Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division ( Sat 05-01-08)

Hamworthy started the New Year as they finished the old with a hard earned 1-0 win against a team from near the bottom of the league. This win however took the Hammers two points clear of last year’s total of thirty seven points, and up into ninth place in the league, out of twenty three teams. This was as so often happens in these games not very pretty one to watch, but it was important that we gained all three points, and not let any slip as has so often happened in the past.

Ringwood started the brighter of the two teams taking the game to Hamworthy, but were unable to get a clear strike on goal. United took a little while to get going, but when they did they should have scored from their first real attack. Jack Swann was put through one on one with the keeper, but failed to score when his shot was pushed away by the Ringwood stopper. Town were enjoying as much possession as the Hammers, but it was the Hammers who looked the most likely to take the lead. Hamworthy broke from their own half with a quick passing move that saw the ball finish up once more at the feet of Jack Swann. This time the United Striker got his shot away, but the Keeper did very well to save with his feet and clear the danger. Just as it looked as though the score would remain goalless at Half Time Jack Swann gave the Hammers the lead when he pounced and hit a good low shot past the Keeper to make it 1-0 in the forty third minute.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Ringwood seeing as much of the ball as Hamworthy. They were unable however to create a worthwhile shot on goal in the entire match giving Martin Peters an easy afternoon’s work between the sticks. Hamworthy on the other hand created chances but were unable to take them. The nearest United came to doubling there score was when Nathan Walker headed against the cross bar from a Mickey Hubbard corner. To their credit Ringwood generally defended well against the aerial threat of Nathan and Steve Gilbert. There was always the danger with the score at 1-0 that Ringwood might snatch a draw, but the Hamworthy defence held strong until the final whistle.

Team: M. Peters, A. Marsh, R. Jackson, S. Gilbert, N. Walker, M.Dean, R. Middleton, M. Hubbard, J.Swann, C. Mutch, (J. Pinder), R. Dovell (M. Grimason)  Unused Subs: B.Williams, G. Horlock, P. Kellaway.

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)