An already depleted Hamworthy squad was reduced even further when striker Warren Byerley was forced to withdraw from the team with flue just prior the kick off. United were also without Jack Swann, Michael Dean, Bret Williams, and Greg Horlock, but welcomed the return of Mat Grimason.

The Hammers kicked up the slope in the first half, and held their own against one of the favourites for the league. The pace of the game from the start was very quick, and was to continue in this vogue throughout the game For the first twenty minutes play flowed from end to end with neither side able to capitalise on their good approach work. Hamworthy’s best chance of the game fell to Carl Mutch put through one on one with the Keeper, but he delayed his shot, and Hutchings was able to save as he over ran the ball. Martin Peters in the Hamworthy goal made two good saves in quick succession, but was beaten just a few minutes later. For the first time in the match the usually reliable United defence switched off, and were caught by a root one clearance from deep in the Wimborne half. Top Goal scorer Scott Joyce was found on the edge of the penalty area unmarked, and was able to beat the advancing Martin Peters with a top drawer strike to give the home side the lead. A lead they kept at the interval.

The Hammers were forced to make a substitution at half time as another flue victim Mark Connet was unable to continue. The second half continued much the same as the first with Wimborne having the slight edge, and looking the more potent in front of goal. Things were not made any easier for United when Ryan Dovell limped off injured, and was replaced by seventeen year old Richard Norris from the Youth side. Deep into time added on the Magpies were awarded a free kick just outside the box taken by Tommy McCormack. His shot hit the wall and could have gone anywhere, but it fell kindly for Wimborne striker Stokoe who drove the rebound past Martin Peters to double the lead. A second goal flattered the home side who were pushed all the way by a hard working Hamworthy side who played very well. United could be proud of their efforts on the night against a very good side that will be there or there about at the end of the season.

Team: M.Peters, R. Middleton, S. Grimason, S. Gilbert, N. Walker, R. Dovell ( R. Norris), S. Legg, M. Hubbard, C. Mutch, M. Connet (R. Webb), R. Jackson (D. Frake) Unused Sub M. Dean

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