ALTON TOWN 0 HAMWORTHY UNITED 2
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.