HAMWORTHY 3 HORNDEAN 2
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.