Dorset Premier League Cup 1st Round 2nd Leg ( Saturday 29-11-08)

The Reserves were up against it from the start, they would have had to been winning by three clear goals at the end of ninety minutes just to take the game to extra time. They fielded several of the Youth Squad some of them still only sixteen years old. The youngsters all played very well, and deserved at least a draw for their efforts at the end.
There was nothing to choose between the two teams in the first half with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game. Very few clear cut chances were created, and neither Keeper had to make a difficult save. The nearest the Hammers came to scoring was when Sam Lanahan broke through the middle and into the box, but unfortunately could not get enough power on his shot. The Keeper was beaten, but a Sturminster defender was able to clear the ball off the goal line to deny United the lead. The score remained 0-0 at the break.
The Hammers started the better of the two teams, and almost took the lead twelve minutes into the second half. Hamworthy were awarded a direct free kick just on the edge of the penalty box by the Referee. Darren Orchard’s well struck kick took a deflection off the wall before the ball looped inches wide of the woodwork with the Keeper rooted to the spot,and well beaten. Stur immediately took play up the other end, and won a throw in which led to them opening the scoring. The ball was played into the six yard box before being laid back for the Sturminster man to scramble home. The lead was increased five minutes later as the United defence was again caught off guard. This resulted in Wayne Robbins being lobbed for the goal as he ran out to try to cut out the danger. To their credit the Hammers did not give in and their young forwards created several openings, but unfortunately could not finish off their good approach work. They did finally get a consolation goal in the dying minutes when Darren Orchard finished a good move to make it 2-1 at the end of play.
The good thing that came out of the match was that several youngsters gained valuable experience of the man’s game, and if they continue to improve in the next year or so the future of the Club can only get better.

Team: W. Robbins, R. Flower (M. Hassen), S. Coats, J. Cole, S. Griffiths, C. Miles (L. Pidgley), D. Orchard, M. Seal, M. Wynne, S. Lanahan, S. Lee-Whaley (L. Williams)   Unused Sub T. Rees

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (29-11-08)
On a heavy pitch, in awful weather conditions, and away to probably the strongest squad in the Wessex Premier league. This was always going to be a difficult game for the Hammers, with Ollie Cherrett out injured, and Nathan Walker suspended. Michael White on his welcome return played alongside Steve Gilbert at the centre of the defence.
In the 10th minute the Hammers defence backed off too far, and gave VT the time and space for Paul Sales to slide the ball wide of Martin Peters to make it 1-0. From the restart the Hammers immediately broke forward, and an excellent piece of play from Stuart Cannie opened the VT defence up. Warren Byerley’s shot was well pushed away by the VT goalkeeper, but the ball cleared only as far as the edge of the penalty area. The ball was met by Max Crow who had made up a lot of ground, and his powerful accurate shot hit the back of the net to put the Hammers level at 1 – 1. Paul Sales had a shot deflected for a corner, from which the ball was headed just over the bar. Ryan Dovell broke forward on the left side, and cleverly lobbed the VT defence. Stuart Cannie did really well to get onto the end of it. His looping header was brilliantly finger tipped onto the bar and then cleared. Minutes before half time, Warren Byerley was penalised for holding inside penalty area, when it looked hand ball by the VT defender. A magnificent free kick was launched at the VT goal from a good 25 yards by Stuart Cannie. The goalkeeper once again denied United with a top class save, and pushed the ball away. The Hammers were worthy to be in front at half time, but at 1 – 1 all Hammers fans were well pleased with their efforts.
 In the second half the weather worsened, with the driving rain causing the pitch to became very heavy. Soon after the restart the Hamworthy defence once again stood back which gave Ryan Ashford the time and space to shoot from just inside the area to give VT the lead. To their credit the Hammers then had a good 10 minute spell pressing forward at every opportunity. A brilliant dribbling run by Ryan Dovell on the right, took him into the penalty area to shoot. The VT goalkeeper somehow got down to just touch the ball around the post for a corner. VT who were very strong in midfield hit the post with a deflected shot. The ball rebounded across the line and was scrambled over by Kevin Brewster. From a good break, and cross from the left Paul Sales had time to direct a firm header to put VT 4 – 1 ahead. Soon after it took a very good Martin Peters save to stop another goal bound effort. On the day the Hammers were equal to VT for an hour but from then on ins the strength of the VT midfield deservedly won them the game. For all that everybody there agreed that the score line did flatter VT.

