand due to their cup exploits. Whitchurch were third from bottom having only won two games so far this season.

Kick off at Longmeadow

Brockenhurst start on the front foot and get behind the Whitchurch defence without creating any clear cut chances. Whitchurch come very close to the opener when the Brockenhurst keeper is forced to tip a corner onto the cross bar. Brockenhurst think they should have a penalty when the forward goes down when in on goal but the referee is unimpressed. Brockenhurst continue to make most of the running and they come close with a couple of efforts from distance.

The Brockenhurst attacker tries to turn in the box.

At the start of the second half it is Whitchurch's turn to go on the attack and they create a couple of half chances. They take the lead when after the initial effort is saved and the rebound is lashed in from close range to put the home side one nil up. This sparks Brockenhurst into life and they have a lot of the ball without really causing the Whitchurch keeper too much bother. Whitchurch manage to break out and it takes a great save from the Brockenhurst keeper to keep the score at one nil. Brockenhurst then have a great chance for the equaliser when the forward is played in via a ball over the top but it is the Whitchurch keeper's turn to make a great save. The second goal is now going to be vital and it goes to the home side. Another Whitchurch break out provides the chance for a long range shot which beats the Brockenhurst keeper to make it two nil. As Brockenhurst pile forward to try and find a way back into the game this allows the home team to break in numbers and they make it three nil in the closing stages.

Brockenhurst with the wind behind them in the second half

Trains to Whitchurch depart from Waterloo and the journey takes pretty much bang on an hour with there being two trains an hour. It is then a twenty minute or so walk through the town to Longmeadow. This takes you through the pleasant town centre which includes the silk mill. If you want a beer in a traditional pub then The Bell which had a couple of ales on is the best bet. If you want a pub with big screens for the early kick off then the bar at The White Hart Hotel does the job pretty much perfectly. The club at the ground had a couple of TVs and had the usual selection of drinks.

 

Stand and clubhouse at Longmeadow