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.

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