Scorers : Barry Mason 90 + 2   /  Ami Rosario 76

Date : Wednesday 16th March 2016 - 7:45pm - Sydenhams Wessex Premier

Sholing : Ryan Gosney, Kevin Brewster, Marv McLean, Dean Faithfull, Dan Miller (Owen Roundell 62) Jamie Bulpitt, Barry Mason [c], Alex Sawyer, Dan Mason, Nick Yeomans, Jake Hoole.  Subs not used: Lee Webber, Pete Castle, Byron Mason, Jack Smith

Yellow Card :

Bournemouth Poppies : Elliott Broome, Will Lambert, Manny Ohameje, Chris Speers, Jon Blake, Chia Khider, Bryce Banfield, Ami Rosario, Dominic Allen, Fawzi Saadi [c], Dan Brennan.  Subs not used: Sam Turner, Jack Devaney

Yellow Card : 

Attendance : 52

Man of the Match : Marv McLean

Referee : Jake Topp  Assistants: Rod Burt & Eilidh Currie

SHOLING rescued a point against a challenging Poppies side, with Barry Mason’s late strike salvaging something for the Boatmen. With the game drifting towards a goalless draw, Ami Rosario popped up to give the visitors the lead. But with the points destined for Bournemouth, Barry Masons incredible - if not entirely intentional - strike broke Poppies hearts in the last minute. Indeed the away side will be sick of the sight of Sholing having also lost to Nick Yeomans wonder goal in the last minute of the reverse fixture.

A point was certainly well deserved by the Poppies, with Rosario coming close on several occasions in the first quarter of an hour. His first effort came just a few minutes in but his powerful effort was palmed away by Ryan Gosney and cleared by the returning Dan Miller.

When Bournemouth’s number eight, Rosario, found more space, twisting in the area, it took another perfect Miller tackle to clear the danger. Gosney almost gifted a the forward a comical goal when his clearance cannoned off of Rosario’s back but fell kindly into the relieved goalkeepers arms.

Sholing needed 12 minutes to fashion a chance. Barry Mason worked a cross and although Nick Yeomans was able to get a foot on the skippers ball, he couldn't generate the power to beat Elliott Broome.

As the Boatmen uncharacteristically struggled to get the ball forward, Rosario once again came close with an improvised header. With half an hour played Dominic Allen came closest to opening the scoring. However his header was cleared from under Gosney’s bar.

Moments later the forward worked enough space for a shot, but Gosney was equal to the effort. For Sholing, chances were few and far between and Jamie Bulpitt’s goal bound strike was the best the hosts could muster in a frustrating first half.

And the Boatmen’s struggles were summed up when Allen’s hopeful shot ricocheted kindly into the path of Rosario, but despite the forwards precise finish an on-form Gosney was on hand to acrobatically push the ball away. HT 0-0

Sholing started the second half the brighter of the two sides. Alex Sawyer’s 40 yard half volley that was claimed by a back peddling keeper, was speculative but showed signs of intent.

Ten minutes into the second half, Dan Miller clashed with Jon Blake in the middle of the park and was clearly rattled. His skewed clearance dropped for Allen, although the forwards shot was gathered by Ryan Gosney.

The injury eventually forced the defender off, but then came Sholing’s best chance. Jake Hoole was played into space, but when one on one, the teenager couldn’t angle his shot past Broome who gratefully palmed the ball away.

The substitution seemed to have changed the dynamic of the game too. With the Poppies front line playing deeper, Sholing found more time on the ball and were able to get beyond the visiting defence. Dan Mason’s squared ball found Hoole and his curling shot was headed away. The following corner dropped back to Kevin Brewster and the defender was able to redeliver to Yeomans although the youngster got minimal contact on his scissor kick.

A following Brewster corner was met by Barry Mason but the winger, again, couldn't apply the finishing touch. And a third Brewster cross was also met, this time by substitute Owen Roundell, with the keeper doing amazingly well to reach behind himself to claw the ball off the line.

But as the hosts were finally in control of the game they were hit by a sucker punch. A harshly awarded free-kick on the left hand side was whipped in by Fawzi Saadi and poked in at the near post by the ever threatening Rosario.

