Sydenhams Wessex League Cup 3rd Round
Hamworthy United were without several key players for this game Michael White was Cup tied, Stuart Cannie and Tim Vavrecka were out for medical reasons. Others including Max Crow, Tim Constable and Karl Yelland have still not recovered from long time injuries. Phil Simkin was forced to bring in on loan striker James Pinder from Poole Borough to fill in for his missin players.
Both sides were quick off the mark on a stodgy pitch. Alresford soon revealed their main attacking weapon which was the long ball. The ball was either launched long for the front runners to chase, or thrown long by specialist Simon Danter at every opportunity. Hamworthy’s tall defenders were well equipped to deal with these tactics, and looked the more likely of the two teams to open the scoring up the other end of the pitch. Sam Lockyer curled a shot just wide following a good move up the right wing. United did have scare when Alresford found the back of the net from a free kick, but the goal was ruled offside. After a brief spell of Hamworthy pressure, they were rewarded with a corner. The kick came low into the six yard box which caused confusion in the Town defence. The ball was only knocked out to the edge of the box to a Hamworthy player who returned it back to the original corner taker. This Time the ball was sent higher into the box where Greg Horlock’s firm header found the underside of the bar before going in to make it 1-0 with twenty six minutes gone. Soon after James Pinder made a good run into the box, and his shot took a deflection off Warren Byeley which Dan Chapman did well to dive and save. The score remained 1-0 at the break.
The second half continued as the first with the Hammers having just the edge over Alresford, whose main threat continued to come from set pieces. The United defence was well marshaled at the back by Steve Gilbert. This gave Martin Peters maximum protection, restricting the Town to shots from some distance. These were easily dealt with apart from a couple that went just wide. The Home Keeper again did well to save from Warren Byerley who cleverly turned his marker before shooting powerfully. Towards the end of play Alresford pushed everybody up including Keeper Chapman for a corner. The ball was cleared long, and a rugby tackle just over the halfway line by a lone Town defender prevented a goal scoring opportunity for Hammers. The Keeper was still trying to get back. Luckily for the defender the Referee only issued a yellow, and not a red for being the last man. Hamworthy comfortably saw the time out to the end of play, and now go on to play Hayling United away on 10th February in the next round.
Team: M. Peters, R. Jackson. S. Lockyer, ( S. Lanahan), S. Gilbert, O. Cherrett (Capt), G. Horlock,R. McCabe, R. Dovell, M. Dancer, J. Pinder, W. Byerley. Unused Subs:  M. Seal, G. Clark

Dorset Premier League (Saturday 24-01-09)
 The Reserves can count themselves a little unlucky to have lost this game. They lost their Keeper just before Blandford’s equalizer, and then fell behind to a disputed penalty. Hamworthy United started the game with five under eighteens on the pitch and a further four on the bench, all gaining valuable experience of Senior football.
Play was fairly even for the first twenty minutes with neither Keeper having anything difficult to deal with. Gradually the Home side began to get on top with Lewis Williams featuring in a lot of the good things that were now beginning to happen. He played a beautifully placed through pass that split the Blandford defence to his namesake Gary. Unfortunately the Hamworthy number nine was just not quick enough, and the chance went begging. After twenty four minutes a throw in from Lewis Williams was chested down by Gary Williams. He controlled the ball before passing it low into the six yard box where Michael Wynne following through smashed it into the net to make it 1-0 to the Hammers. The Reserves continued to have the slight edge on the play until the interval, but were unable to add to the score line.
Blandford came out a lot more determined in the second half, and took the game to the Reserves putting them under real pressure for the first time. Despite this pressure Blandford never looked like beating Wane Robbins the Hamworthy Keeper, that is until he got injured. A fifty fifty through ball saw Robbins come off his line, and dive bravely at the Blandford main strikers feet to save, but was left needing treatment afterwards. Unfortunately the Keeper had to leave the field with a leg injury and was replaced by seventeen year old Tom Rees. Within a minute of the restart Blandford won a free kick on the left hand side edge of the box. The resulting cross was headed onto the under side of the bar before going over the goal line for the equalizer. Five minutes later the Visitors were awarded a debatable penalty indicated by the Referee’s Assistant. The Referee had waved play on before having his mind changed. The Hamworthy players felt that their man could not get out of the way of the ball kicked straight at him from close range. Blandford scored from the spot to take the lead which they kept for the remainder of the game. To their credit the Hamworthy youngsters picked up their game again towards the end of play, and perhaps were a little unlucky not to have snatched a late equalizer.
Team: W, Robbins (T. Rees), R. Flower, S. Coakes, S. Griffiths, M. Jamison, M. Wynne, D. Orchard(Capt), S. Lanahan, G. Williams (S. Jones), L. Williams,  L. Reynolds (L. Wadley). Unused Sub: J. Keating.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League 9Saturday 24-01-09)
 
The Hammers found their winning ways again away at Hamble ASSC with a fine 2 - 0 win, which gives them a four match winning streak and moves them up to 7th place in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League.
 
