Dorset Premier League Cup (January 23rd 2008)

The score line does not reflect the game fairly, because in fact the game was much more entertaining than the final score suggests, and flattered the opposition somewhat. Keith Middleton was not helped by the fact that due to first team call ups, injuries, players being cup tied, and unavailability he was left with twelve players one of which already carried an injury, and did not include a keeper. Keith started in goal himself, but due to further injuries had to give way to Shaun Leaton at half time.

High flying Gillingham did not take long to take the lead when danger man Loic Herouard was left unmarked out on the right, The Frenchman cut inside, and fired past Keith Middleton to make it 1-0 after only eight minutes. The Hammers should have replied almost immediately, but poor finishing let Gillingham off the hook. Gary Clark playing up front was winning plenty of the ball, and the Hammers matched Gillingham in most departments except in finishing and this proved to be their downfall. Stand in keeper Middleton was caught too far off his line, and was beaten for the Town’s second goal. A six yard near post tap in gave them their third. United’s problems got worse when Gary Clark pulled up and had to hobble off with a pulled muscle to be replaced by Shaun Leaton who soon aggravated the injury he was already carrying,  and was reduced to a passenger. The Hammers continued to try and play their passing game and battled well but their missed chances meant the half time score was 3-0 to the visitors instead of perhaps 3-3 if they had taken them.

With no further substitutes United were forced to put the limping Shaun Leaton in goal for the second period with Keith Middleton going into midfield. To their credit Hamworthy dominated the first ten minutes of the second half playing some attractive football, but were hit once again by another Gillingham goal in their first attack after the break. As weary limbs, an injured Keeper and cramp took over, and as they tried to battle against all the odds the Hammers were made to pay. The North Dorset Men took full advantage of the situation to score a further four goals before the end of play. The score was 8-0 at the end, but perhaps half of that would have been fairer to Keith Middleton and his men’s battling display.
 
Team: K. Middleton, R. Flower, D. Watts, S. Griffiths, K. Killick, D. Rudd. D. Orchard, D. Baguely, M. Wynne, G, Williams, G. Clark (S. Leaton)

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division (Saturday 26-01-08)

For the second time in less than a week Hamworthy were beaten by a late penalty against  top six opposition, and this after another battling display. Phil Simkin was without both his first choice central defenders Captain Nathan Walker, and Steve Gilbert who were both serving a two match suspension. United fielded the youngest ever first team back four with seventeen year old Joe Byrne and Mat Grimason, eighteen year old Greg Horlock, and Micky Hubbard the old man at twenty one.
Playing conditions were not ideal with the pitch proving to be bumpy and making ball control difficult. Play was evenly spread between the two teams as both teams worked hard to get on top, but the ball was often more in the air than on the deck. A good cross from Warren Byerley found Ryan Middleton, but after bringing the ball down the Hammers midfielder shot tamely wide. Fareham had the ball in the net after thirty six minutes but it was ruled out for offside. Micky Hubbard who was made Captain for the day, and who played a sweeping role misjudged the bounce of the ball, and this allowed a Fareham man in on goal. Martin Peters came off his line to narrow the angle, but the striker blasted his shot well over the bar to the relief of the Hammers. A long through ball found Lee Thomas in a good striking position, but the Keeper saved his shot. Another through ball from Warren Byerley into the path of the same player was this time hit just wide of the post. A 0-0 score line at half time was a fair reflection of the play to date.
The second period was much the same as the first with neither team really getting on top, and creating many clear cut chances. The Hammers young back four were playing above themselves, and were doing exceptionally well against the vastly more experienced Fareham strikers. All their good work was undone however in the seventy sixth minute when Greg Horlock who was having his best ever game for the Hammers slid into a tackle. Unfortunately for him he was adjudged to have handled the ball as his momentum carried him through the tackle, and a penalty was given. Simon Stone stepped up to take the spot kick, and make it 1-0 to Fareham. This was the final score and one of great disappointment to a young side that had played so well under difficult circumstances for no reward. The outlook looks good however for the future if the Hamworthy Youth system continues to find these good young players. Is there a striker waiting in the wings to be discovered? Is the big question.
Team: M. Peters, J. Byrne, M. Grimason, M. Hubbard, G. Horlock, M. Dean, R. Middleton (T. Stone), S. Legg, L. Thomas, W. Byerley, R. Jackson.
Unused Subs: M. Glavin, A. Marsh.

