Round 3, Dorset County Youth Cup, Sun (2-12-07)

The Hamworthy youngsters had been fortunate to have two byes up to this stage of the competition.
However, as current holders of the Dorset Youth Cup and with 6 players in the team from last year’s Cup Final starting line up, the Hammers were keen to show they wanted to retain their trophy.
Lytchett had provided the Hammers with a stern test in their recent league game and started the game brightly using a strong wind to their advantage. During this spell a swift break by Lytchett saw a penalty awarded when Pete Chappell brought down Mark Claremont in full flight, from which Aaron Merredew converted the spot kick to give them a one nil lead.

Shortly after this the Hammers matched the oppositions three in centre midfield and pushed Henry Mower up front and it was Henry that snatched an equaliser when he latched onto a precise through ball before coolly slotting home. Grimason then gave the home side the lead, letting fly from 25 yards out to beat a bemused opposition keeper.
The second half began with a 30 minute spell of Hamworthy domination during which time a combination of excellent saves and the bar prevented the game going completely away from the visitors, with the only goal in this spell a fantastic combination between Mower and Haskell leading to Mike Haskell making it 3-1.
From here the Hammers took their foot of the peddle and allowed Lytchett back into the game when Gaston scored from 25 yards out and late pressure almost gave them an equaliser – a lesson for future rounds!!

Team: Gillingham, Barnett (Basing), Cooper-Blayney, Watson, Pimm, Chappell, Mower (Tunnicliffe), Grimason, Haskell, Gajic (Capt.), Norris (Cole)

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