Team: M. Peters, K. Yelland, S. Lockyer, M. Crow M. White, S. Gilbert, R. Mc Cabe, M. Dancer, S. Cannie, W. Byerley (T. Jeffes), R. Dovell.
Unused Subs T. Constable, G. horlock, M. Claremont.

Dorset Premier League (Saturday 22-11-08)

The Reserves did well to win this game away to Cobham especially as they played most of the game with ten men. Joint Player Manager Gary Clark was sent off early in the game following a tussle with a Sports player.
Cobham took the lead when ex-Hammer Tim Vucevitch got on the end of a cross to score. The United ten men defended well and took everything that Cobham threw at them as they tried to increase their lead. The Hammers hard work was rewarded when they drew level with a Michael Wynne headed goal. The Reserves held solid as Cobham became more frustrated as they failed to find a way through a well organized United rearguard. Their frustration was made complete five minutes from the end of the game. Tom Coats struck to give Hamworthy the win, but more importantly keep Cobham below them in the league.

Team: W. Robbins, M. Seal, S. Coakes, J. Cole ( R. Flower), S. Griffiths, S, Jones, D. Orchard, M. Wynne, G. Clark, M. Claremont, D. Watts.
Unused Sub J. Keating

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Tuesday25-11-08)

This was not one of the Hammers more entertaining wins as they struggled to overcome one of the teams battling in the relegation zone of the league. They created a lot of chances without much luck especially in the first half, but once again they were guilty of letting in a couple of sloppy goals. Phil Simkin was forced to make changes with players being ill, injured or unavailable. Top goal scorer Warren Byerley being one of them. The main thing was the fact they won not playing very well, and the win moves them up into joint twelfth place in the league, with games in hand of all their rivals.
Hamworthy playing for the first time ever at The Dell began the game kicking up the slope and soon went close with a Stuart Cannie shot just past the post. Laverstock took an early lead against the run of play when a long ball out to the left was fed into the middle. Hamworthy looked to have this covered, but a misunderstanding caused hesitancy between the Keeper and his defence. This allowed a Laverstock striker to take full advantage and open the scoring. United were back on level terms in the thirteenth minute from a corner headed in at the far post by Steve Gilbert. The Hammers always looked the more dangerous of the two sides. Stuart Cannie hit the ball just inches wide following his jinxing run into the box, and Max Crow hit the post with a header from an acute angle with the Keeper well beaten. Laverstock used the long ball out to attack Hamworthy when ever possible, but despite some good work were unable to get a real telling shot in on goal, and so the score remained 1-1 at the break.
Play continued in the second half much the same as in the first with United looking the more likely team to score. The Home side harassedand frustrated them at every opportunity, before hitting them on the break. The Hammers took the lead just before the hour when Sam Lockyer worked the ball down the left, and picked out Stuart Cannie, who then touched the ball on for Tom Jeffes to score.  Just when it looked as if Hamworthy were in control Laverstock quickly broke out and once more caught the United defence off guard to score the equalizer. This only lasted a couple of minutes before Stuart Cannie was tripped from behind on the edge of the box as he ran in on goal with just the Keeper to beat. Tim Constable’s well struck free kick saw the ball hit the wall before looping over the Keeper,and into the net to restore the lead. The Hammers this time made sure they made no further mistakes to win the game 3-2 at the final whistle.

Team: M. Peters, S. Lockyer, M. Crow, S. Gilbert, N. Walker (Capt), K. Yelland, M. Dancer, R. Dovell, T. Constable, S. Cannie , T. Jeffes.
Unused Subs J. Cole, M Claremont.                      

