Hamble ASSC 0 - 2 Hamworthy United
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