HAMWORTHY UNITED 1 HUNGERFORD TOWN3
F.A. Vase 3rd Round (Sat 6th December 2008)
Hamworthy’s long FA Vase run came to an end at the County Ground when despite a brave fight back in the second half saw them beaten by a strong Hungerford Town side. The experienced Visitors reached the last eight in last year’s competition, and they have reached the semi-final of the vase three times previously in their history. I doubt whether many would argue that over the ninety minutes Hungerford deserved their win, but a 3-1scoreline was just a little harsh on the Home side.
The Hellinic League Leaders came out strongly, and attacked Hamworthy right from the first whistle. The United defence were at times at full stretch just to contain the big Town attack in the opening few minutes. Hamworthy thought they might have had a penalty when Warren Byerley appeared to have been fouled from behind just inside the box, but the Referee waved play on. Hungerford deservedly took the lead from a corner that they had practiced on the training ground. It was identical to one that they had performed, and just missed from a minute earlier The ball was knocked short before it was crossed into the six yard box .A Town attacker rose unmarked, and scored with a bullet header that gave Martin Peters no chance. The Hammers did get a little more into the game after this, but they were unable to get in a real telling shot on goal. Hungerford too were unable to add to their lead, and so the score remained 1-0 at the break.
United came out a different team in the second half, and for the first time took the game to the opposition. The Town defence looked nowhere near as solid when they were put under real pressure, and began to make mistakes. Hamworthy’s efforts were rewarded when Stuart Cannie won the ball in the air and knocked it on to Warren Byerley. The United top scorer rose unmarked to nod a looping header over the stranded keeper into an empty net. United were now playing their best football of the game, and a rasping low shot from distance by Ryan Dovell was saved at the second attempt by the very good Hungerford keeper. Against the run of play MAX Crow was harshly penalized for a tackle just outside the penalty box which was to cost the Hammers the game. After very carefully lining up his wall Martin Peters was then beaten by a ball that went round the outside of the wall, and just inside his left hand post to restore the Town lead. This knocked some of the stuffing out of the Hammers, and heads dropped for a while. The outcome of the match was assured when Hungerford scored a third goal with virtually the last kick of the game as Hamworthy pressed up in search of an equalizer. United were on the day beaten by a better team, but they were certainly not disgraced.
Team: M. Peters, M. Crow, S. Lockyer, O. Cherrett (Capt), S. Gilbert, T. Constable (R. McCabe), R. Dovell, M. Dancer (K. Yelland), S. Cannie, W. Byerley, R. Jackson.
Unused Subs W. Robbins, G. Horlock