Sydenhams Wessex Cup (3rd Round) Wednesday 25-11-09

Once again the County Ground drainage system came up trumps, making sure that after several days of rain the game still went ahead as planned. After ninety minutes however many must have wished that it had not, as the Hammers turned in a very much under par display than those they have been producing of late. This resulted in brining an end to their run of seven games unbeaten. Simon Brown made a few changes to the team that drew with Moneyfields bringing in new signings Ryan Rule and Jamie Barron to start the game, and Ollie Cherrett also returned from injury. Ollie however had to go off halfway through the first half as the back injury retuned to bother him.
United could not have got off to a better start, and took the lead after five minutes with their first real attack of the game. Stuart Cannie hit a cross from the right which evaded everybody except Greg Horlock at the far post who headed home. The strong gusty wind did not make for good football as both teams struggled to get any sort of rhythm going. Mark Dancer did well to control the ball, but muffed his shot that would have doubled the Hammers lead. Within a minute Laverstock had equalized from a corner. The Visitor’s number nine was found unmarked at the far post, and made no mistake in heading the ball back across Steve Shergold to score. The Salibury based team was eager to play the ball forward as quickly as possible to its very quick front runners. The ball therefore was spending a lot of time in the air, and the Hamworthy players found it very difficult to deal with. The passing game on the deck that United have been doing a lot more of in recent games was missing. This unfortunately made it a very disappointing display to watch.
HT 1-1
The second half continued in very much the same fashion as the first with the visiting front men looking slightly the more dangerous of the two attacks. It was Stuart Cannie who had the best chance of the match, but somehow managed to miss it. He burst through the middle one on one with the opposing keeper, who half charged down Canine’s attempt to go round him. The ball broke kindly for the United player, who now had the goal at his mercy. He had time to either run the ball in, or carefully pick his spot. Unfortunately he did neither and ended up blasting the ball wide. Again the Hammers were to pay dearly for their miss. Laverstock took the lead almost immediately from another United mistake. An innocent looking cross into the six yard box from a set piece was not dealt with. This left the Laverstock man with the simple job of heading his side into the lead. Hamworthy’s sorry tale was complete when another defensive mix up led to a third Laverstock goal to complete a well deserved victory for them. They now have the unenviable task of travelling to the Isle of Wight midweek for the next round. They will play the winners Newport and Cowes whose game was called off. We wish them good luck.

Team: S. Shergold, R. Rule,, R. Jackson, O. Cherrett ( S. Llewelyn) G. Horlock, J.Barron, M. Crow, S. Cannie, M. Dancer, L. Mekchiche ( J. Swann) J. Toghill. Unused Subs: M. Antrobus, S. Browne., K. Yelland

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 21-11-09)

