Friendly Match ( 12-07-08)

Despite the result Phil Simkin must have been much the happier of the two managers at the end of this game. For large parts of the match the Hammers were much the better side against Alex Pike’s Gosport Borough from the Southern League.
Hamworthy could, and should have been at least two goals up in the first quarter of an hour. Michael Dean had the Gosport Keeper at full stretch to save from his free kick, and new signing Tom Vavreka hit the post from close range. Gosport did take the lead seven minutes before half time against the run of playwith their first real effort on goal. They took full advantage of some hesitancy in the up till then very solid United defence (average age nineteen,) to score.
Both Teams made changes after the break, Gosport more so than Hamworthy.
Shortly after the restart Steve Gilbert headed home at the far post following some fine approach work involving several Hamworthy players. Just when it looked as if the Hammers would get at least a draw The Referee’s Assistant indicated a penalty for Gosport following a Richard Jackson missed timed tackle. The Borough converted from the spot with less than ten minutes to go to give them the win that their play probably did not deserve.
Hamworthy can take plenty of plusses from this match. All their new signings all gave good accounts of themselves, and on this display the Hammers certainly look a more complete outfit than last year. Provided they can keep hold of these players, and can keep injury free, they should improve on the successes of last season and go better than their 10th place league position this session.

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 13th, 2008 at 4:24 pm and is filed under Match Reports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.