Brockenhurst 1 Winchester City 1
Owing to the wealth of fixtures that City have to play over the next few weeks, manager Neil Hards took the opportunity to play an unfamiliar looking side for this Sydenhams Wessex League Cup Semi Final first leg. With arguably only three players likely to start in the F A Vase semi final with Bideford in ten days time, City gave first team debuts to former Ilford and Aveley midfielder Joe Dixon along with Danny Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick a striker who has also seen Ryman League service with Wingate and Finchley, Hertford Town and Boreham Wood.
Despite an understrength side City looked as though they would have won the tie and have the advantage of an away goal that will count double in the scores are level at the end of the second leg later this month. It was only a mistake five minutes from time that allowed Brockenhurst to secure a draw.
City went ahead on twenty minutes, Liam Greens cross was excellently controlled by Steve Tate before slotting the ball home for his first goal in the City senior side. Danny Smith was unfortunate to see his header cleared off the line on the half hour and David Goss also had a header saved by Brockenhurst goalkeeper Ian Brunnschweiler.
City had to replace Smith shortly before the interval with a hamstring injury, whilst Brockenhurst created their first opening, Dominic Taylor having his effort well saved by Ollie Rastall.
Brockenhurst had more chances in the second period as the City midfield lost their way. Alan Wright shot low past Rastall but his effort hi the foot of the post, whilst Kevin Brewster shot wide when well placed for City. Taylor had another effort saved by Rastall although play never really lived up to high expectations on a freezing evening.
Steve Waites cross was collected by Tate and he looked in despair as Brunnschweiler saved his goalbound attempt. Brewster played in new boy Fitzpatrick but his shot was stopped by the keeper also. Brockenhurst showed further warning signs with skipper Paul White firing a long range effort just wide.
With five minutes remaining a long ball pumped into the City area from a free kick saw former Brock goalkeeper Rastall rise for the ball. The ball slipped through his hand and fell invitingly for Brock centre back Dominic Bryan to bundle over the line and give his side a draw.
The goal means an evenly matched second leg at the City Ground on Tuesday 23rd March.
City : Rastall, Waite, L Green, Smith (Blake 41), Goss, Lang, Webber, J Dixon, Tate, Fitzpatrick, Brewster Unused subs G Green, Moss
Owing to the wealth of fixtures that City have to play over the next few weeks, manager Neil Hards took the opportunity to play an unfamiliar looking side for this Sydenhams Wessex League Cup Semi Final first leg. With arguably only three players likely to start in the F A Vase semi final with Bideford in ten days time, City gave first team debuts to former Ilford and Aveley midfielder Joe Dixon along with Danny Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick a striker who has also seen Ryman League service with Wingate and Finchley, Hertford Town and Boreham Wood.
Despite an understrength side City looked as though they would have won the tie and have the advantage of an away goal that will count double in the scores are level at the end of the second leg later this month. It was only a mistake five minutes from time that allowed Brockenhurst to secure a draw.
City went ahead on twenty minutes, Liam Greens cross was excellently controlled by Steve Tate before slotting the ball home for his first goal in the City senior side. Danny Smith was unfortunate to see his header cleared off the line on the half hour and David Goss also had a header saved by Brockenhurst goalkeeper Ian Brunnschweiler.
City had to replace Smith shortly before the interval with a hamstring injury, whilst Brockenhurst created their first opening, Dominic Taylor having his effort well saved by Ollie Rastall.
Brockenhurst had more chances in the second period as the City midfield lost their way. Alan Wright shot low past Rastall but his effort hi the foot of the post, whilst Kevin Brewster shot wide when well placed for City. Taylor had another effort saved by Rastall although play never really lived up to high expectations on a freezing evening.
Steve Waites cross was collected by Tate and he looked in despair as Brunnschweiler saved his goalbound attempt. Brewster played in new boy Fitzpatrick but his shot was stopped by the keeper also. Brockenhurst showed further warning signs with skipper Paul White firing a long range effort just wide.
With five minutes remaining a long ball pumped into the City area from a free kick saw former Brock goalkeeper Rastall rise for the ball. The ball slipped through his hand and fell invitingly for Brock centre back Dominic Bryan to bundle over the line and give his side a draw.
The goal means an evenly matched second leg at the City Ground on Tuesday 23rd March.
City : Rastall, Waite, L Green, Smith (Blake 41), Goss, Lang, Webber, J Dixon, Tate, Fitzpatrick, Brewster Unused subs G Green, Moss
Document last updated: 07/06/2007
