Millwey Rise suffer Hoole injury blow in defeat to Alphington

Millwey Rise were beaten 2-1 when they entertained Alphington in a Macron League Division Five game, writes Dick Sturch.

In a lacklustre first-half neither side had a worthwhile strike on goal. Unfortunately, for Millwey, Levi Hoole had to leave the field in the 15th minute with a serious knee injury and may now be unavailable for several weeks.

This, together with Tyler Warren being suspended, left them without a recognised striker. Frazer Beament was brought on to replace Hoole and the team was re-jigged to accommodate this.

The second half produced far more scoring opportunities for both teams. Minutes after the re-start, the home side missed a great opportunity to go ahead and paid the penalty a few minutes later when an unmarked Alphington forward tapped the ball into the net to give them the advantage.

However, this was cancelled out with a fantastic shot by Sam Turner from 25 yards out that flew past the goalkeeper who never moved.

From here on in both sides had clear cut opportunities to put the game to bed, especially Millwey, who once again paid the penalty for their misses. From a very harshly awarded free kick just outside their penalty area the ball was fired in low and found the foot of an Alphington forward who steered it past keeper Nathan Hoole for what proved to be the winning goal.

For Millwey, Nathan Wormsley, who took over the striker’s role, worked hard to find an equaliser with several shots going close. Zak Meaker made some timely interceptions in the middle of the defence and keeper Hoole made some important saves to keep his side in with a chance. Alphington included several players from their senior sides which certainly assisted their victory.

Millwey Rise visit Winchester on Saturday (November 12) in search of three Macron League points (2.15pm).