Saturday 21st December 2024
Venue: Potterne Park
Attendance: 86
New Milton Town delivered a dominant display on a cold Saturday afternoon, defeating Verwood Town 5-1 to ensure their place at the top of the Wessex League Division One at Christmas. Brad Snelling was the star of the show, netting a hat-trick in a memorable performance that put last season's demons of an 8-2 defeat to bed.
The Brickmakers started brightly, with Harry McGrath nearly breaking through for an early chance, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle.
It didn’t take long for New Milton to take control, though. On 21 minutes, Snelling displayed composure to sweep the ball into the corner of the net, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Barney Stone had a chance to double the advantage shortly after but shot wide. However, the second goal came soon enough. A scrappy effort just before halftime saw Jack Foden claim credit, although Snelling might argue he got the final touch.
With a 2-0 lead at the break, New Milton looked in control.
Verwood came out fired up in the second half and quickly halved the deficit. Craciun Sergio, who had been a constant threat down the right, weaved past two defenders and fired a shot past Ollie Bull to make it 2-1 just four minutes after the restart.
The goal energised the home side, who piled on the pressure and came close to an equaliser twice in quick succession. But as the momentum shifted, Snelling stepped up again. Jack Broad’s pinpoint pass split the Verwood defence, and Snelling coolly finished to restore the two-goal cushion.
Verwood nearly responded with a thunderous effort that rattled the crossbar, but New Milton took full control thereafter.
On 69 minutes, Snelling completed his hat-trick in style. His quick movement to meet a corner saw him powerfully head the ball into the net, and the away fans’ cheers grew louder when Barney Stone raced down the right wing before unleashing a stunning strike that flew past Toby Dinnivan to cap the scoring at 5-1.
Late in the game, there was a moment of celebration for Ollie Mayo, who came off the bench to make his 50th appearance for the club.
The victory extended The Brickmakers' unbeaten league run to 14 games and solidified their position at the top of the table. They now turn their attention to a highly anticipated local derby against Lymington Town next Saturday, with confidence running high.
New Milton Town: Ollie Bull, Elliott Pearce-Eavis, Jack Foden, Billy Maybury, Ben Beard, Jack Broad, Toby Colmer, Harry McGrath, Callum McHale, Barney Stone and Brad Snelling
Substitutes Used: Smith, Kinge-Phillips, Mayo, Moore and Thornton
Goals: Snelling 21, 61, 69, Foden 33, Stone 72
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