Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 26-09-09)

Totton & Eling completed the first double this season over the Hammers in a game that in many ways reflected the first encounter at the County Ground. Both games were evenly contested with neither team creating many chances, and both finished 1-0 to Totton.
As in many of the previous games Hamworthy started strongly, and almost took the lead in the third minute. A left wing cross from Richard Jackson was headed just past the post by Steve Llewelyn. Neither team was able to make many goal scoring opportunities, but one did fall to Carl Mutch with twenty minutes gone. Following some approach work Max Crow threaded the ball through to the big United striker, but unfortunately his tame shot did not really bother the Totton Keeper. Hamworthy were awarded a free kick which was taken by Mutch, but the wall stood firm to protect their goal. Totton almost took the lead just before the break when they were given a free header, but luckily for United it was directed over the bar,
HT 0-0
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with play evenly divided. Totton & Eling looked at their most dangerous at set pieces when they swung the ball into a crowded penalty area. Keeper Steve Shergold and his defence dealt well with these up until three minutes from the end of play. The Home side was awarded a corner which Shergold failed to get good contact on the ball and punched the ball just six yards out. It dropped to a Totton Player who gratefully retuned it past the beaten keeper to take the lead with time running out for the Hammers.
Once again The Hammers were again, beaten when a draw would have been a much fairer reflection on the game, but that is the story so far of the Hammers poor start to the season.

Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, S. Langrish, S. Llewelyn, G. Horlock, J. Merritt, M. Crow , R. Dovell, C. Mutch ( J. Swann), T. Vavrecka, R. Jackson.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 26-09-09)

Totton & Eling completed the first double this season over the Hammers in a game that in many ways reflected the first encounter at the County Ground. Both games were evenly contested with neither team creating many chances, and both finished 1-0 to Totton.
As in many of the previous games Hamworthy started strongly, and almost took the lead in the third minute. A left wing cross from Richard Jackson was headed just past the post by Steve Llewelyn. Neither team was able to make many goal scoring opportunities, but one did fall to Carl Mutch with twenty minutes gone. Following some approach work Max Crow threaded the ball through to the big United striker, but unfortunately his tame shot did not really bother the Totton Keeper. Hamworthy were awarded a free kick which was taken by Mutch, but the wall stood firm to protect their goal. Totton almost took the lead just before the break when they were given a free header, but luckily for United it was directed over the bar,
HT 0-0
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with play evenly divided. Totton & Eling looked at their most dangerous at set pieces when they swung the ball into a crowded penalty area. Keeper Steve Shergold and his defence dealt well with these up until three minutes from the end of play. The Home side was awarded a corner which Shergold failed to get good contact on the ball and punched the ball just six yards out. It dropped to a Totton Player who gratefully retuned it past the beaten keeper to take the lead with time running out for the Hammers.
Once again The Hammers were again, beaten when a draw would have been a much fairer reflection on the game, but that is the story so far of the Hammers poor start to the season.

Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, S. Langrish, S. Llewelyn, G. Horlock, J. Merritt, M. Crow , R. Dovell, C. Mutch ( J. Swann), T. Vavrecka, R. Jackson.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Tuesday 22-09-09)
Hamworthy United’s disappointing start to the season continued at Hurn Bridge when they were once again well beaten after making a promising start to the game. The United line up looked a bit more optimistic with the return of Carl Much ,Max Crow, and Ollie Cherritt, but they were without Steve Llewelyn.
The Hammers started the game brightly kicking down the slope, and enjoyed the better of the early exchanges. They were awarded a free kick some thirty yards out, and to the left of the goal, after just a few minutes play. Just as he did against Bournemouth Poppies Carl Much hit a pile driver which Stewart Kern could only parry. The ball dropped at Stuart Cannie’s feet a yard off the line, and with the goal at his mercy. Any shot either side of the Keeper would have given the Hammers the lead, but the United striker hit the ball straight back at the grateful Kern to save. Many of the crowd thought that Christchuch had scored when a speculative lob appeared to drop over Steve Shergold, and into the net, but the ball had in fact gone over the bar. Play was now fairly even, but a defensive error in the twentieth minute by the United Captain led to the first goal of the game. Ollie Cherrett out on the wide left appeared to try and play the ball off his opponent for a throw in, but only succeeded in giving the ball away. The Christchurch man went clear before delivering a good cross that was easily tucked away to make it 1-0. The Hammers were unlucky not to have got back on level terms when from another free kick on the edge of the box, Stuart Langrish hit the base of the post with Kern well beaten. This let off lifted the Home team who gradually took control of the game with some good pacey football. Christchurch increased their lead from a corner when Keeper Steve Shergold failed to collect the ball, and allowed a clear scoring opportunity to the awaiting unmarked striker. This was gratefully accepted and converted with a well placed header to make it 2-0. The Hammers were now well and truly on the back foot, and a failure to clear the ball three minutes before the break gave Christchurch a third goal. This was calmly chested down by another unmarked player two yards out past the United Keeper who was left stranded.
HT 3-0
Things got even worse for Hamworthy from the first Christchurch attack of the second half. They collected a long punt forward, and picked out one of their men on the far right. He found one of three men that had sprinted into space in the box, who then ran on to score with some ease. Jack Swann replaced the injured Carl Mutch, and his pace gave the United front row a bit more to offer. Mark Dancer was able to hold the ball up better when he too was introduced to the game. The second half was now much more evenly contested and the Hammers were once again desperately unlucky not to have pulled a goal back. This followed some good passing before Stewart Kern this time saved a low goal bound shot from Cannie with his legs.. That was the end of anymore clear cut goal opportunities for either side before the final whistle. The Home side finished worthy winners at the end of the ninety minutes and Hamworthy could have few complaints. If they are to find a way of moving up the league they must find a way of taking their chances when they come, and stop giving away so many soft goals.
Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, S. Langrish, O. Cherrett, G. Horlock, M. Crow , R. Dovell, G. Langrish (J. Swann), C. Mutch (M. Dancer), S. Cannie, R. Jackson.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 19-09-09)

The final score line says it all as both teams struggled to make any real goal scoring opportunities, and missed the very few that were created. It was a typical bottom of the league struggle between two teams desperate to find some form. The Hammers once again had several enforced changes to the team, one of which saw Ryan Dovell partner Stuart Cannie up front.
Hamworthy had their brightest moments of the game in the first ten minutes. Both chances in that time fell to the same player Stuart Cannie. Following some good approach work he burst into the penalty box one on one with the keeper. As the Town keeper ran out to narrow the angle Cannie hurried his shot, but hit the ball straight at him, and the chance was gone. Soon after Cannie was picked out from a set piece, but unmarked he glance his header wide of the post from just two yards out. From that point on neither team looked like scoring as they both cancelled one another out.
HT 0-0
The second half was a repetition of the first with Hammers having the slight edge on play, but neither keeper being forced into making a difficult save. Both defences were on top, and never ever looked in any real trouble. United’s hearts were in their mouths when Tom Vavrecka went to ground following a powerful clearance that hit him straight to the face. Tom who suffered severe head injuries when he was attacked last summer was substituted as a precaution, and later made a full recovery. As the game drew to a close Hamworthy did begin to get the upper hand, and Romsey were lucky to scramble the ball away off the line following a goal mouth mêlée. Romsey withstood the bit of late pressure put on them to share the points.
FT 0-0
Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, S. Langrish, S. Llewelyn, G. Horlock, T. Vavrecka (J. Swann), J. Merritt, G. Langrish, R. Dovell, S. Cannie, R. Jackson.
Unused Subs: C. Kinder, M. Seal, G. Clarke, M. Jackson

Dorset Premier League (Saturday 12-09-09)

The Hammers thee match unbeaten run came to an end against a much improved Bridport Reserve Team. Several players were unavailable for selection due to First Team call ups, and other reasons, so Kevin Jackson had to make changes to the line up. United’s cause was not helped in the first half by a Bridport player who acted as a Referees Assistant due to the shortage of officials. Unfortunately for the Hammers the stand in linesman took his own forward line, and failed to keep up with play. This meant that he was in no position to rule out two goals that were in many people’s opinion clearly offside. This proved to be a major factor in Hamworthy finding themselves three goals down in the first ten minutes, and their confidence shattered.
United could not have got away to a worse start to the game. Although they may have had grounds for complaint about two of the early goals, the other was just bad defending. Bridport were using the long ball to good effect, and managed to increase their lead still further before the end of the first half.
HT 4-0
To their credit the Hammers did not give up as they might have done last year, and gone on and lost by double that score. Instead they pulled a goal back nine minutes into the second half through Jason Thomas. They still did not give up even after Bridport had scored again with the goal of the game. Two goals from the ever dependable Matt White gave the final score line a much fairer indication of the game, and left the Hamworthy camp wondering what might have been if they had got away to a better start to the match
FT 5-3
Team: B. Gould, N. Hall, J. Thomas, D. Rose, A. Jackson G. Rose (C. Horwood)
S. Davidson (A. Dolton), S. Williams, M. White, G. Clark, L. Pidgley