Early exchanges were fairly even with both teams threatening but neither keeper was called upon to make a save, however it was Hamble who went close in the 14th minute, when a cross from a free kick flew right across the penalty box and hit the far post, before being cleared by Michael White for a corner.
 
On a flat, but tacky pitch, the Hammers put together a great passing move down the right hand side in the 18th minute. The move involved exchanges between Dovell and Dancer, resulting in Max Crow shooting straight at the keeper from just inside the box.
 
The Hammers looked very comfortable on the ball, and became more of a threat as the half went on. A free kick to the far post on 24th minute saw Steve Gilbert unchallanged for the header, but he headed over.
 
Just before half time, with the Hamble keeper out of his area, the ball rolled toward Richard Jackson who may have done better with a direct strike from about 25 yards out, but after a scramble in the Hamble goalmouth, the chance was gone.
 
The Hammers went in goal-less at halftime, and must have been quite satisfied with their efforts. The only concern to Manager, Phil Simkin, was a late injury to Richard McCabe, following a tackle with an opponent. He clearly was struggling as he limped off for his half time cuppa.
 
At the start of the second period, McCabe failed to show, and was substituted by, yes, you’ve guessed it, Tom Vavrecka. A truly wonderful sight to see him make his Wessex League debut for the Hammers, following his terrible assault back in the summer.
 
The Hammers came out on fire and dominated the game straight from the re-start, in fact, it really was one way traffic. The only concern Hamworthy fans had was the ability to score, in a match that was comfortably under control. The Defence dominated the home forwards, and the midfield controlled everything, though it took a few minutes before Vavrecka got a touch. When he did, he looked comfortable on the ball, and played it simply and wisely. With great running from Dancer, by now pushed up front, supported by Max Crow and Ryan Dovell, it was inevitable that the goal would come.
 
A cross to the far post found Steve Gilbert unmarked, but instead of heading goalwards, he headed back across goal for Mark Dancer to add the finishing touch, and it was nothing less than the Hammers deserved. The second goal came late, but was route one. A long ball out of defence from Greg Horlock was taken straight into his stride by Warren Byerley, who rounded the keeper to secure the three points.
 
Hammers : Peters, Crow, Lockyer, Horlock, White, Gilbert, McCabe (Vavrecka 46), Dancer, Dovell, Byerley, Jackson : Unused subs : Cole, Cherrett, Seal

Sydenhams Wessex Premierr League (Wednesday 21-01-09)

Fresh from a good away win on Saturday the Hammers were looking forward to the game against the Team at the very bottom of the league to push them further up the table. Lashing rain and a strong cross pitch wind however meant that league positions counted for nothing in this game which turned out to be a bit of a lottery. Both teams understandably were guilty of making costly mistakes which led to goals. Horndean probably went home very disappointed at not getting something out of a game in which they held their own, and at one point led.
Horndean could have gone into the lead from their first attack when their striker did well to force his way into the box, but unfortunately blasted the ball high and wide over the bar from close range, with only the keeper to beat. It was a very even game with both teams having to battle against the conditions, and it was due these led to Hamworthy opening the scoring after twenty four minutes. A sweeping move up the left wing found Richard Jackson who drove his cross hard and low into the six yard box. A Horndean defender came sliding in to prevent the ball reaching a United player, but only succeeded in knocking it past his Keeper and into the net for an own goal. To their credit the visitors were not behind for very long. After a routine save Martin Peters tried to play the ball quickly out to Michael White, unfortunately the pass was not vey accurate, and the ball went out for a Horndean throw. The ball was thrown into the six yard box where Tom Spicer nipped in to knock the ball past Martin Peter to equalize. The score remained at 1-1 for the rest of the half.
With conditions gradually getting worse play was shared fairly equally after the break. Another mistake, this time by Martin Peters led to the Visitors taking the lead when he allowed a low shot from some distance to squirm under him into the net to make it 2-1. To their credit the Hammers raised their game, and enjoyed their best period of the match, taking the game to the opposition. The scores were all level again when another Richard Jackson ball in found Max Crow bursting through the middle. The United man kept his head to strike the ball past Karl Watson, giving him no chance to save. Hamworthy were now on top, but the Horndean cause was not helped when they had a man sent off for pulling back a Hamworthy striker. This was after being adjudged to be the last defender. A decision some thought a little harsh. Soon after this, and with the game drawing to a close Warren Byerly got the winner with a spectacular overhead scissor kick. With the few minutes remaining the Horndean ten men once again raised their game, but time and luck was against them, and despite their plucky fight went home empty handed.

