Welcome to the Hamworthy United FC Newspaper. Here you will find all the news from July 2007 onwards including match reports. You can search the news at the top left of this page or view our archives using the menu on the right.

A crowd well in excess of 400 people turned up for this testimonial match for Hamworthy United’s longest serving player. The game was played between the present United first team squad plus a few guest players, and a largely Portsmouth FC Academy and trialists. Before the match Bret was presented with a silver tankard from the Club by Mr John Masters the Dorset County Football Association Chairman, and former Hamworthy Vice Chairman. At the request of the Portsmouth Manager Pal Hart the ex- Leeds and Nottingham Forest Centre Half, the game was played in three thirty minute stages with players swapping at each interval.

The game got off at a real cracking pace with both sides playing attractive passing football Both neither team however was able to finish off the good work that they had created, or get on top of the opposition for any length of time. It was not until the second period of play that Portsmouth opened the scoring, finding the bottom corner of the net with a fine strike. This followed an incisive passing move involving several Pompey players. Not to be outdone the Hammers replied with an equally good move, finishing up with Jason Lovell shooting just inside the post to square the match. United took the lead with an even better goal when Nathan Walker gave the Pompey Keeper no chance with a thunderous header. The young Portsmouth side were not finished, and after several more changes hit back with two goals to take the lead.

The Hamworthy side now contained several of their guest players including ex Manager Sean Bartlett who had come out of retirement to play. United were still very much in the game and were awarded a penalty following a period of pressure resulting in a Pompey error. Bret Williams came off the bench to make no mistake with the spot kick to make it 3-3. Portsmouth went in search of a winner but the Home defence held out for a much deserved and very creditable draw. This was a very enjoyable game played in the right spirit sending the large crowd home happy, and was a credit to all the players involved.

This was a young Portsmouth side, but it should be remembered that with Portsmouth having only just received full Academy these players will be facing Arsenal Chelsea and other Premier League sides for the first time.  Brett was delighted with the attendance and the sponsorship that he received for this game. This only proved what a popular player he is, and that sometime loyalty does pay, a lesson other players might learn.