Tuesday 4th February 2025
Venue: Cams Alders Stadium
Attendance: 161
New Milton Town exited the Velocity Wessex League Cup last night after a late 2-1 defeat at the Cams Alders Stadium to Wessex Premier Division side Fareham Town.
Manager Matt Maybury made nine changes to the lineup that defeated Folland Sports on Saturday, gifting valuable minutes to first-team squad players and under-18s Josh Kerney, Charlie Raisen and Ellis Cousens, all of whom impressed.
In Matt's absence, assistant manager Andrew Hardiman said the following.
"I was naturally disappointed to lose the game, especially given how late it was and how much effort everybody put into it, but I can’t praise the players enough for their performance. We struggled slightly in the first 15 minutes to get to grips with what was a very good Fareham Town side, but after that, I thought we were excellent.
We frustrated them with our patience and discipline out of possession and certainly grew in confidence with the ball to create some really good opportunities.
Those are the fine margins when you step up to a level where you can’t switch off otherwise you get punished. Despite that, it shows the strength in depth we have and that everybody is pushing each other to get in the team."
Fareham Town had the early chances and made their first one count on six minutes. A short corner kick led to Cameron Sullivan crossing for Stan Bridgman to head the ball past Ollie Bull. Minutes later, Fareham almost doubled the lead; Alfie Bridgman cut in on the right-hand side before striking the crossbar with a fierce left-footed strike.
Despite the early chaos, the Brickmakers eventually settled into the game and had chances through Toby Colmer and Heath Thornton. Jack Kinge-Phillips also had a long-range effort save well down low, whilst Brad Snelling headed onto the roof of the net just before halftime.
The second half brought with it an early equaliser. Jack Kinge-Phillips was released down the left-hand side and dribbled to the byline before a low cross found Toby Colmer, who tapped the ball into the net at the back post. It was a deserved leveller.
There were chances for both sides in the second half, with Ollie Bull being called into action on a few occasions, making three saves and showing some good handling with fizzing crosses and corner kicks aimed deep into the six-yard box.
Despite New Milton's push to win the game and reach the semi-finals, Fareham scored the all-important goal. A breakaway on the right led to Troy Wingman crossing low to the unmarked Sam Woodward, who couldn't miss from only three or four yards.
The Brickmakers will now have all focus on their Wessex League campaign as they push for promotion with a five-point lead at the top of the table. They will travel to Whitchurch United on Saturday for a 3 pm kick-off, their first of three away league games in a row.
New Milton Town: Ollie Bull, Ben Beard, Jack Foden, Cam Smith, Josh Kerney, Toby Colmer, Ollie Mayo, Charlie Raisen, Heath Thornton, Jack Kinge-Phillips and Brad Snelling
Substitutes Used: Ellis Cousens, Jack Broad, Callum McHale, Ash Booker, Barney Stone
Goals: Colmer 50
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