Dorset Premier League (Saturday29-03-08)

Over the ninety minutes a draw was probably a fair result, with both teams having chances in the second half to have won the match. As local derbies go this was a very quiet affair with both teams playing the game in the right spirit, thus giving the Referee very few reasons to complain. A fairly strong wind, and rain showers throughout the game made playing conditions far from easy, but to their credit both teams did their best to make it an entertaining game.
 The first half was fairly evenly matched with perhaps the Borough having the slight edge on play in the first quarter. Hamworthy old boy Paul Honeybun received the ball from a poor clearance, but luckily for the Hammers he shot well over the bar. Both defences remained on top restricting their opposing strikers to mainly long shots that were easily dealt with by the respective Keepers. The goals only really came under pressure from set pieces, and these were dealt with by both teams. The score remained therefore 1-0 at the break
The second half followed very much the same pattern as the first, but with more goal scoring opportunities. The first fell to the Hornets when a clumsy tackle in the box led to the Referee pointing to the spot. Paul Honeybun stepped up to drive his shot low past Aaron Stone to give the Borough the lead after just five minutes of the second half. They were not to hold on to the lead for very long however for in a further five minutes the Reserves were level through Darrell Williams. Hamworthy were now enjoying their best spell of the game, and went very close to taking the lead when Michael Wynne rattled the woodwork before again going close to scoring on another two occasions. In the latter stages of the game it was Poole Borough’s turn to go close. First they rattled the crossbar, and then had another effort cleared off the line. Despite their efforts neither team could find a winner and a 1-1 score line at the final whistle was probably fair all round. Unfortunately due to other results Hamworthy drop a place in the league, but with several Home games remaining they have every chance of putting that right.

Team: A.Stone, S. Leaton, C. Miles, P. Frake, P. Hedges, D. Williams (S. Griffiths), D. Orchard, M. Wynne, G. Clark (G. Williams), J. Pinder, S. Russell (K. Middleton).  Unused Subs: M. Seal, R. Flower

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division (Saturday 29-03-08)

This was a game that Hamworthy certainly deserved to win, and one which they could well have won by more goals. Christchurch were hoping that they could repeat their success of last December at the County Ground, when they beat the Hammers 2-1. This however was a more confident United who were fresh from their win over Poole Town mid week. They were also now free from most of the injury problems that had dogged them all season, making selection  that little bit easier. Any fears that the game would be called off because of the weather, were dispelled shortly before the kick off.
Hamworthy dominated the early exchanges, and the game was only twelve minutes old when Richard Jackson opened the scoring for the Hammers. Some good inter-passing play between Mickey Hubbard , Steve Legg, and Warren Byerley went unrewarded when Carl Mutch missed an open goal. Another Mutch shot went just wide before Warren Byerley headed a Mickey Hubbard corner just over the bar. Some good team passing play ended with Steve Legg hitting the bar from ten yards out. Hamworthy did go further ahead when Carl Mutch was brought down  in the box, and Warren Byerley stepped up to fire the spot kick home. Byerley had two more good chances to increase the score still further before half time, but failed to find the back of the net. Martin Peters United’s keeper did not have to make one save in a one sided first half that ended 2-0.
Christchurch came into the game a lot more in the first twenty five minutes of the second half. Ex- Hammer Paul Manning came on as a half time substitute, and delivered two telling crosses which should have been converted when the United defence failed two clear. With twenty five minutes to go eighteen year old Youth Team player Josh Reavenall-Nuete was introduced to the game, and very soon opened his Wessex League goal scoring account. He started the move, passing the ball to Ryan Dovell who sent it wide to Mickey Hubbard. The United mid-fielder took the ball forward before picking out the young striker who found the net with a clinical finish for Hamworthy’s third goal. The score remained 3-0 at the final whistle to seal an excellent Hamworthy team display.
This win brought Hamworthy’s point total this season to sixty one, a figure that they would have been more than happy with at the start of the season, and bring them within reach of a top ten finish, another of their targets posted last August.