The Hammers had only ever drawn once, and never won a match in all their previous away games with Moneyfields. To maintain their recent unbeaten run therefore, United would have to show the same resilience as they did in their last game against Bemerton Heath. Due to suspensions Simon Browne was forced to make changes to both personnel, and positional, and brought in new signing Joe Toghill for his first full game.
For the first quarter of the game the omens did not look good for Hamworthy, as they were outplayed in every department, and their travelling fans were left fearing for the outcome of the game. Luckily for the Hammers the Home side was unable to turn that early pressure into goals. The nearest they came to scoring was when a fierce shot cannoned back off the crossbar to safety. Gradually United eased their way into the game, and began to build a few attacks of their own. They almost opened the scoring when a Larbi Mekchiche shot from the edge of the six yard box, but it was well saved by the keeper. The same player came even closer just before half time when he was picked out by an accurate cross from Karl Yelland following some good interplay with Max Crow.The resulting header went just wide of the post with Keeper Tom Boyle well beaten. So the score remained goalless at the interval.
HT 0-0
The weather conditions got steadily worse in the second half, but to their credit both teams continued to try and play good football, but with the Hammers now looking the more dangerous in attack. Max Crow made a good run up the right wing, but unfortunately his dangerous low cross into the six yard box just evaded a Hamworthy boot. United were awarded a free kick some thirty yard out, and Stuart Cannie’s screamer of a shot was well saved by the Boyle. He was somewhat fortunate however when Max Crow’s looping cross come shot caught him off his line. The ball landed just on top of the net the other side of the bar with the Keeper still struggling to get back. Another good move between Mekchiche, Cannie and Crowe finished with the latter hitting the ball well over with the goal at his mercy. Moneyfields brought on all three substitutes at once giving them fresh legs for the last quarter of the game. The new players were soon into the action, and had the Hamworthy defence under real pressure for the first time since the opening period of the match. The United rearguard which was well led by Captain Steve Llewelyn held firm however until the end. They limited the amount of shots that Steve Shergold had to deal with to a minimum, and ensured a much deserved point.
This result moved Hamworthy United one more place up the table, and now takes the run of unbeaten games to seven, but more importantly nearer to safety.
FT 0-0
Team: S. Shergold, k. Yelland, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, S. Llewelyn (Capt), C. Mutch, M. Crow, S. Cannie, M. Dancer, L. Mekchiche ( J. Swann) J. Toghill. Unused Subs: M. Antrobus, E. Roberts, S. Browne.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Monday 16-11-09)
Hamworthy United came away from Salisbury with a hard earned point gained from a team holding third position in the League. Up until their loss in the Vase on the previous Saturday the Harlequins had won nine games on the trot in all competitions. The match was played in perfect conditions on what many consider to be the best pitch in the League.
It was Hamworthy who were quickest off the mark when Larbi Mekchiche carved his way into the box from the right. He unfortunately did not see Max Crow who was left unmarked just outside the six yard box, and shot straight at the keeper. Bemerton slowly got into their stride, and looked the more dangerous of the two sides in attack. They tested the Hamworthy defence with a series of dangerous crosses from both wings, which Steve Shergold and his defenders did well to keep out. It was not all one way, and the Hammers did their fair share of attacking playing some good passing football. Stuart Parsons the Harlequins keeper was forced to come out and handle the ball outside the area. As last man he must have been very relieved when the Referee only produce a yellow card. From the free kick the Keeper then made a good save from Stuart Cannie’s well taken free kick which was heading for the bottom corner of the net. With just over a half hour gone United were punished for not getting enough men back in time after a corner. Following a quick break out of defence Bemerton attacked down the far left. A pinpoint cross picked out another Harlequin attacker at the far post who rifled the ball past Steve Shergold to complete an excellent move. To their credit the Hammers battled on, and they could have equalised right on half time . From just a yard out and with the goal at his mercy Greg Horlock’s outstretched leg just failed to connect with a low cross.
HT 1-0
Bemerton Heath came out all fired up for the second half, and soon had Hamworthy under sustained pressure with a series of corners. Steve Shergold did extremely well from one of these to make a point blank save, and keep his side in the hunt. The Hammers were beginning to look a little tired, and Simon Browne brought on some fresh legs in the shape of new signing Joe Toghill. Gradually United worked their way back into the game and began to have some success themselves down the right hand side, with Max Crowe and Larbi Mekchiche combining well. With less than five minutes of normal time remaining Hamworthy got the eqauliser they were chasing. This followed a good move down the right where Larbi Mekchiche found the by-line before crossing the ball head high for Carl Mutch to gratefully head past the keeper. With the Referee able to find plenty of time to add on, the excitement was not yet finished. First Steve Shergold had to make another brilliant point blank save, before Steve Llewelyn headed just over the bar in Hamworthy’s final attack of the game. This was a game that a few weeks ago Hamworthy would have definitely lost, but a renewed team spirit, and some hard work rewarded them with a hard earned point they thoroughly deserved.
Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, R. Jackson G. Horlock, S. Llewelyn (Capt), J. Merritt, M. Crow, M. Dancer ( J. Toghill), C.Mutch, L. Mekchiche, S. Cannie. Unused Subs: T. Vavrecka, E. Roberts, S. Browne

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 14-11-09)