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division (Wednesday 23-01-08)

A battling display against Title Contenders V.T.F.C. ended in defeat when the visitors were awarded a penalty with less than ten minutes of the game remaining. Once again Phil Simkins was forced to make changes to the back four that had played so well at Alton in the previous game. Steve Gilbert, and Joe Byrne were both unavailable for this game, and this allowed Micky Hubbard, and Greg Horlock to return to first team duties.

Hamworthy took the game to the Boatmen in the early stages keeping them very much on the back foot, but gradually VT got their passing game going. The first half proved to be deadlock for most of the first half with both defences giving little opportunity for the opposing forwards the time and space to get a worthwhile shot away. Ryan Ashford was the exception to the rule when his 25 yard shot caught the swirling wind, and struck the bar with Martin Peters rooted to the spot expecting the ball to go wide. Although goal scoring opportunities were rare the game was never the less entertaining with both teams trying to play football, and a 0-0 score line at half time was probably a fair reflection of the game at that point.

VT certainly saw a lot more of the play in the second period, and the Hammers were restricted to only the odd break, being penned back in their own half for much of the time. Warren Byerley and Lee Thomas were finding penetration very difficult against a strong resolute defence who gave nothing away. Martyn Peters at the other end had to make a lot more saves than he did in the first half, but with his defence working well in front of him he always looked comfortable, and the more the game proceeded a scoreless draw looked possible. Everything changed however nine minutes from time when the Referee awarded a penalty for a foul on substitute Martin Beck by Nathan Walker. Many in the crowd thought the punishment was harsh as the VT man appeared to run straight at Nathan before going to ground, and looked at most obstruction. This would have been punished with a free kick and not a penalty. A penalty was given however and Ryan Ashford converted from the spot. Martin Peters guessed the right way and almost reached it, but the ball was well struck and found the back of the net to give the Boatmen a 1-0 lead. VT sat back on their lead and for the first time in the match the Hammers put their goal under a period of real pressure as they tried to snatch a late equaliser. This was not to be, and United were beaten, but certainly not disgraced at the final whistle.

Team: M. Peters, M. Hubbard, M. Grimason, G. Horlock, N. Walker, M. Dean, R. Middleton, S. Legg, L. Thomas, W Byerley (J. Pinder), R. Jackson.
Unused Subs: J. Stickland, M. Stone, C. Mutch, D. Williams

This is the first year that Hamworthy United have run a Sunday Team, and very successful it has been too. They are currently the Dorset Sunday League Division One leaders having not lost a game all season, and have not dropped even a point winning every game to date. The team consists of many of our players that turn out on Saturday for the First or Reserve Sides together with a few others who just play for the Hammers on a Sundays. First Team mid-fielder Micky Hubbard is captain of the side that is managed by Neil Fletcher, and sponsored by David Hughes of The Hamworthy Car Centre. Neil Fletcher’s men also had a successful run in the FA Sunday Cup reaching the last thirty two before going out to Mayfair United from Surrey by the odd goal in three. The Sunday Team plays their home games at the County ground, and kick off at 10-30am on Sundays in their league matches. Admission is free so why not come along and watch.