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 29-11-08)
A spirited second half display from the Hammers saw them through to a comfortable 3-0 win. This did not look possible at half time when a draw looked the most likely out come. Hamworthy have now scored eight goals in their last three games, and even more important about this match was the fact that they did not concede any. This has only happened so far in one previous league game this season. United started with the same line up that beat Shrivenham in the Vase so new signing Sam Lockyer had to begin on the bench.
Goal scoring opportunities were very rare in the first half with both defenses on top for most of the time. The Hammers lost Ollie Cherrett early in the game to a block tackle that left him needing a stretcher, and possible ligament damage. The Harlequin player must have been very relieved to have only received a yellow card, and not a red from the Referee. Martin Peters had to make a very good save and push a goal bound shot round the post in Bemerton Heath’s best effort of the game. United were also relieved when Cherrett’s replacement Greg Horlock sliced the ball over his own cross-bar as he attempted to clear, soon after coming on. The score remained 0-0 at the break.
The visitors started the second period much the better of the two teams, but soon found themselves a goal down. United broke out of defense eight minutes into the second half, and were awarded a corner. Steve Gilbert nodded the cross on for Stuart Cannie to beat his fellow Striker Warren Byerley striker to the ball, and head home. The goal appeared to relieve the pressure on the Hamworthy team, and they now began to control the game. United deservedly increased the lead in the sixty third minute with a move started, and finished by Warren Byerley. He found Stuart Cannie in the corner with a good pass, who then delivered a dangerous cross into the six yard box. Substitute Sam Lockyer just failed to make contact, but top goal scorer Byerley was on hand to drive the ball low into the net. The Hammers were now well on top with the Quins never really looking like getting back into the game. The game was put completely out of their reach shortly before the end of play. Stuart Cannie was found by an accurate long pass over the top from the Hamworthy half. He kept his cool to run straight through a now dispirited Bemerton Heath defense to score his second, and United’s third goal to complete a very satisfactory double over the Salibury side.

Team: M. Peters, M. Crow, R. Dovell, O. Cherrett (G. Horlock), N. Walker (Capt), S. Gilbert, T. Constable (S. Lockyer), M. Dancer, S. Cannie, W. Byerley( T. Jeffes) K. Yelland. Unused Sub: L. Thomas

F.A. Vase 2nd Round Replay (Wednesday 19-11-08)

Unlike the previous game which was a closely contested affair the Hammers ran out convincing winners in the replay. Richard Jackson (suspended) and Max Crow (injured) were not available for selection. Ryan Dovell and Lee Thomas both recovered from injuries were able to start a game for the first time in weeks.
United attacked right from the start, and were rewarded with a goal after only ninety seconds. Steve Gilbert nodded on a free kick which was headed in by Warren Byerley ghosting in at the far post. Hamworthy kept up the pressure, and almost immediately scored again, but Ollie Cherretts goal bound effort was saved by the Keeper’s feet. Shrivenham were giving away too many free kicks and corners as they tried to stem the tide, and eventually paid the price. A twenty yard Ryan Dovell free kick took a wicked deflection looping the ball over the Goalie’s head and into the net to make it 2-0 after thirty four minutes. Six minutes later United increased their lead still further with a goal from Central defender Ollie Cherrett. A rare mistake by Martin Peters on the stroke of half time gave the Shrivies a slight glimmer of hope. A twenty five yard free kick appeared to be safely caught by the Hamworthy Keeper above his head, but under no real threat he dropped the ball. A Shrivenham Forward was on hand to scramble the ball over the line to make it 3-1 at the interval.
The Shrivies came out to have a real go at getting back into the match in the second half. Their lively front runners combined well, but were prevented from getting a real telling shot on goal by a well organized Hamworthy defense. The visitors did get the ball in the back of the net, but the Assistant Referee had his flag up well before it went in. As the game drew to a close, and the opposition began to lose a little heart the Hammers gradually got on top again. With five minutes remaining Stuart Cannie finished off a Hamworthy move from close range to complete the scoring and ensure his team entry into the last sixty four of the competition. 
 Phil Simkins must have been delighted with his team’s performance especially getting four goals against a side that had proved to be such tough opposition in the first match. The Hammers now go on to meet Hungerford Town the leaders of the Hellenic Premier League at the County Ground on Saturday 6th December 2008.

Team: M. Peters, C. Yelland, R. Dovell, O. Cherrett, N. Walker (Capt), S. Gilbert, R. McCabe, M. Dancer, L. Thomas (T. Constable), W. Byerley, S. Cannie
Unused Subs:  G. Horlock, M. Claremont, J. Cole, W. Robbins

