Millwey Rise bank point from visit to Alphington

Millwey Rise took a point from their Macron League Division Five visit to Alphington III, writes Dick Sturch.

This was a game in which Millwey started off so positively in, but the contest gradually dissolved into a war of attrition at either end with defences resolutely fighting a rearguard action to hold out waves of attacks.

In Millwey’s strong back four young Frazer Beament deserves special mention for an outstanding display. Although there were chances for both sides to open the scoring none were taken before the half time whistle blew.

Within five minutes of the restart two players, one on either side had been booked as the game began to get a little feisty. Jack Farrant came off the bench and immediately made an impression beating three defenders in a mazy run towards the visitor’s goal, but was unable to finish it off with the strike it deserved.

The best move of the match saw an intricate passing sequence from Millwey resulting in Shayne Featherstone cleverly beating the keeper. There was great disappointment when this was judged offside by the home linesman. Sam Turner then put his laces through the ball from outside the box which, if it had been six inches lower, would have given the Alpha’s keeper no chance.

Shayne Featherstone moved into an out and out front player and provided a target for all the long balls played into the middle. Unfortunately no one took advantage of the opportunities he created. The game finished where it started with Millwey on top but unable to make their advantage pay.

Sam Turner definitely deserved the Man of the Match award and he, together with Frazer Beament, were Millwey’s most prominent players in this hard fought game.

The visitors to Cloakham Lawns on Saturday (December 3) are Beer Reserves (2.15pm).