HAMWORTHY UNITED 4 SHRIVENHAM F.C. 1
F.A. Vase 2nd Round Replay (Wednesday 19-11-08)
Unlike the previous game which was a closely contested affair the Hammers ran out convincing winners in the replay. Richard Jackson (suspended) and Max Crow (injured) were not available for selection. Ryan Dovell and Lee Thomas both recovered from injuries were able to start a game for the first time in weeks.
United attacked right from the start, and were rewarded with a goal after only ninety seconds. Steve Gilbert nodded on a free kick which was headed in by Warren Byerley ghosting in at the far post. Hamworthy kept up the pressure, and almost immediately scored again, but Ollie Cherretts goal bound effort was saved by the Keeper’s feet. Shrivenham were giving away too many free kicks and corners as they tried to stem the tide, and eventually paid the price. A twenty yard Ryan Dovell free kick took a wicked deflection looping the ball over the Goalie’s head and into the net to make it 2-0 after thirty four minutes. Six minutes later United increased their lead still further with a goal from Central defender Ollie Cherrett. A rare mistake by Martin Peters on the stroke of half time gave the Shrivies a slight glimmer of hope. A twenty five yard free kick appeared to be safely caught by the Hamworthy Keeper above his head, but under no real threat he dropped the ball. A Shrivenham Forward was on hand to scramble the ball over the line to make it 3-1 at the interval.
The Shrivies came out to have a real go at getting back into the match in the second half. Their lively front runners combined well, but were prevented from getting a real telling shot on goal by a well organized Hamworthy defense. The visitors did get the ball in the back of the net, but the Assistant Referee had his flag up well before it went in. As the game drew to a close, and the opposition began to lose a little heart the Hammers gradually got on top again. With five minutes remaining Stuart Cannie finished off a Hamworthy move from close range to complete the scoring and ensure his team entry into the last sixty four of the competition.
Phil Simkins must have been delighted with his team’s performance especially getting four goals against a side that had proved to be such tough opposition in the first match. The Hammers now go on to meet Hungerford Town the leaders of the Hellenic Premier League at the County Ground on Saturday 6th December 2008.
Team: M. Peters, C. Yelland, R. Dovell, O. Cherrett, N. Walker (Capt), S. Gilbert, R. McCabe, M. Dancer, L. Thomas (T. Constable), W. Byerley, S. Cannie
Unused Subs: G. Horlock, M. Claremont, J. Cole, W. Robbins