The start was delayed for fifteen minutes because of traffic congestion in the area, and after the game many Hammers fans would have wished that it had not been played at all. Following the Hammers bright start to the season this was a very disappointing all round performance from a team showing four changes in the starting line up. Hamworthy started the brighter of the two sides, and indeed found the back of the net after three minutes only to find it had been ruled out for a previous infringement. The Borough were gifted the lead in the sixth minute when from all of twenty five yards away the Referee adjudged that James Johnson under no threat had handled a cross from Scott Bedward that was going nowhere. In many peoples eyes a harsh decision. Worse was to follow eight minutes later as the pacey Lee Thomas was found by a long ball out of defence that left him one on one with the keeper.

The striker easily avoided Gary Smart as he attempted to save at his feet, and ran on to just stroke the ball home to make it 2-0. United were trying to compete with Borough using the long ball tactics, but were not anywhere near as successful in holding on to it up front when it got there. David Frake should have pulled a goal back for Hamworthy when he was found at the far post unmarked, but he pulled his header wide. Shortly after that a Borough defender cleared the ball off the line with the keeper well beaten, but that was as close as it got for the Hammers, and they were left trailing their near neighbours at the break. Any hope of United getting back in the game disappeared four minutes after the break when Poole were given a second penalty. This time Greg Horlock showed a lack of experienced when he left a leg dangling that ex-Hammer Scott Bedward needed no second invitation to fall over, and go down in the area. Ross Mills scored his second from the spot, but this time putting the ball in the opposite corner to his first. Hamworthy now looked a beaten side as they struggled to deal with Borough’s pace up front, and lacked any sort of cohesion in their play.

A quick break down the left by Steve Russell led to a further increase in the lead for the Home side. The ex-Hammer cut into the box, and drew the Keeper before squaring the ball back to Mills in front of an empty net to score his hat trick. Despite changes Hamworthy were still coming out second best in most departments, and were unable to make the most of the few chances that came their way. To make the rout complete Lee Thomas again ran on to a quickly taken free kick to shoot past the advancing Gary Smart for his second, and Borough’s fifth goal, and this with still nearly a half hour of the game remaining. The Hammers came close to getting a consolation goal ten minutes from the end, but the cross was pushed on to the bar by Doug Shear before it bounced to safety. Keith is still probably trying to find his best starting line up. This is always difficult for a Reserve Team Manager, but with last years Champions Westlands next in line, lets hope it is sooner rather than later.

Hamworthy United G. Smart, S. Griffiths, J. Johnson (R. Norris), R. Flower. G. Horlock, D. Reeks ( J. Crossin), J. Edwards, L. Stone, K. Middleton, G. Williams (B. Gerrard), D. Frake. Unused Sub K.Killick

Match report compiled by Roger, with thanks on behalf of the Club.

Hamworthy United were back to their best after a couple of indifferent perfomances in beating the high flying Poppies in a closely contested game. The visitors had won all four of their previous games in the league, and a win here would have taken them to the top position. United had won none of the previous encounters between the two sides, and so this made the win all the more enjoyable especially after losing the home game last year to a very debateable goal. Both teams opened strongly probing for an opening, but with both defences holding firm under pressure, neither Keeper was given much trouble. Both Teams had to make changes in the first ten minutes Mark Kenway went off with a foot injury to be replaced by Bret Williams, and the Poppies man with a thigh pull. Both defences included two teenagers with bright futures, and both looked very capable in this tough local derby.

Hamworthy had seventeen year old left back Matt Grimason who had signed recently from Poppies Youth Side, and Bounemouth had the impressive eighteen year old Ben Lucas in the middle of their defence. Bournemouth were proving a handful down the flanks, but their good work came to nothing in front of goal until the twentieth minute. Scott Sanderson collected the ball on the edge of the area before sending a great strike heading for the top left corner, but Martin Peters was equal to it spectacularly pushing the ball over for a corner. It was the Hammers who broke the deadlock shortly before half time when the very lively Warren Byerley sent over a pin point cross for Nathan Walker to head home. The second half continued much the same as the first with nothing much to choose between the sides with both teams playing entertaining football. As the half progressed the Poppies were forced to go chasing the game, but this left them exposed at the back. Warren Byerley was trying to spring the offside trap at every opportunity, only to be pulled back by the Assistant Referees flag each time, but Bournemouth were playing a dangerous game. With just over ten minutes remaining Micky Hubbard took the ball up the right wing before drawing his man and beating him as he was fouled, the Referee however played the advantage and allowed play to continue.

