HAMWORTHY UNITED RESERVES 3 PORTLAND UNITED RESERVES 2
Dorset Senior Trophy Final (Tuesday 22-04-08)
Hamworthy United Reserves won this very entertaining Cup Final after an end to end game that saw the score line fluctuating all night. The match was played at Bridport under lights, and both teams should take credit for their performances, and the effort they both put in to making it a good game to watch.
Portland just edged the opening exchanges of the game, but it was Hamworthy who nearly opened the scoring. Darrel Williams was put through one on one with the Keeper, but his shot was smothered by the approaching Portland man, and the danger cleared. The Islanders took the lead when the Hammers failed to clear a free kick, giving them the time to find the back of the net with an easy goal. Hamworthy were not behind for very long when Steve Russell scored from close range following a melee in the goalmouth to make it 1-1 The Hammers lost Keith Middleton through injury which allowed Mickey Hubbard to take his place. This led to a reshuffle that moved Darren Orchard up to the forward line, and allowed Mickey Hubbard to direct things from the middle of the park. This reshuffle proved vital as the game developed. Hamworthy gradually got on top, but could not add to the score line before the half time whistle blew.
The second half was only a few minutes old when the Hammers took the lead following a corner. A low cross was met by Darren Orchard whose shot was deflected past the despairing Portland Keeper. He was given no chance to save, and prevent his team from going behind. To their credit the Islanders came fighting back, and once again levelled the scores from another free kick. This time it was from some thirty yards out. The ball was knocked into the Hamworthy six yard box, and was not claimed by the Keeper who missed with his punch. This allowed the tall attacker to head home under no pressure at all .The Hammers quickly restored their lead which also from a free kick. Quick thinking Mickey Hubbard quickly took the kick, and picked out Darrell Williams who fired the ball past the despairing Keeper. The Portland defence was left rooted to the spot completely shell shocked. There was still twenty five minutes left for play and in that time Hamworthy never really gave their opponents another clear cut chance to get level again. When the final whistle came a 3-2 score line was probably a fair result with the winners creating more, and the better scoring chances.
Team: D. Fawcett, M. Seal, D. Frake, R. Flower (D. Rudd), S. Griffiths,
S. Russell, D. Orchard, M. Wynne, K. Middleton (M. Hubbard), G. Williams (G.
Clark) D. Williams.