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division (Sat 19-01-08)

This was another three very well earned away points that took us above Alton Town into seventh place in the league, and on target for our pre season target of a top ten finish. Phil Simkin kept faith with the youngsters who did so well against Brockenhurst, but he was without the suspended Micky Hubbard. He was able to welcome back Steve Legg back from injury however to take his place which was some compensation.
The game flowed from end to end, but the Hammers always looked that little bit more in control, and gave Alton very few chances to score. Two of their best chances came early on, but both were blazed well over the bar with Martin Peters not having to make a save. Hamworthy too had their chances to take the lead, the first after twenty minutes when Warren Byerley failed to connect with, and convert a Nathan Walker header. James Pinder still coming to terms with the higher standard of football in the Wessex Premier also failed to score when he found himself one on one with the Keeper, but shot tamely straight at him. Despite Hamworthy always having the edge on play, the Alton defence did well to prevent any scoring before the break, and so it remained 0-0.
The Hammers did take the lead however four minute after half time when Nathan Walker took full advantage of Alton not clearing their lines to score. Following a Mat Grimason corner he bundled the ball over the line, and the Referee’s Assistant indicated immediately a goal. It took only a further three minutes for Hamworthy to double their lead. An Alton defender missed his header on the halfway line, and this allowed the ball to reach Warren Byerley. The United striker making his return after injury rounded two Town players before slotting the ball past the keeper, and into the net for a well taken goal. The Hammers never looked like losing the game after that, and were well in control for the rest of the match. In fact United might well have increased their lead still further. Young full back Mat Grimason went on a long run up the left wing that took him past two opponents. He pulled a teasing cross back into the danger area, but unfortunately none of his colleagues were able to get on the end of it to finish the move off. Martin Peters had a fairly trouble free afternoon, and was ably assisted by a solid defence that prevented Alton Town from ever getting any sort chance to get back in the game before the final whistle.
Hamworthy now face a very tough three games against VTFC, Fareham Town, and Brockenhurst, The last two games will be played without first choice defenders Nathan Walker and Steve Gilbert both suspended for ten yellow cards, making this game all the more important.

Team:  M. Peters, J. Byrne, M. Grimason, S. Gilbert, N. Walker, M. Dean, R. Middleton, S. Legg, J. Pinder (L. Thomas), W. Byerley, R. Jackson.
Unused Subs: M. Connet, J. Stickland, M. Seal.

Hamworthy had to battle all the way in this game to end up with a point after twice being two goals in front. The main reason for this was that they were reduced to ten men shortly after half time when Shaun Leaton was dismissed for violent conduct. Unfortunately for the Hammers the young Referees Assistant only saw Shaun’s retaliation, and not the two punches thrown by the Wincanton striker that preceded it. United’s problems got even worse a quarter of an hour from the end when new signing Michael Glavin was reduced to a passenger after he received a back injury, and Hamworthy had played all their substitutes.
Hamworthy always had the edge in the first half and looked the more dangerous of the two sides in front of goal. Wincanton played some reasonable football, but did not have a clear strike on goal until a minute before the break. The visitors were also a very physical side that looked more than capable of mixing it when required. The Hammers took the lead after fifteen minutes with a well worked goal. Following a clever passing move Dan Baguely received the ball just outside the six yard box. A clever back heel laid the ball into the path of Michael Wynne who was following up, and he hit the ball low past the keeper to make it 1-0. Dan Baguely almost got another shortly after the restart when he spotted the Town Keeper off his line, but his thirty yard lob went just over the bar. Hamworthy added a second goal with another piece of good football, and finishing. A lovely passing move found Darren Orchard out on the wide right, and his accurate cross was met by Darren Rudd linking up with the forwards. The wing-back gave the Wincanton Keeper no chance as he blasted the ball home. With a minute  of the half remaining a desperate goal line clearance by United left a Wincanton player prone in the six yard box, but all penalty appeals were turned down by the Referee, and his Assistant, and a goal kick was given.
Wincanton came out determined to get into the game following the break, and were soon helped in their cause by the dismissal of Sean Leaton. Within five minutes of the sending off the Town had pulled a goal back through Sam Vine with a well taken goal, but one that looked well off side. Once again the young Referee’s Assistant ruled against the Hammers, and kept his flag down despite the many appeals from the players and crowd.  United to their credit restored the lead within a few minutes this time a tap in by Gary Williams. This followed some good work by substitute Steve Russell who jinxed his way to the bye line before squaring the ball into the path of his team mate. Wincanton continued to have most of the play with their superior numbers, and pulled a goal back when Sam Vine added a brilliant second with a diving header, Just as it looked as though the battling ten men had done enough to secure all three points the Town equalised in the last minute of normal time.