Team: M.Peters, S. Gilbert, M. Grimason, G. Horlock, N. Walker, R. Dovell, S. Legg, M. Hubbard(M. Glavin), C. Mutch( J. Reavenall-Nuete) W. Byerlry, R. Jackson. Unused Subs: J. Byrne, J. Crossin

Sydenham Wessex Premier League (Wednesday 26-03-08)

What a difference a few days make. On Saturday Hamworthy dominated the game against Ringwood before losing it, and then four days later beat high fliers Poole Town. The Hammers had to come back from being a goal down at half time. This was after being on the back foot for most of the half, to win the game in front of a crowd of 184people. This result just about finishes any hopes that Poole may have had of winning the league.
Hamworthy were forced to defend right from the first whistle as Poole Town went in search of an early goal. United were having problems containing the very quick
Dolphins, a team that now include ex-Hammer Kevin Gill in their line up. After a spell of pressure the Hammers failed to clear their lines. The ball was worked back to Ian Richards who forced the ball over the line to make it 1-0 to the visitors after 19minutes. The rest of the half followed much the same pattern with Hamworthy only able to make the odd sporadic attack without really testing Jason Harvell in goal. To their credit Nathan Walker, and his men defended well. Despite all of Poole’s possession they never really looked like adding to their total. The Town’s finishing never really matched up to their approach work, and so the score remained at 1-0 at the interval.
Poole lined up differently after the break, pulling back the dangerous Kevin Gill into a more defensive role, and replaced the effective Aaron Skelton. The changes must have suited the Hammers because they were a different side in the second half. For the first time in the game they took the game deep into Dolphin territory. Nathan Walker saw his effort rattle off the crossbar as United’s confidence grew. They were to be rewarded for theirefforts in the sixty fifth minute, Mid-fielder Steve Legg latched on to a poor Harville clearance, and hit a great strike past the keeper from fully forty yards for the equaliser. Poole began to give away more free kicks, and it was from one of these that United took the lead. Hamworthy are always a threat from set pieces, and this time Mickey Hubbard found Nathan Walker at the near post. His well directed header found the bottom corner of the net. Poole seemed unable to raise their game again, and it was Hamworthy who came very close to going further ahead. A Mickey Hubbard shot just missed, before Warren Byerley out on the left went past two defenders, and ran into the box. He drew the keeper, and slid the ball past him, only to see his effort go inches past the far post. Unsung hero for the Hammers was Carl Mutch who battled bravely all game up front without personal reward, but for the benefit of the team.
This was a great team effort, and a great step towards finishing the season in the top ten, the target set at the start of the season.

Team: M. Peters, S. Gilbert, M. Grimason, G. Horlock, N. Walker, R. Dovell, S. Legg, M. Hubbard, C. Mutch, W. Byerley, r. Jackson. Unused Subs: R. Middleton M. Glavin, J. Crossin, J. Reavenall-Nute, Raisbiani 

Dorset County Youth League, Sunday, 23rd March 2008

Normally, one of our more awkward opponents, this was a comfortable win where the young Hammers never really had to get out of second gear to take all three points.

Tom Holden and Elliot Watson were working hard in the centre of midfield to contain the oppositions three in the centre. This enable the Hammers to exploit their extra wide player on each flank, with Jim Crossin in particular proving a constant threat down the left wing, and it was a cross from Jim Crossin that led to a tap in at the far post by Charlie Gajic for the opening goal.

One nil up at halftime Hamworthy went on to dominant the second half and score two further goals. Firstly, Mike Haskell lashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle after quickly adjusting his feet, before substitute Dan O’Reilly finished off the move of the game, clipping a neat finish over the advancing Lytchett keeper to make it three nil.

