HAMWORTHY UNITED 0 V.T.F.C. 1
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