V.T.F.C 4 HAMWORTHY UNITED 1
Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (29-11-08)
On a heavy pitch, in awful weather conditions, and away to probably the strongest squad in the Wessex Premier league. This was always going to be a difficult game for the Hammers, with Ollie Cherrett out injured, and Nathan Walker suspended. Michael White on his welcome return played alongside Steve Gilbert at the centre of the defence.
In the 10th minute the Hammers defence backed off too far, and gave VT the time and space for Paul Sales to slide the ball wide of Martin Peters to make it 1-0. From the restart the Hammers immediately broke forward, and an excellent piece of play from Stuart Cannie opened the VT defence up. Warren Byerley’s shot was well pushed away by the VT goalkeeper, but the ball cleared only as far as the edge of the penalty area. The ball was met by Max Crow who had made up a lot of ground, and his powerful accurate shot hit the back of the net to put the Hammers level at 1 – 1. Paul Sales had a shot deflected for a corner, from which the ball was headed just over the bar. Ryan Dovell broke forward on the left side, and cleverly lobbed the VT defence. Stuart Cannie did really well to get onto the end of it. His looping header was brilliantly finger tipped onto the bar and then cleared. Minutes before half time, Warren Byerley was penalised for holding inside penalty area, when it looked hand ball by the VT defender. A magnificent free kick was launched at the VT goal from a good 25 yards by Stuart Cannie. The goalkeeper once again denied United with a top class save, and pushed the ball away. The Hammers were worthy to be in front at half time, but at 1 – 1 all Hammers fans were well pleased with their efforts.
In the second half the weather worsened, with the driving rain causing the pitch to became very heavy. Soon after the restart the Hamworthy defence once again stood back which gave Ryan Ashford the time and space to shoot from just inside the area to give VT the lead. To their credit the Hammers then had a good 10 minute spell pressing forward at every opportunity. A brilliant dribbling run by Ryan Dovell on the right, took him into the penalty area to shoot. The VT goalkeeper somehow got down to just touch the ball around the post for a corner. VT who were very strong in midfield hit the post with a deflected shot. The ball rebounded across the line and was scrambled over by Kevin Brewster. From a good break, and cross from the left Paul Sales had time to direct a firm header to put VT 4 – 1 ahead. Soon after it took a very good Martin Peters save to stop another goal bound effort. On the day the Hammers were equal to VT for an hour but from then on ins the strength of the VT midfield deservedly won them the game. For all that everybody there agreed that the score line did flatter VT.
Team: M. Peters, K. Yelland, S. Lockyer, M. Crow M. White, S. Gilbert, R. Mc Cabe, M. Dancer, S. Cannie, W. Byerley (T. Jeffes), R. Dovell.
Unused Subs T. Constable, G. horlock, M. Claremont.