Poole Town 1-3 Gosport Borough – Match Report
Gosport closed Poole down quickly and Poole looked vulnerable defensively. Plain was almost lobbed within the first minute of play. Gosport were ahead on 10 minutes from a neatly worked free kick from Yearwood setting up Tarbuck to run in on goal whose shot deflected in. Chances continued for Gosport with Poole offering no threat. Poole had no shots on target. The only half chance came from Diaz’ cross to Slade but headed way over. For Gosport Yearwood saw his shot blocked after Poole gave the ball away cheaply. Then Tarbuck saw a shot well saved. Gosport got a deserved second just before half time. A simple corner Poole failed to challenge Agbeseyi for an easy header in. Very poor defending.
Lee saw his chipped shot just go over the bar early in the second half. Poole did look brighter with De Luca seeing his free kick sail just over the bar. 3 early second half substitutions saw Poole much improved, with the impressive Clarke proving a considerable threat. Forbes was also much improved second half. Chances fell to both teams with Whisken’s header blocked while Wooden saw his shot fall straight at Plain. It took until the 73rd minute for Poole to register their first shot on target through McCarthy. Poole gained hope when Holmes was bundled over in the box with McCarthy neatly converting the penalty on 79 minutes. Poole pushed for the equaliser but in the 8 minutes of added time it was Gosport who struck against the run of play. Gosport won the ball and Lee fired a great shot in to the corner to guarantee Gosport all 3 points. Things got even worse with Thomas (returning from suspension) being given a second yellow to receive his marching orders again.
An appalling first half performance by Poole (worst I have seen all season) consigned them to defeat. Closed down quickly, unable to pass accurately, no attacking threat just lumped the ball forward. Gosport passed neatly and opened up Poole’s defence very easily. Very depressing. At least they improved second half – but why does it always seem to be after subs made around the hour mark that Poole come to life? The play offs seem a long way off as things currently stand.