A thrilling weekend of football saw Overton’s first team secure an important draw, the Reserves take a one-goal advantage in their semi-final, and the club’s Veterans embark on a new era. Exciting times lie ahead for Overton FC.
First Team Battle to a Draw Against League Leaders
Overton 1st team faced a crucial test on Saturday as they traveled to take on league leaders and champions-elect Broughton in the Hampshire League. With promotion hopes still alive, it was a game that Overton simply could not afford to lose.
The visitors made an impressive start and were rewarded on 15 minutes when Adam Hargood confidently slotted home a penalty into the bottom left corner to give Overton a deserved lead. However, Broughton responded before the break, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to level the score.
Overton dominated the second half but were unable to find the decisive goal, with the match ending in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. While they missed the chance to take all three points, the result keeps their promotion hopes intact.
Reserves Pull Off Dramatic Comeback in North Hants Cup Semi-Final First Leg
In cup action, Overton Reserves took on North Warnborough in the semi-final first leg of the North Hants Cup, with the match being relocated to Overton’s Bridge Street ground at the last minute.
Despite boasting a strong lineup, Overton struggled in the first half and fell behind early. However, they found an equalizer through Jack ‘Friday Night’ Page’s excellent work, setting up Louis ‘Mad Dog’ McCann, who shrugged off a defender and finished clinically on 20 minutes. But North Warnborough regained the advantage just before the break, making it 2-1 at halftime.
A fired-up Overton side emerged for the second half, but Warnborough extended their lead to 3-1. With the game slipping away, manager Darryl Taylor made key tactical changes, introducing Declan Muspratt, whose physical presence and ‘Whitchurch Grit’ unsettled the opposition.
The changes sparked a remarkable comeback. Matty Dean pulled one back for 2-3, followed by Jamie Smith’s superb free kick to level the game at 3-3. The momentum fully swung in Overton’s favor when local talent Cameron Harper unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike to put them ahead 4-3. His goal was matched only by an equally memorable celebration.
Overton pushed for a fifth but had to settle for a narrow lead heading into the second leg in four weeks’ time.
An unexpected and, frankly, miraculous comeback happened, facilitating a 4 – 3 home win! Frankly, Overton were woeful in the first half, but the opposition ‘took their foot off’ and a 4 – 3 loss ensued. The home crowd couldn’t believe it and nor could the opposition. What a game! All to play for in the second leg.
Overton United “Ultra” Mark Dawson
Overton Sundays were called off this morning due to boggy conditions and the Vets travel to Binfield this morning for their league tie under the new management regime of Nick Breeze and Red Lion Patron Gavin Jones.