Hamworthy United 5 Hamworthy Recreation 3 (Saturday 21st July 2007)
This was another highly entertaining match in which both sides played good football and played the game in the right spirit. Phil Simpkin was still not back from his business trip, and so Chris Farrell was again in charge of the Hammers side.
Chris was forced to make a few changes from the team that faced Portsmouth due to injuries and holidays, but this was still a very strong side that took to the field. United as perhaps expected began the stronger of the two teams in the opening quarter of the game and appeared to be in control of the game.
It therefore came as a bit of a surprise when the Hamworthy defence hesitated in clearing the ball, and allowed Wayne Hole the time to put the Dorset Premier Side 1-0 up with a well taken shot. The goal boosted Ham Rec’s confidence and they passed the ball around well between themselves, but they were not to hold their lead for very long.
Jason Lovell levelled the score when he pounced in the six yard area to nod home a loose ball and score the first of his three goals. Another piece of slack defensive work allowed Mike Notley to get to the goal line before knocking the ball back perfectly into the path of Tom Willis. The Ex-Hammer Youth man made no mistake with a shot that gave Martin Peters in the Home goal no chance. Although behind, United continued to play good football, and Jason Lovell brought the best out of his old team mate Kevin Leonard. The veteran Keeper brought out a string of good saves to prevent Jason from getting his second.
New signing Carl Chivers also worked hard up front and was rewarded when he opened his account for the Hammers with a shot across the goal that flew into the top corner to make it 2-2 and all square. The Home side took the lead for the first time shortly before the interval. This time Jason Lovell managed to squeeze the ball past Leonard, and just inside the post to give the Hammers a half time lead. The Rec once again proved what a difficult side they will be to beat this season when they again drew level through Cris Riddler soon after the break.
Both teams made changes, but the Wessex League side began to make their fitness tell and gradually got on top as the second half developed. Jason Lovell collected his hat trick poaching another goal in the six yard box where he is so effective. Mike Hubbard completed the scoring with the goal of the match. He picked up the ball on the far right and thundered a shot in off the underside of the cross bar, and past the keeper before he had chance to move let alone save. The last ten minutes was all United and the Rec did well to ensure there was no further scoring before the end of the game with Dan Baguely and Mike Hubbard both going close for the Hammers. On this display both teams will be good to watch in the coming season, and difficult to beat. It will take a very good side to prevent Hamworthy Recreation winning the Dorset Premier, and a top six finish for the Hammers is looking a distinct possibility.