SHRIVENHAM F.C. 2 HAMWORTHY UNITED 2
F.A. Vase 2nd Round (Saturday 15-11-08)
A draw was probably a fair result after both teams at one point must have thought that they had the game won, only to have it taken away from them at the last minute. The pitch had a considerable slope on it, and the uneven sticky surface made playing conditions difficult. Tom Jeffes was cup tied for the match, but Max Crow had recovered from a heel injury, and returned to the Hamworthy line up.
The Hammers started off kicking down the slope with Shrivenham trying to hit them on the break with their small, but very quick strikers. Ten minutes into the game Richard McCabe had a twenty yard pile driver fisted away by the Keeper. United were often guilty of over hitting their passes down the slope, and the pace of the little Shrivy striker was causing problems as the ball held up coming up the hill. Martin Peters made a good save shortly before another Shrivenham low goal bound strike hit one of their own players. Warren Byerley had a good chance to take the lead when he was put through on goal, but after drawing the Keeper he rolled the ball just past the post. The score remained 0-0 at the break.
Martin Peters had to push the ball over for a corner straight after the interval, but it was the Hammers who took the lead two minutes later. A long throw in from the left was nodded on to Warren Byerley who did well to squeeze the ball in at the foot of the far post from a difficult angle. Shrivenham applied more pressure as the game went on, but Martin Peters and the Hamworthy defense held firm until three minutes from the end of normal time. United were on the attack, and thought that Richard Jackson had kept the ball in as he cut in dangerously along the bye line. The Referee from distance thought differently hoever, and without consulting his Assistant, awarded a goal kick. This was taken quickly catching the Hammers out of position. The bounce was misjudged by Ollie Cherrett who up to that point had played so well. This allowed the Shrivy striker through on goal with a shot that gave Martin Peters no chance, and level the tie. Hamworthy almost won it at the final whistle, but for a diving goal line save by the Home Keeper.
The first period of extra time continued with both teams being fairly evenly matched, and looking for a winner, but no further goals were added. The Home side did eventually take the lead with a well worked goal. A Shrivy player broke out, and ran straight at the United defense before splitting them with a pass to the left wing. The resulting cross into the six yard box was slid over from close range for what looked like a certain winner. Hamworthy were not finished yet however and they ensured the replay with a text book Nathan Walker header from a corner just before time ran out.
Team: M. Peters. M. Crow. R. Jackson, O. Cherrett, N. Walker (Capt), S. Gilbert, K. Yelland (R. Dovell), R. McCabe, M. Dancer, W, Byerley, S. Cannie (G. Horlock). Unused Subs M. Claremont, W. Robbins.