A typical accurate Micky Hubbard cross found Warren Byerley in the centre just inside the area. The on loan striker gave Stewart Kearn no chance with his shot to double Hamworthy’s lead, and with time running out. Bournemouth put the United goal under constant pressure for the remaining miutes of the game, and eventually got a consolation goal three minutes from normal time. Richard Jackson was unfortunate to find his own net when the ball hit his knee before going in off the post for an own goal. This result will give Phil Simkin and the team great heart to take on the very difficult game aganist Western Premier League Leaders Willand Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Hamworthy United M. Peters, M. Kenway (B. Williams), M. Grimason (C. Ross-Jennings), S. Gilbert, N. Walker (Capt), R. Dovell, S. Legg, M. Hubbard, D. Baguely ( C. Mutch) W. Byerley, R. Jackson. Unused Subs: R. Middleton, G. Smart

This Match Report was compiled by, Roger, with thanks on behalf of the Club.

Wessex Premier League - Saturday 25th August 2007
 
A season of extremes from wind and rain to one of the hottest days of the year set the scene for this fixture. The condition of the pitch was a credit to this level of football but the poor attendance did little to create any sort of atmosphere. Hamworthy kicked off and were fast out of the blocks sprinting at a pace that seemed silly given the hot conditions.

During the first 25 minutes chances were created at both ends but the football on show was of poor quality. High long balls with very little passing and distribution especially in midfield did little to excite any neutral observer. The best chance of a goal came from Bemerton after 26 minutes due to their patient passing build up that ended with the ball going the wrong side of the post from a good cross into the box.

A frantic repost from a lofted through ball found the head of Hammers Captain Nathan Walker with his effort skimming over the cross bar on the half hour.

Both sides lacked any creative midfield flare with no one able to orchestrate a calm or influential system of play. Striker Warren Byerley the pick of the Hammers bunch taking on a dual role of playmaker and target man!

His ability to hold the ball up, lay it off and then make deep runs were wasted by his team mates lack of organisation or ability. A little bit of patient play did result in Dan Baguely hitting the upright of the Bemerton goal on 44 minutes.

Half - time - Bemerton HH 0 - 0 Hammers

Bemerton set a different tone for this second period with ex-hammers man Marcus Oldbury raising the confidence level of his team mates with control in midfield.His experienced instinct of reading the game was a joy to watch that bellied his years and showed the away side how it should be done.His effort and combination link up run took him into the hammers box where he was stopped and brought down. The spot kick was never an issue with the move sealed with his goal on the hour.

The game was changing rapidly in favour of the Home side because the visitors had, NO MIDFIELD CREATION to call on, and nothing in the dugout locker able to match the exchanges. Richard Jackson was replaced by Carl Mutch that resulted in a 4-3-3 formation being employed.

As Bemerton continued their entertaining flare, the Hammers constructed their best move with a good pass inside from Steve Gilbert that found Mickey Hubbard in acres of space just outside of the home side’s area. His well hit strike found the back of the net to bring the scores level on 68 minutes.

Marcus Oldbury rallied the call and they just failed to retake the lead on 70 minutes.

The hardworking Baguely won a difficult ball just outside the Bemerton area as the pace hotted up but his pass to the unmarked Hubbard resulted in his shot going well wide on 73 minutes.

A frantic last 17 minutes saw chances created at both ends but at least 4 chances of winning the game fell to Hamworthy from free kicks, goal line clearance, missed shots and perhaps a degree of bad luck.

