Hampshire Division Three

WEYMOUTH 2 BASINGSTOKE II 1

LEADERS Weymouth remain the only unbeaten side in Hampshire Division Three after disposing of Basingstoke Seconds in a top-of-the-table clash.

The match itself was in serious doubt prior to push-off following snow the night before but players, spectators, family and friends grabbed a brush and managed to clear the Redlands pitch.

Andy Gallivan, a double vase winner for Weymouth, made a welcome return to the side.

Both teams started brightly but home skipper Dan Dukes and the opposing keeper made some great saves.

One of Weymouth’s best chances came down the right wing with Sam Drewitt taking the ball to the baseline and squaring to Steve Membury, only to be denied by a brilliant close-range stop.

Short corners have been key to the Seasiders’ attack so far this season, but this time they could not be converted into goals.

A good clean strike from Matt Lawes and powerful flicks from Patrick May were once again thwarted by the gloveman.

Weymouth did not have the best of starts to the second half, as Basingstoke scored the opening goal.

The home side’s response came fairly quickly though, with May setting up Andy Stiles for a sweet first-time shot into the roof of the net.

Weymouth’s in-form defensive back row of Simon Harvey, Wayne Goff, Matt Underhill and Michael Westlake proved hard to break down, with the latter having a stand out game in particular.

Their resolute nature proved crucial as Weymouth went on to score an all-important second.

May broke into the D and reverse hit the ball to the back post where he picked out the perfectly placed Drewitt to tap into the bottom corner with only five minutes left on the clock.

Basingstoke gave it their all in the dying seconds but a Dukes save from a short corner ensured there was to be no late leveller.

Another tough test awaits the Sea-siders this weekend as they visit another of their title rivals – Romsey.

The Lazy Lizard Man of the Match: Michael Westlake