Team: M.Peters, M. Crow, S. Lockyer (G. Horlock), O. Cherrett (S. Gilbert), M. White, R. Dovell, R. McCabe, M. Dancer, S. Cannie, W. Byerley, R. Jackson. Unused Subs: T. Vavrecka, S. Lanahan, J.Cole.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (sat17-01-08
It was a happy Hamworthy United side that travelled back from the Isle of Wight on Saturday evening after gaining a comprehensive victory over the team one place below them in the league. The Hammers dominated the game throughout and gave probably their best league performance of the season. Ryan Dovell the scorer of both midweek goals was unable to travel due to work commitments, but Phil Simkin welcomed back Stuart Cannie after illness.
United started the match kicking down the slope on a very sticky pitch, and very soon had Brading Town on the back foot. The Islanders were having great difficulty in reaching their solitary front runner, and top goal scorer Dave Greening, and so remained encamped most of the time in their own half. Following a good move down the left wing, a cross from Richard Jackson found Stuart Cannie whose shot rattled the crossbar after sixteen minutes. This was the start of a golden patch when the Hammers scored three goals in quick succession the first after twenty two minutes. Ollie Cherret headed a corner back across the goal for Warren Byerley to score from close range to make it 1-0. Within a minute Mark Dancer took full advantage of Brading’s failure to clear their lines when he picked up the loose ball, and knocked it past the keeper for United’s second. A desperately careless tackle led to the Hammers being awarded a penalty to add to the Home Side’s woes soon after. The ever dependable Warren Byerley found the bottom corner of the net with his spot kick to make it 3-0 to United. A score line that remained that way until the break.
 Although Hamworthy now playing against the slope had to defend more in the second half they still controlled the game, and never looked in any real danger. In fact they still looked more likely to score than the Island side. As the game drew to a close Brading threw more men forward in an attempt to get something out of the game, but this left them open at the back which was later to prove costly. Dave Greening’s sole shot on target in the entire game was well saved by Martin Peters. A swift counter attack by the Hammers found Max Crowe out on the right. He cut inside and was very unlucky to see his shot hit the post with the Brading Keeper well beaten. In the last minute of the game another quick counter attack this time found Sam Lockyer running through the middle with just the Keeper to beat. The United midfielder kept his cool to draw Jamie Bray off his line and slot the ball past him to make the final score 4-0 to the Hammers, a score line they thoroughly deserved following such a display.
Team: M. Peters, M. Crow, S. Lockyer, O. Cherrett (Capt), M. White, S. Gilbert, R. McCabe, M. Dancer (G. Horlock), S. Cannie, W. Byerley, R. Jackson. Unused  Unused Subs : T. Jeffes  S. Lanahan

Sydehams Wessex Premier League (Wednesday 14-01-09)
Report Taken From The Sydenhams Wessex League Website

Hamworthy, coming off the enforced winter break would have expected an easy 3 points against a Laverstock team that had not won a League game since mid-October. However four new players for Laverstock and a return to the dug out by Gino Nardiello ensured that this game was a lot closer than league positions would suggest. Having said that the Hammers had the balance of the early play and Greg Horlock came closest to scoring with a header that went just over. It took Laverstock 20 minutes to test Martin Peters in the Hamworthy goal as he saved Graham Mankin’s speculative shot. At the other end Max Crow was just wide then Laverstock keeper Dean Hutchings pushed a Sam Lockyer free kick to safety.Hamworthy took the lead on 37 minutes when a good move finished with RYAN DOVELL curled a left foot shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area. Before Laverstock had settled, the Hammers doubled their lead as DOVELL was on the end of a Warren Byerley cross to score from close range.

Half time: Hamworthy United 2 Laverstock & Ford 0

Laverstock were unlucky to have been two down at half time and immediately they fired a warning shot as Matt Baker had the ball in the net but he was ruled offside. After Tom Jeffes had gone close for Hamworthy, Laverstock went up the other end and reduced the deficit on 50 minutes. LOUIS ELDER had come on as substitute in the first half and his constant chasing caused problems for the Hammers defence. After his shot was deflected wide, he was first to Baker’s corner heading in from 6 yards.Laverstock pressed for the equaliser and on the hour Declan McGregor got through and he crossed but Baker’s shot was scuffed. Then McGregor went close with a header.Hamworthy came back into the game and Warren Byerley twice went close. Both sides had chances but neither were able to add to the score.