Added time for stoppages gave Bemerton a couple of chances of collecting all 3 points but they were denied by the last man effort of young central defender Gregg Horlock. Playing his first full game for the first team, this talented former U’18’s Cup winning Captain of 2006/7 was outstanding in this big step-up.Warren Byerley’s contribution the only other positive in a poor display from other experienced players that continue to fall short of pre-season expectations.

As one travelling supporter summed up after the match, ‘you have to take your chances when they come if you are going to win football matches’.

With a Home game against Bournemouth Poppies next - on Wednesday 28^th 7:45pm k.o. - ,and the F.A.Cup trip to Welland Rovers in Devon on Saturday, the next 7 days are set fare for a severe test on available options.

Final score: Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1 - 1 Hamworthy United

Team: M.Peters, S.Gilbert, N Walker(Capt), G.Horlock, R.Dovell, M.Kenway, S.Legg, M.Hubbard, W.Byerley, D.Baguely(R.Jennins) R.Jackson(C.Mutch): Unused subs;Middleton,Williams

The battling ten men of Hamworthy United Reserves had their brave resistance crushed in the last couple of minutes of the game, after losing Gary Clarke to a second yellow card in the first quarter of the game. Things were made even harder for the depleted Hammers, by the game being played in the blistering heat of one of the hottest days of the summer. As per usual in a reserve side Manager Keith Middleton was forced to make changes from the side that beat Bridport on Tuesday night, but still fielded a nice blend of experience and youth.

The first quarter was fairly even with both sides looking for an opening, but unable to get the better of the opposing defence. Gillingham came the closest to scoring when Gary Smart had to dive bravely at the feet of an oncoming forward as he closed in on goal, and forced him to shoot wide. In the space of a minute United were put at a great disadvantage as Gary Clarke was sent off. He was first booked for what appeared to most onlookers to be a straight forward tackle, and then dismissed for his next tackle which probably did merit a caution. Hamworthy continued to have their fair share of the game, but were undone when a young defender showed his inexperience just five minutes before half time. He failed to clear the ball out of the danger zone, and instead only found Daren Isaacs on the edge of the box, and central to goal. He collected the ball and took two paces before beating Gary Smart with a well placed shot to make it 1-0 to the Visitors. Just as it looked as if the Hammers were going to be behind at the break they equalised. They were awarded a free kick, and from a pin point accurate cross Barry Gerrard rose to head home, a goal that his namesake would have been proud of. Hamworthy started the second half well, and were more than holding their own for much of the second period.

Young Luke Stone continued to give the Gillingham defenders plenty to think about as he continued to make dangerous runs into the box, and they were often at full stretch to contain him. Keith Middleton made changes to bring on fresh legs, but as the half went on many United players understandably began to tire. Darren Reeks had to use all his experience to keep out Gillingham with the help of his young defenders. With just two minutes of normal time remaining the Hammers were dealt a cruel blow. Adrian Foster the Town centre forward, who had previously played professionally for West Bromwich Albion, Torquay, and others, collected the ball just outside the box and smashed a shot just inside the post to give Gary Smart no chance. The Hammers tried to raise their game for a late equaliser, but this was not to be. This was a good display by the Reserves who at times played some good passing football against a strong experienced team. Had they had a full team for the whole game they might possibly have even won. They will play a lot worse than this and win especially if the youngsters continue to improve as they are doing. Every man gave of his best and that is all you can ask.

Hamworthy United G. Smart, S. Griffiths, K. Killick, R. Flower (D. Frake),D. Reeks, R. Norris, , K. Middleton, G. Clarke, L.Stone( G. Williams), B. Gerrard(J. Crossin),J.Johnson. Unused Sub J. Kittle, D. Watts.

New Manager Keith Middleton was in charge of the Reserve Team for the first time in the league, and the long trip back from Bridport must have been that much easier having won. Keith was forced by injury and other commitments to make changes from the team that had done so well to defeat Portland on Saturday. Double goal scorer Joe Kittle, the experienced Darren Orchard and Gary Clarke were all missing from the line up. Bridport on the other hand were able to strengthen up with the inclusion of First Team Squad players after their heavy defeat by Cobhams.