The Boatmen pressed for a leveller, and Barry Masons cross unfortunately evaded the gathering strikers and Nick Yeomans and Dan Mason both missed chances to add to their impressive goal tallies.

However, with no sign of a goal, a stroke of luck saw Sholing level. BARRY MASON's cross from 30 yards out on the angle, intended for Dan, looped over his brothers head and over the outstretched arms of Elliott Broome, nestling into the top corner and sparing Boatmens blushes.  FT 1-1

Report By Ollie Harvey

View from the stands:  As Dave Diaper is fond of telling his players, "if you can't get the three, get the one" and in a scrappy match from Sholing's perspective, we managed to get a deserved point.  Bournemouth played very well in the first half, belaying their league position with a display of pace and good passing, coupled with quick closing down of the Sholing midfield. Boatmen improved in the second half as the visitors appeared to tire, although their goal out of nothing boosted their running and I'm sure they'll feel hard done by to have not won the game. 

Thanks to our supporters for coming out on a bitterly cold night.

Next home game is on Saturday against Alresford Town, 3pm

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Scorers : Oliver Goddard 32, Jemal Wiseman 84 / Pete Castle 8

Date : Saturday 12th March 2016 - 3pm - Sydenhams Wessex Premier

Team Solent : Dion GIbbs, Glodi Nakanda, Myles Keizer-Burrows, Patrick Nolan, Oliver Goddard, Jim Orvis, Sam Byles, Jemal Wiseman, Martin Johnson (Lewis Pitts 88), Jesse Waller-Lassen, Matt Sheedy.  Subs not used: Steven Black, James Taylor, Ellis White, James Campbell

Yellow Card :

Sholing : Ryan Gosney, Kevin Brewster, Marvin McLean, Pete Castle (Owen Roundell 80), Dean Faithfull, Jamie Bulpitt, Barry Mason, Jack Smith (Nick Yeomans 46), Dan Mason, Byron Mason [c], Jake Hoole (Liam Attrill 69). Subs not used: Jordan Brooks

Yellow Card : Jack Smith, Marv McLean, Jamie Bulpitt, Dan Mason

Attendance : 71

Man of the Match : Marv McLean

Referee : Kwame Hinson  Assistants: Thomas McGhee & Robert Linter

SHOLING missed the chance to close in on the top 4 after a disappointing defeat at Team Solent. The Boatmen opened the scoring, with Pete Castle capitalising from a corner, but Oliver Goddard’s header restored parity for the University side and a late goal from Jamal Wiseman meant that Diapes' men left Test Park empty handed.

Team News: Dan Miller was unavailable, so Dean Faithfull partnered Pete Castle at the back. Marv continued at left back, with Jack Smith bought into midfield at the expense of Nick Yeomans up front.  Alex Sawyer watched on from the sidelines, hopefully soon to return to the squad.

It made a nice change not to have been constantly checking the weather forecast in the lead up to the game. So, Spring was in the air at Solent’s home ground, and there was a spring in the step of the Sholing side unbeaten in three, however it was the hosts that made the brighter start with Jesse Waller-Lassen testing Ryan Gosney with a free-kick in the second minute. Waller-Lassen - who recently underwent trials with Yeovil - was joined by his strike partner Martin Johnson whose chest-control turn and shot also saw Gosney scrambling.

Sholing - who hadn't conceded for 279 minutes before kick-off - were fortunate not to be behind after six minutes. The threatening Waller-Lassen was allowed space on the right flank and his precise delivery was met by an unmarked Johnson. A flat-footed defence could only watch as the bullet header cannoned back off of the left upright.

Moments later the visitors had the lead. After their first promising attack, Kevin Brewster was given the chance to deliver from a corner. His in-swinging ball found PETE CASTLE, but the defender - celebrating his 29th birthday today - smashed his header against the crossbar. He was quickest to the rebound though, and thumped the loose ball into the roof of the net.