Dorset Senior Trophy 2nd Round Replay ( As Reported on the Poole Borough Website)
The game followed the same pattern as the week before with a state of déjà vu evident to all. Hamworthy started the brighter and looked to pin Borough back, however the defence held firm, as the half drew on, Borough started to find their feet as they got their passing game together, MADGEWICK & Watson scrapping for every ball and releasing MULVEY & DE BEN to cause Hamworthy trouble down the flanks. Chances were at a premium though and it took until the 33rd minute before a header from PORTER caused problems, however Borough were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute after a foul, up stepped MULVEY, whose shot was easily saved.
The second half saw the game ebb & flow with both sides creating chances only to see both defences hold firm, KNIGHT had to be quickly down in the 65th minute to save well. Moments later and for the second week running a Hamworthy player saw red as he was adjudged to of used an elbow. This incident spurred Borough forward as they stepped up the pace and took the game to Hamworthy and both DE BEN & WOLDON went close as the game moved towards full time, but at the other end, FORSTER with a last ditch tackle in the 88th minute kept the scores level, and so again to extra time.
Borough were clearly the fitter side as Hamworthy continued to back off and in the 98th minute PORTER was denied just as he was going to shoot. A cross shot also caused the visitors problems but as the extra time drew on both sides seemed resigned to a penalty shoot out and so it was to be.
Going second in the shoot out, Hamworthy converted their first, up stepped WATSON 1-1, Hamworthy missed their next one, WOLDON made it 2-1, 2-2 became 3-2 to Borough when HEBDON slotted home, Hamworthy made it 3-3, MULVEY, showing great character stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way 4-3, this became 4-4 as Hamworthy converted their last penalty, up stepped FORSTER to win it, this he duly did to spark scenes of celebration as he was buried under a deluge of players 5-4.
Team: R. Flower, M. Seal, S. Coats (D. Watts), S. Griffiths, B. Williams, M. Hassen (J. Cole), D. Orchard, M. Glavin, S. Lanahan, M. Wynne, C. Miles,
Unused Subs: J. Keating, U. Msaud, S. Jones

F.A. Vase 2nd Round (Saturday 15-11-08)
A draw was probably a fair result after both teams at one point must have thought that they had the game won, only to have it taken away from them at the last minute.  The pitch had a considerable slope on it, and the uneven sticky surface made playing conditions difficult. Tom Jeffes was cup tied for the match, but Max Crow had recovered from a heel injury, and returned to the Hamworthy line up.
The Hammers started off kicking down the slope with Shrivenham trying to hit them on the break with their small, but very quick strikers. Ten minutes into the game Richard McCabe had a twenty yard pile driver fisted away by the Keeper. United were often guilty of over hitting their passes down the slope, and the pace of the little Shrivy striker was causing problems as the ball held up coming up the hill. Martin Peters made a good save shortly before another Shrivenham low goal bound strike hit one of their own players. Warren Byerley had a good chance to take the lead when he was put through on goal, but after drawing the Keeper he rolled the ball just past the post. The score remained 0-0 at the break.
Martin Peters had to push the ball over for a corner straight after the interval, but it was the Hammers who took the lead two minutes later. A long throw in from the left was nodded on to Warren Byerley who did well to squeeze the ball in at the foot of the far post from a difficult angle. Shrivenham applied more pressure as the game went on, but Martin Peters and the Hamworthy defense held firm until three minutes from the end of normal time. United were on the attack, and thought that Richard Jackson had kept the ball in as he cut in dangerously along the bye line. The Referee from distance thought differently hoever, and without consulting his Assistant, awarded a goal kick. This was taken quickly catching the Hammers out of position. The bounce was misjudged by Ollie Cherrett who up to that point had played so well. This allowed the Shrivy striker through on goal with a shot that gave Martin Peters no chance, and level the tie. Hamworthy almost won it at the final whistle, but for a diving goal line save by the Home Keeper.
The first period of extra time continued with both teams being fairly evenly matched, and looking for a winner, but no further goals were added. The Home side did eventually take the lead with a well worked goal. A Shrivy player broke out, and ran straight at the United defense before splitting them with a pass to the left wing. The resulting cross into the six yard box was slid over from close range for what looked like a certain winner. Hamworthy were not finished yet however and they ensured the replay with a text book Nathan Walker header from a corner just before time ran out.

