Ford Focus.

The Season So Far:

Laverstock and Ford FC, one of the Salisbury-based teams in the Wessex League, are currently on a decent run of results – unbeaten since the 18th September in the league they currently lie in 7th position. Recent results include draws against high-flyers Bemerton Heath Harlequins, and Folland Sports who currently sit top and 3rd respectively. The only real blips recently were losing to Liskeard Athletic in the FA Vase, and being knocked out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup on penalties by local rivals Downton FC.

Today’s visitors to The Dell are recent newcomers to the Wessex League Infinity FC. They were promoted alongside Millbrook FC from the Hampshire Premier League for the start of this season. Presently sat in 18th position (out of 20), they are seemingly not having the best of seasons so far, and will be eager to put an end to the run of 5 consecutive league losses that they are currently on. Their debut campaign at this level got off to the perfect start on the Isle of Wight with a 2-0 win at East Cowes Victoria, but since then the team currently ground-sharing with Hythe and Dibden FC have only won 3 times in the league.

The Visit:

Laverstock is a village a couple of miles north east of Salisbury city centre. The football club lies just off the main road through the village, opposite a chip shop and convenience store. Entry is through a new-looking turnstile and indeed most of the ground is huddled in this corner, with a couple of small seated stands and some makeshift covered standing areas situated here. The changing rooms and clubhouse lie behind these buildings. Along the near touchline are the sizeable brick dugouts, leaving the remainder of the perimeter looking a tad bare.

Daylight was already fading as the match kicked off, and I overheard some of the home players discussing how soon the floodlights would be turned on. Russ Jones, wearing number 11 for Laverstock had the first sight of goal but could only shoot wide after a couple of minutes. The visitors’ first sniff at goal was seemingly unintentional, yet had George Baxter back-pedaling, and he was able to stop the ball dropping over the line. The referee had his notebook out soon after as he found himself having to book Infinity’s Josh Oxlade for a nasty looking tackle. Two minutes later Lavvy’s pressure finally told – Tommy Campbell-Smith prodding home after a teammate headed against the bar. Campbell-Smith almost added another but barely made contact at the back post as the ball surprised him by coming through a forest of players. The home side, and Campbell-Smith, didn’t have to wait much more than a minute to celebrate their second goal: away keeper Kieran Webster made a good stop but the striker was there to finish at the second time of asking. Webster was needed again just before the half hour mark, saving with his feet at the expense of a corner. The resultant set piece saw a home player heading just wide. Webster went from hero to villain with 8 minutes of the half remaining, as he tripped the onrushing Jones who would’ve been clean through on an open goal were it not for the keeper’s illegal intervention. Archie Lovegrove made no mistake from the spot. Half time saw the home side lead deservedly 3-0.

Just 3 minutes into the 2nd half, Lavvy won a freekick 20 yards out. Lovegrove stood up to take it and, being urged to shoot by a group of spectators, did so and found the top corner with some style. Lovegrove was in the heart of the action a few minutes later as he beat Webster to the ball. The midfielder got a toe to the ball and it looked goal-bound, but Lincoln Pepall got there in the nick of time to clear for a corner. After 56 minutes a home player was brought down in the box and gave Lovegrove the chance to complete his hattrick from 12 yards. He never looked like missing, and ensured he would be leaving with the match ball. Campbell-Smith almost found himself fighting for the match ball with Lovegrove but his shot from the corner of the penalty box clipped the post and went out for a goal kick. With 20 minutes remaining, home right back Harvey Roberts bundled his way into the box but the ball got away from him before he could get a shot off and Kieran Webster was able to claim it. A little over 10 minutes remained when Lavvy did get their 6th goal – Graham Mankin latching onto a loose ball and found the top corner with his impressive first time shot. Infinity were able to return south with a consolation goal with 6 minutes to go: Josh Oxlade squared the ball to Leon Lambert who finished well.

It was a one-sided affair, but some quality goals ensured that there was no lack of entertainment on offer. Laverstock will hope to push on and mount a promotion challenge, while Infinity will be aiming to turn things around and avoid an immediate return to County football.