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.

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