Hampshire League 2004.

Michelmersh & Timsbury 3, Durley 0.

After recently drawing away to Durley, Michelmersh expected another close game but from the start they dominated this Wednesday evening match.

Michelmersh had to play the first half with defender Danny Cole in goal as keeper Dan Thebe was held up in traffic, but the Mersh defence were in good form as they provided plenty of cover for the stand-in.

Michelmersh had the better of the play but yet again made hard work of scoring, until on 20 mins, Matt Brace and Alex Hoyle combined well for the latter to score with a superbly taken strike. This gave Michelmersh a big lift as they dominated the remainder of the half with Shane Lewis and Mike Hayward both going close.

The second half was a similar affair as Michelmersh remained mostly in control.

Playing against his former club, veteran Jon Lavers went close with a header while Durley had their keeper to thank for making several good saves, which kept the scoreline respectable. Finally, on 69 minutes, Michelmersh's persistence paid off when Hayward made a good run down the right to cross for Lewis to head home. This seemed to kill-off the Durley challenge and further pressure saw Hoyle and Danny White combine well to set up Lewis to score from close range.

Then, 15 mins from time, a ball down the left from Danny White found Alex Hoyle who crossed the ball in, found Shane Lewis in space where he slotted the ball home into the near post.

Michelmersh & Timsbury 2, Four Marks 6.

Last Saturday Michelmersh took on high-flying Four Marks for the third time this season and for the third time a sloppy spell in the second half saw the Marsh slump to another four goal defeat.

The first half was an even affair with both sides having good spells of pressure. Michelmersh defended well against the lively Four Marks attack but conceded a sloppy opening goal on the half hour mark, however they recovered well and within five minutes were on level terms when Shane Lewis scored direct from a corner. Michelmersh ended the half strongly with Lewis going close to putting them ahead when he hit the post.

Marsh suffered a set back at half-time when central defender Adam Needs was forced to retire and as they adjusted Four Marks stepped up a gear and four goals in 15 minutes saw them emphatically kill the game off. To their credit Michelmersh did regain their compsure but it was too late as Four Marks later added a sixth before striker Alex Hoyle headed home from close range after Danny Cole's well struck effort had struck the visitors cross-bar.

Michelmersh & Timsbury 2, East Lodge 1.

After recent defeats Michelmersh made a quick return to form with a good win against Portsmouth side East Lodge.

Michelmersh suffered a loss midway through the half when hardworking midfielder Shane Lewis was forced to retire after twisting his ankle. The final stages of the half saw both sides have good spells of pressure, East Lodge struck the cross bar after a powerful strike whilst Alex Hoyle and Gregg Meehan both went close for Michelmersh.

The second half was end to end as both sides stepped up their search for a breakthrough. Eventually, after a Jon Lavers rasper rattled the cross bar, their efforts paid off when a ferocious strike from Will Baggs caught the visitors keeper off gaurd to break the deadlock.

Michelmersh were guilty of dozing off as East Lodge equalised immediately after the home defence allowed the visitors striker to waltz through and pick his spot. Despite this setback, the Marsh continued to press and after several near misses they deservedly restored their lead when the alert veteran Lavers headed home.

East Lodge pressed hard for an equaliser but Michelmersh defended well although keeper Andy Bone had to be on hand to make two fine saves as the Marsh held on to secure a good victory, which keeps them handily placed in the table.