HAMWORTHY UNITED 2 COWES SPORTS 1
The Hammers got their revenge for a defeat at Westwood Park on the first day of the season, but once again made hard work of a game that should have been over by half time. United completely dominated the first half, but went back on the defensive following a disputed penalty from which Cowes scored in the second period.
Hamworthy went on the offensive straight from the first whistle, and it took them only two minutes to take the lead. Warren Byerley headed a cross back onto the top of the cross bar, and before the big Cowes Keeper Gary Streeter could clear Captain Nathan Walker was on hand to nod the ball home as it dropped back into play. The Hammers continued to take the game to the Yachtsman, and should have gone ahead when Warren Byerley was picked out with just the keeper to beat. He did well to draw the keeper and go round him cleverly, but then with the goal at his mercy shot wide. A careless Cowes tackle just inside the box was rewarded with a penalty, but Warren Byerley’s misery continued as he saw his effort from the spot saved by the diving keeper. The remaining quarter of an hour of the half continued in the same way with Cowes coming second best in most things, but the Hammers still unable to turn superiority into further goals.
United twice went close in the early stages of the second half, a goal bound Michael Dean effort being deflected for a corner. Hamworthy deservedly increased their league ten minutes into the half. Jack Swann playing his first full game for some time following injury doubled the Hammers lead with a well taken shot on the run. Just as there looked no way back for the Yachtsman they were given a highly disputed penalty. Nathan Walker who was under no pressure was adjudged to have handled the ball. The Referee gave his decision from thirty yards away when his Assistant who was far closer indicated nothing. Martin Peters stood no chance with the spot kick that was hit hard and low into the net. The goal revitalised Cowes who for the first time in the game began to take control, and forced United very much on the back foot for the rest of the match. Cowes pressed very hard for an equaliser, but the nearest they got to getting it was a shot that flashed just wide of Martin Peters far post as he struggled to cover it. Hamworthy held on for the full three points which they well deserved over the full ninety minutes, but not perhaps over the last thirty.
Team: M. Peters, M. Hubbard, M. Grimason, S. Gilbert. N. Walker, R.Dovell (C. Mutch), S. Legg, M. Dean, J. Swann, W. Byerley R. Jackson. Unused Subs: G. Horlock, M. Seal, J. Byrne