Pre-Season Friendly (Saturday25-07-09)
If United had any preconceived ideas of grandeur following their recent successes over Southern league teams Gosport and Andover, they were soon brought back to reality. They were beaten in this game by a very good Hamworthy Recreation side from the Dorset Premier. Only a much better second half performance saved United from even bigger blushes.
Ham Rec soon had the Home Team on the back foot with some good fast flowing football, and took an early lead with a well taken Mike Notley goal. The same player took full advantage of some hesitancy in the United defence to add a second. As the ball dropped just outside the six yard box the two Central Defenders, and the Keeper remained rooted to the spot. This allowed Notley (who two years ago played a few games for United) time to run in and score. With still over half of the period still to go the Rec continued to dominate play, and another ex –United player Jamie Moores made it 3-0 with a fine looping header into the top corner of the net. Hamworthy United at last began to get their act together at the back, but still lacked penetration up front, and never brought a worthwhile save from the Rec. Keeper in the first half
H.T 0-3
As expected both teams made changes at half time, and for the first time in the game United began to exert some pressure on the Visitor’s defence. Goalkeeper Leonard made a couple of fine saves before half time substitute Kieth Middleton headed home the first of his three goals from close range. Ham United were now having more of the play, but were set back on their heels when they failed to deal with a quick break, and the Rec again restored their three goal advantage. Kieth Middleton scored his second with a well taken headed goal. This followed a good run, and cross by another half time substitute Mark Seal. The same player completed his hat-trick with yet another headed goal to give the final score line a much more respectable look.
Hamworthy United can point to the fact that they had several First Team squad players missing, but this must not detract from a very much deserved and creditable Hamworthy Recreation win, or their own short comings.

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