Hamworthy controlled the game from the start, and took the lead early on after they were awarded a free kick. Jimmy Edwards took the kick which was headed home by Greg Horlock before his manager made sure the ball was over the line. Keith then tried to pull rank and claim the goal, but last years Youth Team Captain was having none of this (Only joking Keith.) The Hammers then doubled their score when Keith Middleton showing all his experience up front was brought down in the area. Darren Reeks not only beat the keeper, but nearly took the back of the net out with his penalty kick. Just as it looked as though Hamworthy would keep the score unchanged until the break Bridport man Ashley Clarke found himself one on one with Gary Smart. He beat the Keeper from close range to bring the Home side back into the game after forty five minutes, when really they did not deserve to be.

The Hammers soon restored their two goal lead after the half time break when Jim Crossin scored, but then complacency set in, and Bridport took full advantage. They were back level in a four minute spell between the 58th and 62nd minute when first Roger Cummings headed home a free kick, and then Josh Burton converted from close range. To his credit Keith Middleton was not content to defend for a draw, but made changes up front including himself, to go for the win. The substitutions paid off when Luke Stone on for Jim Crossin hit the winner to give the Hammers a well deserved win, and send them home happy with six points out of six so far.

Hamworthy United G. Smart, S. Griffiths, K. Killick, R. Flower,G. Horlock, R. Norris, D. Reeks (Reavenall-Nuete), J. Edwards, K. Middleton (G. Williams), J. Crossin (L. Stone) J. Johnson. Unused Sub B. Gerrard

Hamworthy United 2 - New Milton Town 1 (22/08/07)The Hammers plundered all three points in the final minute of a game marred by a strong wind, and a serious injury to a New Milton player. The game was held up for a half hour whilst the player was treated on the pitch for a serious jaw, and possible neck injury before being taken to hospital. Good football was made difficult by a very strong wind blowing diagonally across the pitch from corner to corner, and this resulted in the ball being in the air for a lot of the time. Most of the play for the first quarter was in the visitor’s half, but their goal never really came under serious threat as United pumped long balls forward in the hope that Jason Lovell, or Warren Byerley could get on the end of them. As the half progressed New Milton came more into the game, and forced the save of the match from Martin Peters when at full stretch he tipped over a shot destined for the top corner of the net.

With neither team able to create much in front of goal the score remained 0-0 at the break. The second period began as the first with the Hammers on top. The experienced Mark Watson in the Town goal dealt well with a number of crosses, as he came under real pressure for the first time in the game. This however was not to last as New Milton raised their game, and began to stretch the Hamworthy defence by using the full width of the pitch. They should have taken the lead when they were awarded a penalty when Nathan Walker clipped the heels of a Town attacker making him stumble. The resulting spot kick was poorly taken, and missed the goal by some way, luckily for Martin Peters who had dived the wrong way. Play was halted soon after for the injury to the New Milton Player as he and a Hamworthy Defender accidentally collided going for the ball. The Visitors looked the better side after the long break, and took the lead in the 70th minute. A long cross from the far right hit the underside of the bar, and dropped at the feet of the unmarked New Milton man. He was only a yard out and had only to knock the ball over the line to score. Any celebrations were short lived however for within a minute Hamworthy were level. Warren Byerley cut cleverly into the area teasing his defender into a careless challenge that brought him down for a penalty. The striker got up to take the kick himself giving Mark Watson no chance to save. New Milton were still giving the United defence plenty to think about, but were unable to finish off their good approach work with a goal.

With just one minute of the game remaining Byerley was again needlessly fouled just outside the box, and right in front of goal. Micky Hubbard’s well struck free kick was pushed up onto the bar by Watson, but the alert Dan Baguely was the first to get on to the rebound and crashed the ball home for the winner. New Milton probably went home disappointed at getting nothing out of the game especially after missing the penalty, but as Hamworthy found to their cost many times last season the game lasts ninety minutes and if you do not take your chances you do not win.

