Dorset Premier League Cup 1st Round 2nd Leg ( Saturday 29-11-08)

The Reserves were up against it from the start, they would have had to been winning by three clear goals at the end of ninety minutes just to take the game to extra time. They fielded several of the Youth Squad some of them still only sixteen years old. The youngsters all played very well, and deserved at least a draw for their efforts at the end.
There was nothing to choose between the two teams in the first half with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game. Very few clear cut chances were created, and neither Keeper had to make a difficult save. The nearest the Hammers came to scoring was when Sam Lanahan broke through the middle and into the box, but unfortunately could not get enough power on his shot. The Keeper was beaten, but a Sturminster defender was able to clear the ball off the goal line to deny United the lead. The score remained 0-0 at the break.
The Hammers started the better of the two teams, and almost took the lead twelve minutes into the second half. Hamworthy were awarded a direct free kick just on the edge of the penalty box by the Referee. Darren Orchard’s well struck kick took a deflection off the wall before the ball looped inches wide of the woodwork with the Keeper rooted to the spot,and well beaten. Stur immediately took play up the other end, and won a throw in which led to them opening the scoring. The ball was played into the six yard box before being laid back for the Sturminster man to scramble home. The lead was increased five minutes later as the United defence was again caught off guard. This resulted in Wayne Robbins being lobbed for the goal as he ran out to try to cut out the danger. To their credit the Hammers did not give in and their young forwards created several openings, but unfortunately could not finish off their good approach work. They did finally get a consolation goal in the dying minutes when Darren Orchard finished a good move to make it 2-1 at the end of play.
The good thing that came out of the match was that several youngsters gained valuable experience of the man’s game, and if they continue to improve in the next year or so the future of the Club can only get better.

Team: W. Robbins, R. Flower (M. Hassen), S. Coats, J. Cole, S. Griffiths, C. Miles (L. Pidgley), D. Orchard, M. Seal, M. Wynne, S. Lanahan, S. Lee-Whaley (L. Williams)   Unused Sub T. Rees

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