But Team Solent came back, Matt Sheedy sent a volley arrowing past the post and Waller-Lassen managed to dribble into enough space to work a shot. However Sholing kept up their resolute defensive record, pressing quickly against opposition who moved the ball with pace.

It took 32 minutes for the Boatmens back line to be breached. A corner was cleared but the University side were able to shift the ball to Waller-Lassen. His sharp delivery was met by an unmarked Oliver Goddard, who made no mistake with his header from 8 yards.

Sholing ended the half with chances, firstly Byron Mason was able to drag the ball around the onrushing, and often erratic goalkeeper, Dion Gibbs, however his goal bound side footed effort was cleared from danger by Glodi Nakanda.

Jake Hoole also worried Gibbs with an improvised outside of the boot shot. The wingers 30-yard strike looped over the defenders but also narrowly over the bar. HT 1-1

A half-time change saw Nick Yeomans brought into the fray, replacing Jack Smith who had been booked in the first half.  In the first five minutes of the the second half, Marv McLean lunged into a impressive block on Martin Johnson and the ball was hacked to safety when Solent threatened. However, when Sholing looked to press home their pressure, Barry Mason could only send his cross-cum-shot over the bar.

As the half progressed Solent took more control, enjoying longer spells of possession and retaining the ball comfortably. They could have taken the lead when Waller-Lassen jinked into space only to see his curled effort blocked by a last ditch tackle by Kevin Brewster.

The Referee continued to book & lecture Sholing players for what appeared, very little, as the home side were quick to enthusiastically appeal after every little contact. Waller-Lassen, so often the danger man, flashed a shot at Gosney who could only parry back into the six yard box. Luckily the ‘keepers blushes were spared as there was nobody to tap the ball home.

With ten minutes to go, an uncharacteristic Sholing error almost gifted Solent the points. The ball was allowed to bounce, allowing Johnson to steal in behind however his shot skewed across goal.

But with five minutes remaining, Jemal Wiseman had the time and composure to bring a clearance down on his chest, and lashed a 20-yard well hit shot that Gosney, diving full length, got his hands to, but couldn't prevent the ball finding the net.

Although the Boatmen strived for an equaliser - including Dean Faithfull sending his unmarked header into the grateful arms of Gibbs - Wisemans goal proved to be decisive.  FT 2-1

Report by Ollie Harvey

View from the stands:  After a good run of performances, was disappointing to have not kept that going against an improving and very up for it, Team Solent side.  The home team, on the balance of play and possession probably did deserve all three points, but not for the first time this season, Sholing came away thinking we should have ground out a result. 

Next home game is on Wednesday 16th against Bournemouth Poppies, 7:45pm

Scorers : Owen Roundell 63

Date : Saturday 19th March 2016 - 3pm - Sydenhams Wessex Premier

Sholing : Ryan Gosney, Kev Brewster, Dean Faithfull, Owen Roundell, Marv Mclean, Barry Mason, Alex Sawyer (Luke Bergg 68), Jamie Bullpitt, Jake Hoole, Byron Mason [c], Dan Mason. Subs not used: Jordan Brookes, Nick Yeomans, Liam Attrill.

Yellow Card :  Dean Faithfull, Byron Mason

Alresford Town : John Howard, Carl Steadman, Aaron Blaxall, Gary Fulker, Ben Stanbrook, Dan Molyneaux, John Mulhern [c], Simon Everett, Rian Jima-Otero, Brian Howard, Oliver Yates. Subs: Michael Weatherall, Sam Carter, Maciej Marcinkowski, Cliff Walters.

Yellow Card :  Gary Fulker

Attendance : 84

Man of the Match : Jake Hoole

Referee : Josh Osafa  Assistants: John Bungay & Alan Haynes

SHOLING returned to winning ways thanks to an Owen Roundell goal against Alresford Town. The Boatmen thrashed the relegation contenders 7-1 earlier this season but this game was a lot tighter, with Roundell’s header proving decisive despite Alresford hitting the woodwork in the dying seconds.

Team News: Dan Miller was the major absentee for today’s game, he was replaced in the starting line up by Owen Roundell. Pete Castle was still out, but influential captain Byron Mason made his return to the side. Nick Yeomans was carrying a knock so dropped to a young looking bench that featured several development squad players.