Hamworthy United M. Peters, S. Gilbert, M. Grimason ( R. Dovell), B. Williams, N. Walker (Capt), M. Kenway, S. Legg, M. Hubbard, J. Lovell (D. Baguely), W.Byerley, R. Jackson. Unused Subs C. Much, C. Ross Jennings, R. Middleton.

HAMMERS take the week-end by STORM! with the 1st of a HAT-TRICK of WINS

Dorset Premier League - Match Report

Hamworthy United Res 3 - Portland United 1

A lot of people will be taking a second look when they see this result against a team that are in the top three favourites to win the league. A mixture of youth and experienced players put on a great second half display to win the match after being behind at the interval. The team was managed by Andy James in the absence of Keith Middleton, and he must have been very encouraged with the response that he got from the players.

The first half was bit of a non event, with perhaps the Visitors just getting slightly the better of things, but neither team really threatened too much to open the scoring. Sixteen year old Jim Crossin was giving the Portland defence a few problems with his pace. He appeared to be taken out by a lunging tackle as he ran down the right wing, but the Referee to everybody’s amazement ruled that the defender had played the ball, and not the man, and allowed play to continue. This led to Gary Clarke being yellow carded for dissent. Portland eventually opened the scoring in the forty first minute when slack marking allowed Adam Linaker to score from the edge of the six yard box to give the Islanders a half time lead. Andy James’s half time talk certainly appeared to make a difference as the Hammers for the first time in the match began to get on top. They were awarded a penalty when the Portland Keeper panicked as he was robbed of the ball by JimCrossin. He brought the Hamworthy youngster down a yard off the line just as he was about to score, and the Referee pointed to the spot, but only showed a yellow card to the Keeper. New signing Joe Kittle who himself was enjoying a good debut for Hamworthy stepped up to score from the spot with sixty four minutes gone.

The Hammers were now playing some of their best football of the game, and went ahead when Joe Kittle ran late into the box to head powerfully home from a Sean Griffith pin point cross. Portland almost got back on level terms when the ball beat Gary Smart, but Sean Griffith was on the line to clear. The win was ensured shortly before the end by a wonderful individual goal taken by Jim Crossin, a thorn in the Islanders side all afternoon. James avoided one or two tackles as he ran through the centre of the penalty area before drawing out the Keeper, and sliding the ball past him just inside the post to make the final score 3-1.

Hamworthy United G.Smart, S. Griffith, K. Killick (J. Johnson), R. Dovell, R. Flower, D. Reeks(Cpt), B. Gerrard (R. Norris), G. Clarke, D. Orchard, J. Kittle(J. Reavenall-Nuete), J. Crossin. Unused Subs R. Keynes, C. Barnett

In what appeared to be mid-winter, (in the middle of August !) with the wind and rain driving from one end of the pitch to the other, Hammer’s skipper Nathan Walker won the coin toss, and opted to play with the conditions for the first half, and what a good decision that turned out to be. 

The first five minutes were fairly frantic, with Hayling United trying to keep a high line up the field, and the Hammers finding the ball running away, aided by the wind and very wet surface. 

New boys, Hayling United started very brightly, as they were keen to gain their first Premier league points, after defeats against Brockenhurst and Cowes Sports. The Hammers, on the other hand, were keen to improve after only a solitary point in two displays against Cowes Sports and Lymington Town. 

From the off, the Hammers looked more balanced following changes from the draw with Lymington in midweek. 

Matt Grimason came in at left back and didn’t appear to put a foot wrong. Steve Gilbert moved over to right back, with Williams and Walker retaining their pairing in the centre. Manager Phil Simkin kept the same four in midfield, but this time, Mickey Hubbard played on the right, Jackson on the left, with Kenway and Legg combining through the centre. 

Up front, with Jack Swann and Carl Chivers still weeks away following injury, Dan Baguley was recalled to the starting eleven, and he was partnered by Hammers old boy, Warren Byerley, on loan from Gosport Borough, and what a difference a quality pairing makes. 

