Winning in Whitchurch

A Jack Odam hat-trick fired us to a first Wessex League win in four games away to Whitchurch United.

In wet conditions, three goals from our captain led us to a 3-1 win and saw us move up to 12th in the league.

Coming into the match, Whitchurch sat two places below us but that gap was set to widen after an electric start for the Town. Josh Gibson raced into the box and was scythed down within 45 seconds of the opening whistle. Odam stepped up and sent the 'keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Odam soon had his brace to double our lead. Played in by strike partner Liam Magee, the Town skipper was full of composure as he slotted past the the home side's goalkeeper, despite the appeals for offside.

Into the second half and the visitors picked up where they left off. Again Magee linked up well with Odam as the forward completed his hat-trick with a powerful close range finish to take him to a remarkable 34 goals for the season.

Odam was then substituted after picking up a knock and the home side seem invigorated by this as they were soon back in the game. Former Town midfielder turned Whitchurch captain Chris Morris scored a header from a corner to make it 1-3.

However, that was all the hosts could manage as the Town picked up three points on the road.

We'll be back at Longmeadow next month for our big cup final against Basingstoke Town.

Attendance: 77

Next match: Ringwood Town (h) 9 April 2023, 3pm