CHRISTCHURCH 1 HAMWORTHY UNITED 0
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