Despite very difficult conditions the team played some good football very early on, Richard Jackson causing a lot of problems with his pace and close ball control down the left hand side. Baguley and Byerley worked well together as a front pair, Byerley always showing the quality of a front man, able to receive the ball into his feet, even when closely marked. 

Early pressure paid off for the Hammers, when a corner from the left side was delivered by Mickey Hubbard with pinpoint accuracy, for Nathan Walker to volley home from 6 yards out, a great start after only 7 minutes. 

From the re-start, the Hammers robbed Hayling of the ball, and cut straight in on goal, with Jackson setting up Baguley from close in. Baguley appeared to scuff his shot, which was pushed out by the keeper, but Jackson was on hand to place a side foot shot into the open net from about 10 yards out after only 8 minutes. This took the stuffing out of Hayling and they didn’t really recover, but they were still determined, and occasionally they looked dangerous, sometimes aided by poor defending, but keeper Martin Peters was not called upon to make a save. 

With the wind and the rain continuing to aid the Hammers, you just thought that two goals would not be enough before the half time break. Midway through the half, Warren Byerley broke through onto the Hayling goal, with only the keeper to beat. With the quality of a top forward that he is, he calmly, and easily deceived the keeper rounding him, before driving the ball into the empty net, leaving the Hayling defence wanting on the wet grass, sheer quality. 

Would three be enough ? A few minutes before half time, another vicious corner from Hubbard found Nathan Walker in the box and his glancing header hit the outside of the upright. The fourth goal came just before the break, a cross to the far post finding an unmarked Steve Gilbert. He headed back across the box where Mark Kenway was on hand to smash in his first league goal. Gilbert suffered an injury with his contribution to the goal, and failed to appear for the second half. 

The half-time whistle came as a welcome break to everyone, as spectators had no shelter from the weather, as the ‘new’ stand hadn’t arrived in time, so players and spectators alike, were almost soaked to the skin. 

Hammers manager Phil Simkin knew that there was every opportunity for Hayling to use the natural elements against his side in the second half. Gilbert was replaced at right back by Mickey Hubbard. Callum Ross-Jennings, on loan from Weymouth, came in on the right side of midfield. 

Dan Baguley was flattened on an aerial challenge early in the second half, and was immediately replaced up front by Carl Mutch, goal scorer from midweek. 

The Hammers took complete control of the second half by playing a simple passing game, and despite the advantage of the wind and rain, Hayling didn’t look like scoring. There was no addition to the scoring by the final whistle, despite Mutch going close with a well struck shot, saved by the home keeper. The whole team ‘dug-in’ when they had too, constantly with everyone behind the ball, when Hayling were in possession, truly a good team effort, and a worthy victory. 

The Hammers will clearly get harder opposition, but the pleasing thing was the whole team performance, and getting that first win under the belt. 

Hammers : Peters, Gilbert, Williams, Walker, Grimason, Hubbard, Kenway, Legg, Jackson, Baguley, Byerley Subs : Mutch (Baguley), Lovell, Carmichael, Horlock, Ross-Jennings (Gilbert) 

The Hammers entertain New Milton Town at home on Wednesday evening kick off 7:45pm

Hamworthy United U18’s ran out very comfortable winners in their first Dorset Division 1 match of the season against the newly promoted Bournemouth Electric.The Hamworthy youngsters dominated from first to last with some free-flowing football and scored some superb goals, in a game that will provide confidence for the tougher battles to come. The Under 18’s from this season and last are, at present, providing a number of players to both the first and reserve team squads and on this evidence there could be more to follow!

Team: Gillingham, Seal, Smith, Watson (Macklin), MacDonald (Capt.), Chappell (Grimason), Barnett, Norris (Tunnicliffe), Gajic, Reavanell-Nuete, Cooper-Blayney

Goals: Gajic 3, Norris 2, Reavenall-Nuete 2, Grimason, Macklin