Final score: Hamworthy United 2 Laverstock & Ford 1

Team:
Hamworthy United: M. Peters, M. Crow (J. Cole), S. Lockyer, O.Cherrett, M. White, G. Horlock, R. Dovell, M. Dancer (S. Gilbert), T. Jeffes, W. Byerley, R.Jackson.  Unused Subs: T. Vavrecka. S. Lanahan

Dorset Premier League (Saturday 03-01-08)

The Reserves got the New Year underway with a well deserved victory. In recent weeks they have been playing against teams that are in the title chase, and although they have played well they have never the less lost. In this game they were up against a  mid table team who had beaten them 5-2 at Cranborne earlier on in the season, but were one that they had to beat to rise up the league. With the Under Eighteen side unfortunately now withdrawn from the South West Counties League it gave Gary Clark and Richard Flower more people to choose from.

The pitch was just about playable after a heavy frost the night before, but playing conditions were made difficult by the hard pitch. Hamworthy started the game the brighter of the two teams, but there was never a lot between the two sides. Most of the play in the first half took place in mid-field with both keepers only called upon to make routine saves, and neither came under any real pressure. It was therefore not surprising that the score remained 0-0 at the break a fair reflection of the game up to that point.
The Hammers were forced to make a half time substitution when Mark Seal was replaced by Lewis Williams because of an injury. Just as in the first half United started the second half on top, and were soon rewarded with a goal after just three minutes. Mark Claremont got into the Cranborne penalty box before cleverly beating two players, and laying the ball back for Gary Williams to score in the corner of the net.  Cranborne raised their game as the match went on and for the first real time in the match began to exert some real pressure on the Hamworthy defence. Experienced Keeper Wayne Robbins did well to intercept a couple of dangerous crosses to keep his side in it and maintain their lead. As the game neared its close the Visitors threw more men forward in an effort to get something out of the game. This left them open to the counter attack and they fell further behind to one such attack in the final minute of the game. The ball was played down the left before it was crossed dangerously into the box. A clever dummy by Michael Wynne allowed the ball to go through his legs and on to the unmarked Lewis Williams. The young substitute who had played exceptionally well since his introduction did not panic, but coolly picked his spot to beat the Keeper. This win meant that Hamworthy rose three places up the table, and now face the team immediately above them in the next round.
Team: Wayne Robbins, Mark Seal (Lewis Williams), Sam Coakes, Sean Griffiths, Craig Miles, Sam Lanahan, Darren Orchard (Capt), M. Wynne, Mark Claremont (Shane Lee-Whaley), Gary Williams, Andy Powell. Unused Subs: Jay Keating, Sean Jones

Wessex Premier League (Saturday 03-01-09)
Report Taken from the Wessex League Website
CHRISTCHURCH EDGE OUT THE HAMMERS

These two sides had played each other in the league only two weeks ago and once again it was the home team that prevailed in a very close game.
Given that the sides were close in mid-table, it was no great surprise that the teams cancelled each other out for long periods.
During the first quarter hour Hamworthy just edged the game but slowly Christchurch edged their way into the game by playing good football on their excellent surface.As the game progressed the pace of Russell Cook gave the Hamworthy central defenders trouble but Osborne, Rideout & Smith were unable to benefit from the chances created.The breakthrough for Christchurch came on the half hour when a free kick by MARK SMITH was charged down by one of the Hamworthy wall using his arm. The referee gave another free kick just outside the penalty area and Smith drove the ball into the net past Martin Peters.Christchurch continued to stretch Hamworthy until half time but were unable to extend their lead

Half time: Christchurch 1 Hamworthy United 0

On the resumption Hamworthy had their best spell of the game and for much of the second half they had the greater balance of possession.Hamworthy wing back, Max Crow, was just wide when he attempted to lob Stewart Kearn and shortly afterwards Stuart Cannie was wide when he had a clear sight of goal.With 20 minutes to go, Christchurch sent on Gareth Barnes for Ben Osborne and within two minutes he had a golden chance to put the game beyond Hamworthy. However he took too long to finish and his shot was blocked.By this stage Christchurch had worked their way back into the game but neither side was able to create any further clear chances

Final score: Christchurch 1 Hamworthy United 0

Team :Martin Peters, Max Crow, Sam Lockyer, Ollie Cherrett, Michael White, Steve Gilbert, Tom Jeffes, Mark Dancer, Stuart Cannie, Warren Byerley, Ryan Dovell. Subs: Richard Jackson, Karl Yelland
Referee: Dan Berry. Assistants: Huw Evans & John Hopkinson
Attendance: 132