Team: Kellaway, Cooper-Blayney, Basing (Macklin), Watson, Pimm, Cole, Barnett, Holden, Haskell (O’Reilly), Gajic, Crossin (Reavenall-Nuete)

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division (Saturday22-03-08)

A gale force win ensured that this match was going to be a lottery, and so it proved. Unfortunately for the Hammers despite having had the major part of the play, it was a lottery that they lost. Hamworthy struck the bar three times in the first half, and had a goal disallowed for off side, but this was not to be their day, Fair play to Ringwood they had very few chances in the whole game, but they did score from one of these. To rub salt in the wound the Town scorer was Dan Baguely who started the season as a United player.
Hamworthy started the match with the wind at their backs, as both teams struggled to come to terms with the conditions. Carl Mutch almost put Hamworthy in front when he met a Mickey Hubbard free kick with his head, only to see the ball rattle the cross bar with the keeper well beaten. As to be expected it was nearly all Hamworthy, but the final ball was often over hit and ran out of play, or was picked up by Dave Rhodes the Ringwood keeper. Following a corner Greg Horlock’s back header was pushed out to Carl Mutch who then once again headed the ball onto the cross bar before going over. Carl did find the back of the net half way through the first period with a diving header on the six yard box that flew into the net, only to find the Referees Assistant had ruled him offside. The Hammers continued to dominate most of the play without reward, and restricted the Town to only the occasional attack none of which really threatened the United goal. Ringwood must have been highly delighted to go in at the break on level terms knowing the wind would be in their favour for the rest of the game
As expected the home side came much more into the game in the second half, but Hamworthy were to have as many chances, if not more than Ringwood in this second period. Dave Rhodes had to be very brave to dive at the feet of Carl Mutch and smother the ball before the big forward could get his shot away. The Town’s goal in the sixty first minute was a result of some poor defending. Dan Baguely was found on the edge of the box totally unmarked, and his looping header went over Martin Peters as he charged off his line, and into the empty net. Carl Much was sent off for a second yellow card for dissent when the Referee pulled back play with Hammers in an attacking position, and awarded Uniteda free kick. Phil Simkin made changes, one of which was the introduction of the Youth Team striker Josh Reavenall- Nuete for his first senior game. The tall young striker soon impressed when following a jinxing run into the box slotted the ball through to Steve Legg whose shot went agonisingly just past the post. This was to be United’s last chance before the Referee blew the final whistle to give Ringwood the win they deserved for sticking to their task, and for riding their luck.

Team: M. Peters, S. Gilbert, R, Dovell, G. Horlock, N. Walker.R. Middleton( W. Byerley), S. Legg, M.Hubbard, C. Mutch, L. Thomas( J. Reavenall-Nuete), R. Jackson.  Unused Subs M. Glavin, M. Grimason.

Dorset Premier League (Friday 21-03-08)

The very windy conditions did not stop this from being a very entertaining game, but one that on the play the Hammers should have won. Cranborne were reduced to ten men when the Referee’s Assistant spotted a punch thrown by one of their players early in the second half.

Cranborne kicked off with very strong wind in there favour, and it did not take them long to take the lead. After only two minutes the Cranes took full advantage of the wind, and a free kick from fully twenty five yards out on the far left wing to score. The free kick flew in just inside the far post with the Hamworthy Keeper well beaten, and nobody stood on the line to prevent such an event. A second free kick taken this time from a more central position, but from a similar distance was this time well saved by Aaron Stone in the United goal. To their credit the Hammers got their game together, and with some good passing movement took the game to the opposition at every opportunity. The United defence also dealt with any attacks very well, and only really came under threat from set pieces. Darren Rugg had to go off injured to be replaced by new signing Craig Miles who went on to have a very good debut for the Hammers. Hamworthy had done very well to go in at half time with the score line only 1-0 against them in such windy conditions.

