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.

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