Barely a minute had passed when former Saints, Barnsley & Reading midfielder, Brian Howard, tested Ryan Gosney with a speculative volley, but the keeper was equal to it. Following that, Sholing went straight up the field and Kev Brewster saw his cross fumbled by Alresford goalie John Howard, however no one was placed to convert.

Jake Hoole was already causing problems for the defenders with his pace in behind, and Sholing almost took the lead after he won a corner that was headed just over by Dean Faithfull. At the other end Kevin Brewster attempted to clear an in-swinging Alresford corner, but could only glance his header towards his own goal, but luckily for the right-back, it went over.

The match quietened down after that until superb footwork and balance from Hoole created a chance, but his hard struck cross just evaded Dan Mason from tapping home from close range. Alresford were next to threaten, when John Mulhern fired into the side netting after being played through by Rian Jima-Otero.

The Boatmen almost opened the scoring in the 20th minute, when Brewster fired towards the right goal, and his free kick clipped the post before going wide. Alresford then had an optimistic penalty appeal turned down when Howard went over, before Barry Mason saw a header go just over at the other end. Mulhern again went close, with his header going inches wide from a Carl Steadman cross.

Captain Byron Mason then had the best chance of the first half, but he couldn’t connect cleaning when he had a free header and put it wide. Dan Mason then thought he’d scored his 32nd of the season, but his poacher’s effort was quickly ruled out for offside. HT 0-0

Alresford dominated the opening to the second half, with Oliver Yates having a shot blocked on the line by a combination of Brewster and Roundell, before Simon Everett curled the ball wide from point blank range after being played through by Howard.

Despite the Alresford pressure, it was the Boatmen who took the lead just past the hour mark. They’d been dominant from set-pieces all day and it finally showed when an OWEN ROUNDELL downward header bounced over the line from a Brewster corner. The defender’s second league goal of the season dishearten the visitors and Sholing were happy to sit on their lead.

Luke Bergg became the 9th player aged 18 or younger to play for the first team this season, when he replaced Alex Sawyer. The youngster almost had a dream debut when he made space in the box for a shot, but at full stretch, Howard tipped his curling effort wide. The keeper was called into action once again when he blocked Dan Mason’s shot blocked after the striker failed to make full contact.

Alresford finally threatened to grab a point in stoppage time with a freekick on the edge of the box, but Brian Howard hit it into the wall. However, the ball stayed in the Sholing half and when Jima-Otero found Mulhern, the captain curled an effort against the bar before Yates fired the rebound over.

It was a heart in mouth for the Boatmen, but the referee blew the whistle shortly afterwards giving them a hard fought victory and a fourth clean sheet in the last five home games. FT 1-0

Photos by Ray Routlege (click an image to enlarge)

• Bulpitt Bulpitt
• Heads up Heads up
• Eyes on the ball Eyes on the ball
• D slides D slides
• Byron nods wide Byron nods wide
• Baz Baz
• Brewy facials Brewy facials
• Air Deano Air Deano
• Jamie shoots Jamie shoots
• Header goes over Header goes over
• Wouldn't mess with him skipper Wouldn't mess with him skipper
• Protect the valuables Protect the valuables
• Jake Hoole Jake Hoole
• Owen Roundell heads the only goal Owen Roundell heads the only goal
• Owen's header evades the men on the line Owen's header evades the men on the line
• Nestles in the back of the net Nestles in the back of the net
• Hugs all round Hugs all round
•  

Video Highlights by Matt Elnor

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Scorers :

Date : Thursday 24th March 2016 - 7:45pm - Sydenhams Wessex Premier

Horndean : Derek Harding, George Callard, Lee Tigwell, Sam Hookey (Albert Egboh 74), Matt Burt, Nick Tayler, Ryan Thomas (Dan Hayes 60), Jack Warren [c], Nathan Kirby, Mark Smith, Robbie Tambling (Josh Maloney).  Subs not used: Ian Humble