Like Cranborne in the first half, it did not take the Hammers long to score. With just a minute of the second period gone Darren Orchard got on the end of a pin point pass from the left into the six yard box. He guided the ball past the static Cranes keeper, and into the net unchallenged. The Goalkeeper’s appeal for off side was turned down, and play restarted with the score now1-1. Hamworthy went on to have the major part of the play in the second half, but despite going close on several occasions were unable to capitalise on their good work with a second goal. Cranborne were restricted to the odd break away especially after the dismissal of their player, but they too never really looked like getting a second goal, and must of felt very pleased with a draw at the final whistle

Team: A. Stone, S. Griffiths (S. Leaton), D. Rudd (C. Miles), D.Frake, M. Glavin, M. Seal, D. Orchard, M. Wynne, G. Williams, P. Hedges, S. Russell (C. Barnett).  Unused Sub: R. Flower.

Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division (Wednesday 19-03-06)

With AFC Totton dropping points to the Hammers at home recently,  and the need for them to keep winning in their bid to stay top of the league, there was no doubt that this was going to be a very hard game. That is how it turned out to be, with the Hammers once again stepping up to the mark, and competing against a very talented and experienced side. Hamworthy were without both of their talented young full-backs, Matt Grimason, who pulled out of the squad through injury, and Joe Byrne who was unavailable. However, Phil Simkin is showing faith in younger players, as Greg Horlock, former Under 18’s captain, played against Totton for the second time this year, and the bench consisted of four current youth players.
 The match started brightly, with AFC Totton having a lot of possession, passing the ball around briskly. The first real moment of danger came early on, when Totton broke down the right hand side. A low cross into the 6 yard box avoided Hammers keeper, Martin Peters, but was slid away by Nathan Walker to safety. AFC Totton front man, Mark Osman looked a constant threat with his pace and ball control. Midway through the first half he collected the ball just inside the Hammer’s half, and ran directly towards goal with the ball at his feet. Greg Horwood could not tackle in case of a penalty, but great speed and strength from both Nathan Walker, and Steve Gilbert took the ball out for a corner.
The Hammers kept their shape and a Steve Legg pass found Lee Thomas. Only a touch was needed by Thomas to flick the ball past the defender, to give a free run in on goal. The defender, Matt Jones, realised that he was beaten, and fouled Thomas. This resulted in a yellow cared being shown to the Totton man, followed by a red for a second bookable offence. The Hammers were unable to make anything of the resultant free kick unfortunately. The half time break came, with the score remaining at 0 – 0.
 The second half started with Carl Mutch hitting a post in the first Hammers attack, with the rebound going straight to the keeper. The Hammers exerted plenty of pressure early on. Lee Thomas struggled to control the ball when put through one on one with the keeper, and the Totton defence was able to clear. A Mickey Hubbard corner, found a thunderous header from Ryan Dovell that hit the target from 6 yards out. Gareth Barfoot, made a great save to keep the scores level. The Stags started to get more control in the latter part of the game. Martin Peters kept United in the game before Mickey Hubbard headed off the Hammers line to keep the score level. You could feel the tension building up in the AFC Totton camp, as they were becoming frustrated in their effort to win the game. The goal eventually came down the right hand side, when the Hammers lost possession. A quick ball in found an unmarked Gareth Byrne who headed in from close range. Despite the efforts from United up to that point, the Totton goal remained intact. In the last minute of the game Phil Simkin sent everybody forward to try and level the match.  A quick break out followed when the very athletic Osman was matched against Greg Horlock in a sprint to the Hammers goal. The Totton man won the race and scored to give his team a 2-0 win.
This was a very entertaining game and a credit to the Sydenhams Wessex League.

Team:  M.Peters, S. Gilbert, R. Dovell, G. Horlock, N. Walker, R. Middleton, S. Legg, M. Hubbard, C. Mutch, L. Thomas, R. Jackson. Unused Subs: M. Glavin, C. Khinder, J. Reavenall-Nuete, J. Crossin, P. Hedges. 

South West Counties Youth League, Saturday, 15th March 2008
Reduced to ten men after the sending off of Shivan Roushbiari midway through the first half, the young Hammers put in a brave and committed performance that almost felt like a defeat, after they conceded a last minute equaliser to give Dorchester a share of the points.

