HAMWORTHY UNITED 2 BRADING TOWN 1
Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 31-01-09)
The Islanders proved to be much stiffer opposition in this game than the last one three weeks ago when the Hammers were easy 4-0 winners. Michael White was unavailable due to sickness to add to the lengthy list of unfit Hamworthy players, but Stuart Cannie was able to return following a hand injury.
United started the game facing a strong wind, but still had the upper hand in the early exchanges. New Brading keeper Joe McCormack made a hash of a back pass in the opening minute when he attempted to kick the ball clear, but luckily for him the ball spun wide. Just as it looked as if Hamworthy had everything under control the Islanders were awarded a corner from their first real attack in the match. The corner was hit high into the box where Scott Jones climbed unmarked to pick his spot, and head Brading in front after fourteen minutes. Top goal scorer Dave Greening was being kept very quiet by the United defence, but the goal scorer Scott Jones was proving to be a bit of a handful with his height and pace. The Hammers pulled level after thirty seven minutes following some good inter-passing in midfield. Stuart Cannie collected the ball and beat two players before having a shot which the keeper appeared to have covered. Unfortunately for him the ball took a deflection off Sam Lockyer into the net to give Hamworthy a somewhat lucky, but deserved equaliser. There was no further addition to the score line before the break.
United now had the wind at their backs which meant that most of the play took place in the Town half of the pitch. Brading ,and Jones in particular still looked dangerous on the occasional quick break. Hamworthy had to be on their guard when following one such raid the ball was whipped dangerously across the face of the goal, but luckily for them avoided everybody including the Brading front men.
The Hammers took the lead from a free kick halfway through the second period.
The ball was floated into the centre from the far right where Steve Gilbert headed in at the far post to make it 2-1. With time running out it looked as if Warren Byerley had the goal at his mercy, but he under hit his shot, and somehow a Brading defender managed to get back and clear the ball off the line. The score remained unchanged at the final whistle to give United the narrow victory they probably deserved over the ninety minutes.
This was the Hammers sixth win out of seven games in January and took them up to sixth place. February looks a much tougher prospect starting with VT next Week.
Team:M. Peters, R. Jackson, S. Lockyer, O. Cherrett(Capt), G. Horlock, S. Gilbert, R. McCabe, M. Dancer, S. Cannie, W. Byerley, R. Dovell.
Unused Subs: G. Clark, J. Cole, S. Lanahan