Report by Pete Martin
Salisbury picked up a point on the road as they played out a goalless draw away at Gosport Borough. With James Plant suspended Lucas Tomlinson came in to replace him; Brandon Goodship replacing Seung Yang in the White’s only other change.
It was a fairly slow start to the game, neither team managing to create much in the opening 10 minutes. The home side had a half chance with Dan Wooden seeing a shot blocked, whilst at the other end Tobi Ogundega saw his effort go well clear of the bar when a corner fell to him inside the box. On 14 minutes, Gosport had their first clear sight of goal; a good move down the right-hand side ended with Kavanagh whipping in a great ball but Brett Williams could only head over when well placed. On 20 minutes the home side again threatened, Brad Tarbuck curling a free kick narrowly wide whilst at the other end Tomlinson saw a shot blocked from just inside the area. With chances few and far between in the rest of the half, it was Salisbury who ended it stronger. Skipper Dan Fitchett fired a half volley over the top before, on 41 minutes Devon Arnold had the best chance of the game so far, only to see former Whites keeper Pat O’Flaherty deny him in a 1-on-1 when sent through.
Into the 2nd half and it was Gosport who started the stronger and they had 2 chances in quick succession around 52 minutes. Firstly Williams headed over when well placed in the box before Wooden saw his low shot tipped just wide by Salisbury keeper Gerard Benfield. As the half went on and the weather worsened, chances were thin on the ground at either end. With about 20 minutes to go, Gosport had their best chance of the game; Benfield doing well to get out quickly and stand up strong with Tarbuck in plenty of space at the back post. A couple of changes from either side failed to find anyone able to break the deadlock; a low Goodship freekick being touched wide by O’Flaherty being the closest either side came before the referee thankfully bought a halt to proceedings to end what was ultimately a drab affair at Privett Park.
Highlights
Dutts’ thoughts post-match
Salisbury are next in action on Saturday 18th March when they entertain relegation-threatened North Leigh at the Ray Mac in a 3 pm kick-off.
Team: Benfield, Brooks C, Sommerton, Roberts(Kherbouce), Ogundega, Bosma, McCreadie, Tomlinson, Goodship, Arnold(Yang), Fitchett(Fernandes)