Team: M. Peters. M. Crow. R. Jackson, O. Cherrett, N. Walker (Capt), S. Gilbert, K. Yelland (R. Dovell), R. McCabe, M. Dancer, W, Byerley, S. Cannie (G. Horlock). Unused Subs M. Claremont, W. Robbins.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Wednesday 12th November 08) 

Once again an under par Home performance led to the Hammers dropping three valuable points, and with it the chance to climb several places up the table. From Saturday’s winning team against Wimborne Max Crowe was left out with a heel injury, and striker Tom Jeffes was unavailable. What made this game even more disappointing was the fact that Fareham was only two places above United before this game, and it was one that they should have got something out of.
The Visitors were much the better side for the first twenty minutes, and it took them just half of that time for them to take the lead. A poor clearance by Hamworthy went straight to a Town player who took the ball up the right wing. The resulting cross was missed by both a United defender, and a Fareham attacker, but found Ryan Lock at the far post who scored to make it 1-0. The Town continued to have slightly the better of things and increased their lead eight minutes later from a free kick. Wayne Boud’s shot hit the inside of the post before the ball travelled across the goal face, and in at the far post giving Martin Peters no chance. The Hammers raised their game, and went close several times before eventually pulling a goal back a quarter of an hour before the break.  A United shot was not cleared properly, and Stuart Cannie followed through to score his first league goal for the Hammers. Hamworthy were very unlucky not to have equalized soon after when an Ollie Cherrett thunderous free kick hit the outside of the post before going out, with the Keeper well beaten. Despite all their efforts United were unable to get back on equal terms before the break, the score remaining at 2-1.
The second half began with the Hammers looking for an equalizer, but a well marshaled Fareham Defense, and some poor United final balls made sure this did not happen. Gradually as the second period went on, Hamworthy appeared to run out of attacking ideas which allowed the Town to once again have more of the attacking play. They too however were unable to increase their lead and Martin Peters had no trouble dealing with anything that came his way. The Fareham Manager was sent from the dug out for using foul and abusive language shortly before the end of the game, but must have been delighted to have picked up all three points.

Team: M.Peters, K. Yelland, S. Gilbert, O. Cherrett, N. Walker (Cpt), S. Constable, R. McCabe, M. Dancer, S. Cannie ( M. Claremont), W. Byerley, R. Jackson.  Unused Subs J. Cole, G. Horlock, B. Williams, W. Robbins

Dorset Senior Trophy Round 2 (Saturday 08-11-08
The Reserves met stiff opposition from a team that have yet to lose this season in their league matches. The Hammers were not helped by the fact that they were several players short due to injury including having no recognized keeper. Joint Manager Richard Flower went in goal with the other Joint Manager Gary Clark starting up front. The Home bench was occupied by four sixteen year olds from the Youth Team, all getting valuable experience of Men’s Football.
The early exchanges were evenly matched with both sides finding it difficult to break through for a clear shot on goal. The first real chance fell to the Hammers after thirteen minutes when a good effort from Gary Clark was saved at full stretch by the Borough Keeper. Hamworthy at this point were looking a little stronger than the opposition, but an injury to defender Sean Griffiths did not help their cause. The experienced pairing of Brett Williams and Greg Horlock ensured that their stand in Keeper was well protected and most Poole efforts came from distance, and were comfortably dealt with. There was no goals scored before the break
Gary Clark gave way to young Luke Pidgley after the break as both teams went looking for a breakthrough. It was Hamworthy who got it ten minutes into the second half when Michael Glavin got in front of the keeper Andy Nights to head in a left wing cross. At the other end Richard Flowers did well to deflect a corner on to the post before it was cleared. United nearly doubled their score when a Brett Williams header from a free kick was just tipped over. The Borough to their credit got stronger as the game developed, but drew level from a somewhat debatable means. As the Hammers broke out of defense and were heading towards the halfway line, the Referee pulled back play to just outside the penalty box and awarded the Hornets a direct free kick. Kieran Mulvey took full advantage by driving the ball under the diving United keeper to level the scores after seventy seven minutes. This lifted the Visitors and they now got on top of a tiring United team whose cause was not helped by Mark Seal getting sent off. He received a second yellow card shortly before the end of normal time with the sore at 1-1.
Extra time was dominated by Poole Borough who were shouted on by their many supporters, and first team players whose game had been cancelled by the weather. To their credit the Hamworthy ten men defended well frustrating the opposition with some last ditch clearances. Richard Flowers kept his side in it with a brilliant reaction save from a pile driver from twenty yards out turning the ball over the bar. The game finished all square with the Hammers relieved to get another go next week at the replay, when hopefully the will have a stronger team.

Team: R. Flowers, M. Seal. S. Coats, S. Griffiths (S. Lanahan), B. Williams, G. Horlock, D. Orchard, M. Glavin, G. Clark ( L. Pidgley), M. Wynne, C. Miles ( M. Hassen)  Unused Sub: J. Keating