Fareham trap Badgers to extend perfect record

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM TOWN FC extended their perfect start within the Wessex League Division as they played Brockenhurst in their third fixture on Saturday afternoon (August 22); eventually getting this three-one success against their mid-table opponents following an efficient and hard-fought encounter that was enjoyed by 255 supporters in a dry Cams Alders.

However the hosts had a bad start as Brockenhurst opened this scoring after eleven seconds by Ashton Palmier who drilled a rocket past Declan McCarthy into the far corner from range. Marcelo Rossi was next shown a yellow card for fouls before Fareham created a first opening; Henri Graham placing one over under pressure by Badgers# defending.

Dan Bennett had a drive well saved by Brockenhurst goalkeeper Jordi Valero on twenty-one minutes, whilst the away team hit the posts with a shot across this goal seconds before a hydration break in warm temperatures. Once all play restarted Valero appeared lucky to get away with a punch outside the box but it turned out to be a finely timed header.

Another drive from Fareham was parried away by Valero as they pushed for this equaliser, which came after forty-two minutes as Dan Sibley hit his shot towards the far corner that was parried into the goal under pressure. And the home team put themselves ahead for the interval when Joe Ryan curled a beauty to the top left to make it 2-1 in added time.

Brockenhurst came out strongly for this second half and could have scored a second when a ball was played to Dylan Walker, whose initial attempt was brilliantly saved by McCarthy and its rebound was also denied. The visitors then got a number of corners but their momentum was ended when captain Toby Bailey was sin-binned for dissent on the hour.

Marley Ridge used the extra space in midfield and was unfortunate not to score himself on sixty-seven minutes as the chance failed to test Valero, who then pushed an effort by Sibley away from goal. Down the other end a deep ball was collected by Rossi and he went for this powerfully hit attempt, but this was cleared away via the immense Dan Walster.

Substitutions followed across both benches and Fareham killed this match off with fifteen minutes to play as Sam Paul got down the right; his ball missing everybody except Stan Bridgeman who slotted the drive home. There was still time for Brockenhurst to cause issues and Freddie Bullard blazed over after a brilliant stop by McCarthy for the final chance.

Despite their perfect start to this season, Fareham are only second in the current standings as other sides have played more matches due to FA Cup and FA Vase ties that has taken a priority in recent weeks. The Creeksiders do now have a clear run of league fixtures starting with a home match versus Cowes Sports next Saturday, before visiting Horndean.

PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN FC MEDIA: Home striker fires towards goal despite the attention of many defenders.