Team: D. Fawcett, S. Leaton, D. Rudd (S. Russell), G. Horlock, M. Glavin, C. Mutch, M. Wynne, D, Orchard, D. Baguely (S. Griffiths), G. Williams (G. Clark), D. Williams.  Unused Subs K. Killick, D. Watts.

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division SAT (12-01-08)

Hamworthy United got back to winning ways after their disappointing defeat at Lymington Town on Tuesday. Phil Simkins opted for youth giving Youth Team player seventeen year old Joe Byrne his first start in the Premier League at right back. Joe was joined in the starting line up by seventeen year old Mat Grimason who is now an established first team player, and eighteen year old striker James Pinder making his second start since joining the Hammers.
The first half was a fairly evenly matched game with both sides cancelling one another out. United started the game slightly the better of the two sides, and it took Brockenhurst a while to get their game going. James Pinder, and Ryan Dovell were proving to be very lively in attack, but were prevented from getting a clear strike on goal by a resolute Brockenhust defence. Half time came with neither Keeper really tested despite long spells of end to end play as both teams struggled to get on top.
Brockenhurst enjoyed their best attacking moments of the game in the first few minutes of the second half when they forced a series of corners. For a while United were unable to clear the ball as it bounced dangerously about the six yard box. A goal line clearance finally got the ball away to relieve the pressure on the Home Side. To their credit the Hammers got straight back into the game and should have taken the lead when Ryan Dovell had a clear sight of goal, but blasted the ball over the bar. This always looked as if one goal would settle the game, and it was Hamworthy who got it in the sixty seventh minute. Joe Byrne enjoying his first senior game sent in a tantalising cross from the right that was headed goal-wards by Ryan Dovell. The Brock Keeper could only palm the ball away to where Richard Jackson was waiting in the six yard box to smash it home. United almost increased their lead within a minute of the restart when the Brockenhurst Keeper dropped a cross at the feet of Steve Gilbert. The tall central defender with his back to the goal performed an overhead bicycle shot that just clipped the top of the bar before going over. Both teams were reduced to ten men following a rash two footed tackle on Micky Hubbard by the Brockenhurst substitute, who had only just came on. This earned the Brock man a straight red card from the Referee, and following the intervention of his Assistant he also sent Micky Hubbard off for retaliation. The remaining ten minutes were played out with no further incidents leaving the Hammers with a hard earned well deserved win.

Team: M. Peters, J. Byrne, M. Grimason, S. Gilbert, N. Walker, M. Dean, R. Middleton, M. Hubbard, J. Pinder, R. Dovell, R. Jackson Unused Subs: C.Mutch, D. Baguely, A. Marsh, B. Williams, G. Horlock. 

South West Counties Youth League Cup, Saturday, 5th January 2008

For the first 20 minutes of this match the Hamworthy youngsters were unable to get out of their own half, and it was no more than Newport County deserved than to take the lead during this spell.

However, in a rare breakaway attack Jim Crossin found himself free at the far post to cut across the ball from 15 yards out with his left foot and send an equaliser into the roof of the net.

This completely changed the attitude and belief of the Hammers who now began to dominate possession. Unfortunately, they were undone by a poor refereeing decision that allowed Joe Byrne to be fouled and dispossessed in midfield for a swift attack that ended with a tap in at the far post for the visitors, which resulted in a 2-1 score line at halftime.

The second half saw a much more confident and assertive Hamworthy take the game to Newport County, and it was no surprise when the Hammers equalised again. Alex Godfrey scoring his first goal for the club, by lobbing the ball back over the keeper’s head from 25 yards out following a clearance from a corner.