The match which was played on a large, sloping, pitch, that became increasingly sticky as the game went on, saw both sides create and waste opportunities to take the lead in the first 30 minutes.

However, the erratic and over zealous referee was already beginning to have a bearing on the match, particularly when he and his linesman missed a trip on Alex Godfrey in the box, and then shortly after sent off Shivan Roushbiari for a misunderstanding over providing the spelling of his name for a booking.

Going in 0-0 at halftime it was the Hammers that went on to dominate the second half playing down the slope, and it was no more than they deserved when substitute Mark Wheeler, on the break, clipped the ball over an advancing Dorchester keeper to give the visitors the lead.

Then with 5 minutes to go Jordan Cole missed a penalty to give the Hamworthy youngsters a two nil lead following a clumsy foul on Josh Reavenall-Nuete, before a mix up in the centre of defence provided Dorchester with a breakaway goal to level the scores.

Team: Lillington, Chappell, Cole, Khyder (Wheeler), MacDonald (Capt.), Pimm, Roushbiari, Claremont (Foote), Reavenall-Nuete, Godfrey (Dennett), Macklin Unused Substitute: Dimond

Dorset Premier League (Saturday 15-03-08)

Hamworthy and Bridport shared two goals, and the points at the County Ground.
Heavy rain made playing conditions difficult for both sides, and was very much a leveller, as the Hammers tried to overcome bottom side Bridport.  James Maidment put the Bees one up after 35 minutes and it was not until the 75th minute that the Hammers equalised with a goal from Darrell Williams. This draw keeps the Hammers in mid table while the Bees stay at the foot of the table.

Team: A. Stone, M. Seal, S. Russell, S. Griffiths, S. Leaton, D. Williams, D. Orchard, M. Wynne, R,. Dovell (R. Flower), G. Clark, (J. Crossin), G. Williams (J. Pinder)

Sydenhams Wessex League premier Division (Saturday 15-13-08)

The score line suggests that this was a very one sided game, but this was far from the truth and it could be argued that Hamworthy deserved at least a point out of this game. According to Secretary Peter Gallop’s stop watch nine minutes of added time was allowed in which Moneyfields scored twice in the last two minutes.
The Hammers started strongly, and a Jack Swann shot forced an early save from the Home keeper. It was Moneyfields however who took the lead after only five minutes with a sweeping move that started just outside the United box, and ended with Louis Savage finding the net, and open the scoring. Hamworthy struggled to contain the movement, and passing of the opposition’s two front men all afternoon, but it certainly was not all one way traffic. Jack Swann had another shot well saved, and then Carl Mutch saw his effort tipped over the bar. Richard Jackson was seeing plenty of the ball down the left, but unfortunately could not produce the killer cross after his good approach work. The score remained 1-0 to the Home side at the half time whistle.
The second half was only five minutes old when the Hammers equalised. A long free kick from Steve Gilbert was headed towards goal by Nathan Walker, and Lee Thomas nipped in to score, and make it 1-1. Martin Peters was called upon to make several good saves, but was unable to do anything to prevent the Moneyfields second goal with twelve minutes of the game remaining. Substitute Danny Boyale the smallest player on the pitch, was allowed a free header in the box to score. Hamworthy continued to have plenty of possession, but could not find that final pass, or shot to level the match, which at this point they probably deserved. Salt was really rubbed into the wound when first Glen Night, and then Dan Gauntly found the back of the net in the final two minutes of the extended period of time added on.
It is an unfortunate fact that in far too many games this season we have lost a match in the last few minutes of a game that we should have got something from.
The Wessex Cup quarter final against the same Club on the same ground is a game in point when we lost in the last minute after matching them all game. We must however remember that we have a young back four, and they will learn I am sure.

Team: M.Peter, J. Byrne, M. Grimason, S. Gilbert, N. Walker, R. Middleton, L. Thomas, J. Swann (M. Glavin), C. Mutch,  R. Jackson.  Unused Subs: G. Horlock, P. Hedges.