F.A. Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Once again Lady Luck decided not to reward the Hammers in a game, that at times they had more than held their own. This against a team from a higher League, and being forced to play two thirds of the game with only ten men after James Merritt had been harshly sent off for retaliation. They also lost their Keeper Ed Roberts after fifty seven minutes, but his substitute Adam Tong turned in a commendable performance including a penalty save. Max Crowe thought he had equalized with ten minutes to go, but once again the Referee harshly ruled that he had handled much to the amazement of most people watching.
The Hammers started the game well carrying on from their very good, but luckless display against the Poppies in mid week. With just two minutes gone a good run down the left wing, and cross by Richard Jackson found Jack Swann. His effort was well saved by the Bridgwater Keeper. Five minutes later following a good run by Max Crowe, Swann again had a chance to give United the lead, but this time fired just wide. The Town gradually came more into the game, and following a succession of corners took the lead in the 18th minute. The goal came directly from the corner kick that evaded everybody, and found the top far corner of the net. Hamworthy came straight back at the opposition, and the Bridgewater Keeper could only palm down a cross to Ryan Dovell whose shot was cleared off the line. United were not to be denied, and were soon back on level terms. Another Richard Jackson run and cross found Jack Swann at the far post. He laid the ball back for Stuart Cannie to score the much deserved eqaliser in thec23rd minute. The game was now much more even, but disaster was to strike when Hamworthy were reduced to ten men following Merrit’s red card nine minutes before the break. A flurry of Town activity forced the Hammers on the defensive until the Half Time whistle came.
HT 1-1
Having only ten men meant that the second half was always going to be difficult. Defender Mike Antrobus replaced Marc Jackson to help out at the back. The Hammer’s cause was also not helped when Keeper Ed Roberts had to leave the field through injury. His replacement Adam Tong was soon in action making the first of many good saves, and he went on to complete a fine match. Despite some resolute Hamworthy defending Bridgwater’s pressure at last paid dividends when they scored from a far post header in the sixty first minute. With just ten minutes remaining a quick Hamworthy break finished with Max Crow hammering the ball past the Town Keeper for what everybody thought was the equalizer. Any celebration was short lived however when the Referee ruled the goal out for a hand ball. This had been missed by most other people including the Bridgwater players who had not appealed. With five minutes to go the Home side was awarded a penalty for a foul just inside the box, but Adam Tong did well to save from the spot. In the last minute of the game Bridgwater got their third goal which was a bit cruel on a brave depleted Hamworthy effort. They were left to ponder what the result may have been with a full first choice United side with no injuries, but that would only be speculation, and the fact was they were out of the FA Cup.
Team: E. Roberts (A Tong), K. Yelland, M. Jackson (M. Antrobus), O. Cherrett, S. Llewelyn, J. Merritt, M. Crow, R. Dovell, S. Cannie, J. Swann, R. Jackson.
Unused Subs: M. Seal, C. Khinder

