POOLE TOWN 2 HAMWORTHY UNITED 0 DORSET SENIOR CUP (3rd Round)
Hamworthy could have had few complaints after the game having been beaten on the night by the better team. Phil Simkin and his men knew it would be a difficult game, and must have been a little disappointed with their performance on the night. They were unable to match the sort of form that they had shown in their FA Cup run on a big pitch and against a team full of confidence, and currently top of the league.
Hamworthy opened the match confidently, and had slightly the better of the early exchanges, but this did not last long as Poole eased their way into the game. The Hammers had their chances, but never really looked like beating Max Frampton the ex- Hammer Keeper. Poole Town eventually opened the scoring ten minutes before the break with a somewhat fortuitous goal. Dave Sturgess’s twenty yard strike took a wicked deflection which left Martin Peters helpless to prevent the goal. The score remained 1-0 at the break.
The home side continued to play the better football on a maximum sized pitch that suited their style of play more than that of the Hammers. Jack Swann making his return after his latest injury was replaced by Richard Jackson, and Michael Dean by Keith Middleton to try and change things, but this was to no avail. It was a Poole substitute however who made sure that his team progressed to the next round. Culliford on for another ex Hammer Dan Cann headed home a corner late in the game to remove any doubt about the winners.
Much to a lot of peoples surprise the game did not really live up to many people’s expectations. It was played low key, and without the usual atmosphere that is attached to matches between these two Clubs. The Vase game at the County Ground on a smaller pitch and with a much bigger prize for the winners should be a different story.
Team: M. Peters, R. Middleton, R. Dovell, S. Gilbert, N. Walker, M. Dean (K. Middleton), S. Legg, M. Hubbard, C. Mutch, J. Swann (R. Jackson), M. Connet Unused sub: G. Horlock