The game then ebbed and flowed with both sides looking for the winner – but perhaps the draw was a fair result.

Team: Lillington, Smith, Cole, Byrne, Pimm, MacDonald (Capt), Barnett (Khider), Norris (Gajic), Macklin (Haskell), Godfrey, Crossin

Dorset County Youth Cup Quarter Final, Sunday, 06-01-08

This was a match that Hamworthy completely controlled from the first minute to the last, but didn’t finally put beyond any doubt until the last 20 minutes with two late goals that put a more realistic look on the score.

A busy first half display saw the Hammers create a number of good situations that never quite broke the Weymouth backline, with the exception of a goal of some quality by Josh Reavenall-Nuete. A 50 yard cross field pass from Sunday captain Charlie Gajic put in Josh, who coolly let the ball run across his body before waiting for the keeper to commit and slide his shot under the Weymouth goalie into the bottom corner.

The second period saw more of the same Hamworthy domination with only a couple of lapses of concentration leading to danger for the home defence.

Then with approximately 20 minutes left the game was put beyond the visitors with two quick goals. The first after Josh Reavenall-Nuete was put clean through before squaring the ball for Matt Grimason to tap in from five yards, and the second a well worked Matt Grimason free kick leading to Charlie Gajic heading in at the far post.

With Dorchester, Chickerell and Stourpaine winning the other quarter-finals, who could rule out a repeat of last season’s semi-final win over the Magpies and then beating the Chickens in the final!!

Team: Kellaway, O’Reilly (Smith), Cooper-Blayney, Watson, Chappell, MacDonald, Holden, Grimason, Haskell (Macklin), Reavenall-Nuete, Gajic (Capt), Sub-Unused: Basing

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division Tues (08-01-08)

On a night when most of the other Wessex League games had been called off the Hammers must have wished that this one had been one of the casualties. Things got off to a bad start when Jack Swann had to pull out (ham-string tightening) at the warm up stage thus depleting the side even further. This was very much a game of two halves, and pivoted round the dismissal of Ryan Dovell right at the end of the first half.
Hamworthy were much the better side in the first half, and almost went ahead in the first five minutes through James Pinder who was making his first start for the Hammers.The same player had an even better opportunity when he jinxed his way into the penalty area with just the keeper to beat, but delayed his shot. A Lymington player managed to get back on the line to clear the shot when it eventually came. United were playing some good passing football at this point, and were easily the better of the two sides restricting the Home Side to the odd breaks which they easily dealt with. In the thirty fifth minute James Pinder again made a dangerous run into a crowded penalty box, but was this time brought down. Ryan Dovell stepped up to drive the resulting spot kick low past the keeper. The Hammers were now fully in control of the game, that is until their first real mistake. Alan Marsh decided to take a long clearance on his chest instead of heading it away. This gave the Lymington man who was closing him down time to rob him of the ball, run on, draw Martyn Peters off his line, and roll the ball past him from an acute angle into the net. Just before the half time whistle Ryan Dovell was dismissed for a careless two footed challenge which was similar to one by a Lymington player in the second half that went unpunished.
Lymington took full advantage of facing only ten men, and took the game to United right from the restart. They forced the Hammers to defend deep, and had several opportunities to score before they eventually did. The usually solid Hammers defence that was reshuffled at the break from three at the back to four, now looked decidedly shaky at times. The Town attack that was non existent now looked dangerous. The winning goal always looked on the cards as the ten men struggled to get their game going again. It came with just over twenty minutes to go with a shot hooked in from fifteen yards. The Hammers did try and rally as time ran out with a couple of shots that were just off target, but the equaliser was not to be.

Team: M. Peters, A. Marsh (B. Williams), M. Grimason, S. Gilbert (D. Baguley), N. Walker, M. Dean, R. Middleton, M. Hubbard, J. Pinder, R. Dovell, R. Jackson Unused Subs: J. Swann, M. Seal.