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Tuesday 08-09-09)
The Hammers can consider themselves very unlucky not to have got something out of this game. They hit the woodwork three times in the first half, and Poppies keeper Jason Harvell pulled off two more brilliant saves in the match. The ex-Poole Town Summer signing for the Poppies, was by far the busier Keeper on the night. He certainly earned his wages with a brilliant display that ensured his side a victory that they did not really deserve. Hamworthystarted the game quite brightly, with the imposing figure of Carl Mutch soon putting the Bournemouth defence under pressure. With two Poppies men in close attendance he nodded the ball down to Stuart Cannie who collected it just inside the penalty area. Cannie’s low shot across the stranded Jason Harvell hit the base of the post before rebounding to safety. Bournemouth missed a good opportunity at the other end when from a dangerous free kick, and despite being unmarked. The close range header was put wide. Stuart Cannie again hit the base of the post. This time it followed a jinxing run into the box that took him past three defenders, before shooting. Play was fairly even, but it was United who looked the more dangerous side in front of goal. Bournemouth only really looked like scoring from set pieces, where their delivery was far superior to that of the Hammers. Ex Poppy Ed Roberts playing his second game for United, and the whole Hamworthy defence were coping well however, and looked comfortable. United were awarded a free kick some thirty yards out that was quickly taken by Carl Mutch. His pile driver of a shot looked destined for the back of the net until Harvell pulled off the first of two great save in the match, and push the ball up onto the bar, and over. Play continued to flow from end to end and a goalless first half looked certain. That is until an unforced error in time added on led to the only goal of the game, and was to cost the Hammers the match. A long speculative ball out of the Bournemouth defence looked to be well covered by Steve Llewellyn, but his header back to his Keeper fell well short. This left Dan Cann in on goal and he made no mistake to give his side an unexpected half time lead. The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with play fairly evenly divided. The Poppies continued to look only really dangerous from set pieces, and the Hammers looked the more likely of the two teams to score from open play. They almost did this when Max Crowe collected a half clearance on the edge of the box. His first time strike brought out an even better save by Harvell than the one in the first half to keep his side in the lead. Bournemouth had a good opportunity to increase their lead ten minutes from the end as United pressed forward. Substitute Rico Wilson was through one on one with Ed Roberts, but delayed his shot too long and was caught in possession. The same player was lucky not to have got a second yellow card when his late challenge went unpunished by the Referee in the closing minutes of the match. It was a very relieved Bournemouth Poppies team that left the field still on top of the League.
Team: E.Roberts, K. Yelland, O Cherrett, G. Horlock, S. Llewellyn, M. Crow, R. Dovell, J. Merritt (M. Claremont),S. Cannie, K. Mutch, R. Jackson. Unused Subs: A. Tong,, M. Dancer, M. Jackson.

Dorset Premier League (Saturday 05-09-09)

For the second week running the Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw by a late penalty away from Home. Last week it was to last season’s Champions, and this week to the Runners up. The decision this week was very debatable one, and given by the Assistant Referee when the Borough man tumbled in the box under pressure.

After an early spell of pressure from the Hornets. New Keeper Ben Gould did well to come off his line when one on one with a Borough striker, and block the shot The Reserves eased their way into the game, and were unlucky not to have taken the lead from a fierce Gary Clark shot after twenty minutes. Jakub Malara the Borough Keeper did well to push the ball out for a corner. This resulted in another near miss. This time a glancing near post header from the cross just narrowly missed the far post. Hamworthy were rewarded for their spell on top just four minutes later, when they took the lead. The Hornets Keeper misjudged the flight of a long range effort, and only parried the shot down. Matt White was on hand to pounce on the loose ball, and fire it home to give the Reserves the lead. Poole Borough hit the cross bar, but some good defending by the Hammers kept them in the lead at the break. With the last attack of the game Ben Gould once again made life difficult for Martin Gould as he closed in on goal. The Keeper again came charging off his line to narrow the angle, and the Borough man could only shoot over.
HT 0-1
Hamworthy come under a lot more pressure in the second half. A good all round display, and a new belief in their ability saw the Hammers continue to frustrate the opposition, and hold firm. The Hornets did get the ball into the net a couple of times, but both goals were quite rightly ruled offside. Just as it looked as though the Hammers would hold on to a memorable victory, the Borough were awarded the disputed penalty. Ex Hammer James Pinder attacked down the right wing with make shift Sweeper Darren Orchard in close proximity. There is no doubt that Orchard tried to pull his man back as they approached the box. The Referee however was happy to allow the play to continue as Pinner was still in control, and heading for goal. The Borough man on reaching the box tumbled and was awarded the penalty. Not by the Referee who appeared to have a clear view, but by the linesman. Joe Toghill made no mistake from the spot to the relief of everybody at Poole Borough who were celebrating their tenth Anniversary.
FT1-1

Team: B. Gould, N. Hall, S. Williams, M. Smith, D. Orchard, M. Glavin, M. seal, G. Clark (S. Davidson) M. White, J. Thomas, L. Pidgley

THE FA Carlsberg Vase 1st Qualifying Round (Saturday 05-09-09)