Yellow Card :  Sam Hookey

Sholing : Ryan Gosney, Kev Brewster, Marv McLean, Dean Faithfull, Dan Miller, Alex Sawyer, Barry Mason, Byron Mason [c], Dan Mason (Nick Yeomans 86), Zach Glasspool, Lee Wort (Jamie Bulpitt 80). Subs not used: Jack Smith, Owen Roundell, Liam Attrill

Yellow Card : Alex Sawyer, Zach Glasspool

Attendance : 85 (30 Sholing fans)

Man of the Match : Byron Mason

Referee : Imran Khan  Assistants: Jon Goodman & Paul Scott-Mundan

Sholing and Horndean played out a goalless draw in treacherous conditions at the Five Heads Park on Thursday night. The returning fans favourite Lee Wort, signed this week following his release from Gosport, came closest to scoring in a match where both defences stood firm and chances were hard to come by.

The stalemate was Sholing’s first goalless game of the season, ironically on the same night that manager Dave Diaper fielded three strikers; with other new signing, Zach Glasspool, joining Wort and Dan Mason in a deadly sounding trio.  Before the match, talk amongst fans was how Sholing would accommodate the new boys and the answer was to play Lee & Dan up front with Zach just behind.

The Boatmen made the quickest start, kicking down the slope but into the wind, with Wort powering through the centre of the pitch before whisking his fizzing left-footed curler inches wide of Derek Harding’s post. Sholing’s front men combined well early on to create openings for Alex Sawyer and Barry Mason but neither could trouble the home defence.

Captain Byron Mason pick-pocketed Sam Hookey and clambered through on goal but the outrushing Harding was quick to clear the danger.

At the other end, Robbie Tambling cleverly turned Dan Miller in the box and unleashed a low, left-footed drive towards the bottom right corner but visiting goalkeeper Ryan Gosney was on hand to parry away.

Wort soon had another chance to score - on his first Sholing appearance since the 2014 FA Vase final - but chose the more selfless option. The 24-year-old latched onto a missed clearance from Horndean’s Matt Burt and snuck his way past Harding before laying the ball off to Glasspool just inside the box. However, the prolific ex-Winchester City striker saw his shot blocked by Nick Tayler near the goal line.

The Dean thought they should have had a penalty in the 37th minute after Mark Smith was brought down in the box by Dan Miller, but referee Imran Khan waved away their protests.

As the first half drew to a close, Sholing seemed the more likely to score with both the two new boys’ going close – Wort and Glasspool seeing their tame efforts handled easily by Harding. HT 0-0

The rain got even heavier at the restart, blowing up the slope towards the goal that Sholing were attacking. Glasspool threatened again, cutting onto his left foot from the right wing before curling his shot just too far off the back post.

The hosts countered down the left hand side and nearly broke the deadlock through Robbie Tambling, but his skewered effort veered past Gosney’s far post.  Horndean lacked a killer touch in the 6 yard box as a low cross appeared to go through Gosney and flash across the goal, managing to avoid all the players gathered there.

Wort continued to menace the home defence with his dainty footwork and sharp shooting but he was unable to net his first Sholing goal since 2014 before he was substituted for Jamie Bulpitt in the 80th minute, to great applause from the 30 traveling Boatmen supporters.

A succession of corners in the dying embers saw Horndean look the most likely to snatch three points late on, with Tambling glancing wide and Tayler thrashing his well-struck volley over. FT 0-0

Report by Neil Vincent

View from the stands:  As often is the case when you are hoping for a goal-fest, it doesn't materalise. Game certainly wasn't helped by the awful weather as the new look Sholing front-line were unable to click instantly.  Although with both Lee & Zach short of games in the last month or so, they will probably need a couple of matches to get back their sharpness.  

Our set pieces weren't up to their usual standard, so all in all, made for a slightly frustrating game, which was probably as uncomfortable to play in as it was to watch for the hardy spectators who had the rain blowing in our faces for 90 minutes.  Looking at the positives, defence played well & Byron put in a storming performance.  

Next game is on Saturday, away at Blackfield & Langley (3pm)
Next home game is on Saturday 2nd April v Hamworthy United (3pm)