Last season the Hammers reached the last sixtyfour in the FA Vase competition before losing to quarter finalists Hungerford. This time they were to fall at the very first Hurdle to an unbeaten Saltash United team full of confidence following their very good away win the previous week against Western Premier League side Larkshall Athletic in the FA Cup. Hamworthy with a greatly reduced First Team squad through injuries , suspensions etc brought in new signing Ed Roberts in goal and Chia Khiderder an ex Youth Team Player in mid field, for their first games.
The first twenty minutes of the game gave no indication of the eventual outcome of the match with the Hammers dominating most of the play. They kept the ball down and played some nice passing football, but as in previous game just lacked that final telling ball. Stuart Cannie forced Saltash Keeper Kenny Griffiths to make a good save low to his right, but unfortunately for the Hammers Jack Swann arrived just too late to collect the loose ball, and score. Apart from the odd break from the Ashes Hamworthy looked in control that is until they were awarded a free-kick right out on their left wing some thirty yards out. A very optimistic diagonal cross to the opposite wing was cut out by the Ashes left back who then picked out Marc Thorne just inside the Hamworthy half. The big Saltash striker shook of a tackle from Chia Khider and started a long powerful run into the penalty area. The move was finished with a pass to fellow striker Chris Wright who shot past the helpless Ed Roberts. This goal changed the game, and from that point onwards the Ashes were always in control, as their confidence went up, and the Hammers went down. Ed Roberts had to make a very good save before Ryan Dovell, almost equalized for the Hammers five minutes before half time when his header just skimmed past the far post.
HT 0-1
Hamworthy having been forced already to make a change through injury in the first half to Stuart Langrish had to make further changes in the second half. One being his brother who also took a knock as the Hammers tale of woe continued. Saltash were now in full control of the game. Hamworthy now relied on the long ball all the time instead of the shorter passing game they played so well in the opening twenty minutes of the game. The Visitors used the same tactics, but with a little more success having two big powerful front runners who continued to make their presence felt. The Hamworthy defence held out until the seventy fourth minute when a corner was only half cleared back out to the wing. The ball was returned into the area, and Marc Thorne rose to powerfully head the ball past Ed Roberts, and double the lead. When the final whistle came the Hammers could not have any complaints having lost on the day to the better team.
FT 0-2
Team: E. Roberts, M, Crow, S. Langrish (M. Claremont),O. Cherritt, S. Llewellyn, C. Khider, R. Dovell, G. Langrish (J. Merritt), R. Jackson, S. Cannie, J, Swann (M. Dancer)
Unused Subs: K. Yelland, M. Jackson

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Monday 31-08-09)

After playing so well in their last two games, and after taking an early lead in this match the result came as a major disappointment to the Hammers, and their supporters, who were hoping for better things. What rubbed salt into the wound was the fact that the Wimborne team contained no less than five ex- Hamworthy players.
Like Saturday United got away to the perfect start with a goal after one minute. Hamworthy were awarded a free kick just outside the area on the right hand side. Alan Walker Harris could not hold the low cross, and spilled the ball which was snapped up by Ryan Dovell to give the Hammers the lead. United were lifted by the early goal, and continued to have the better of the exchanges as Wimborne struggled to get their game going. The Magpies did get back all square after ex Hammer Tom McCormack’s cross was only cleared to the edge of the box. Green met the ball and hammered it in off the underside of the crossbar that gave Steve Shergold no chance. This led to a period of sustained pressure which United did well to defend, knowing only too well the Walker Brothers aerial threat. Despite Wimborne’s efforts Hamworthy went in at the break on level terms,
HT 1-1
The Hammers were soon in trouble after the restart from a corner. This followed a good save by Shergold. A glancing header found the far corner of the net to give the Magpies the lead. Hamworthy were again in trouble shortly afterwards when the Town were awarded a penalty, but the ball hit the post and went out of play. Wimborne were not to be denied, and scored again this time by another ex Hammer Sam Lockyer with a header. United were now looking a tired and jaded side under continuous pressure from a very up beat Wimborne Town. Top Striker Joyce was then to score the goal of the match after a weaving run past three United defenders, he shot into the far corner of the net. The Magpies missed a second penalty after seventy five minutes. This time it was well saved by Steve Shergold from Joyce. Hamworthy’s misery however was not yet over, and they conceded a fifth goal ten minutes from the end of play to complete a second half drumming.
Hamworthy must have been very disappointed with their second half display, but you have wonder how much of this was due to the very hard FA Game played just two days earlier, and the depleted squad through injury etc at Phil Simkin’s disposal.
Team: S. Shergold, J. Merritt, M. Jackson (G. Clark), O. Cherritt, S. Llewellyn, R. Dovell (J. Swann), M. Crow, R. McCabe, S. Cannie (M. Dancer), M. Claremont, R. Jackson.