The Hammers continued their steady progress since Simon Browne took over the managerial reins winning their fourth game on the trot against a team that they have only ever beaten once before. The win also lifted Hamworthy two more places away from the relegation zone. United’s Cup game against Portland the week before proved to be good conditioning for the gale force wind that blew the entire match, in what was to be the only Premier League game played that day. It was a credit to both Teams that they provided an entertaining ninety minutes of football in very difficult conditions.
Hamworthy began the game well with the strong wind in their faces, and settled the quicker of the two teams into their rhythm. It was Stuart Williams, who was the busier of the two keepers in the opening quarter, first pushing a Carl Mutch header round the post for a corner, and then diving to push another shot onto the crossbar, and over. The Town defence did well to block a series of shots that came in quick succession, before finally clearing their lines. Lymington did gradually up their game, and could well have taken the lead on a couple of occasions as they pressured the United defence. It was Steve Shergold’s turn to pull off a good save when an unmarked Lymington attacker was given the room just inside the box to get his shot away. The Visitors were then very unlucky when they hit the far post with Shergold left rooted to the spot, and helpless to do anything about it. The Hammers did take the lead shortly before half time when Stuart Cannie turned and rifled a low shot past the diving Williamson, and into the corner of the net. Hamworthy held on to take a well deserved lead into the break
HT 1-0
Again in the second period there was not a lot to choose between the two teams as both teams tried hard to keep the ball down and play football. Greg Horlock on for the injured Ollie Cherrett did well to recover from a slip, and block a shot from close range that looked a certain equaliser. Max Crow cut in from the right and hit a great shot that rattled the right angle between bar, and far post. Shortly afterwards Substitute Larbi Mekchiche also went very close with his effort that just brushed the outside of the post as United pressed for a second goal. Lymington had not given up however, and battled well to the final whistle, but all to no avail as they went down to the Hammers for only the second time in the nine meetings between the two Clubs.
FT 1-0
Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, R. Jackson, O. Cherrett (G. Horlock),S. Llewelyn (Capt),J. Merritt, M. Crow, T. Vavrecka (C. Khider), C. Mutch (L. Mekchiche) M. Dancer, S. Cannie. Unused Sub: Simon Browne

Dorset Senior Cup (Round 2)

This game was certainly not for the football purists as neither of the teams was able to overcome the adverse weather conditions, and good football was at a premium. As so often happens at Grove Corner a gale force wind blew the entire length of the pitch, and the ball spent more time in the air than it did on the ground. Portland made the Hammers battle all the way before the Sydenhams Wessex League side finally broke through with just a few minutes of normal time remaining to score the winner.
It was the Home side that opened the stronger of the two teams, and exerted early pressure on the Visitors. An early cross into the box that was dropped by Steve Shergold led to some confusion in the Hamworthy defence before Steve Llewelyn cleared. A corner followed shortly afterwards, and many of the crowd behind the goal thought that the ball had gone over the line, but the Referee did not agree, and ruled play on. This was to be the last real threat that Steve Shergold had to face from Portland for the rest of the game. The Dorset Premier Side was not helped in this department when their main striker had to leave the field with an injury. The Hammers gradually got on top and forced a number of corners (eight in total) before half time, but never really got a worthwhile strike in on goal. The Blues defence was well marshaled by young defender Lewis Whyton who never allowed Hamworthy time to get the ball down and play, and they deserved to go into the break on equal terms.
HT 0-0
For a short period after half time the Hammers at last got the ball on the deck and began to get their passing game going, but unfortunately this did not last for long. Portland now playing down the slope with the wind in their backs were unable to take advantage of this, and were restricted to long range shots that caused Steve Shergold no problems. Things livened up a little when Hamworthy made their two substitutions, bringing on new signings Larbi Mekchiche and Ryan Rule. Hamworthy were now on top, but it was not until the final minutes of the match that they finally found the back of the net. A cross from the right was nodded on by Carl Mutch to substitute Larbi Mekchiche who controlled it before slotting it through a melee of players, and in off the inside of the post. The Hammers denied Portland any chance of getting back into the game by keeping the ball until the final whistle came. The Hammers now meet Swanage Town & Herston in the next round at the County Ground on Tuesday December 1st in the Quarter Finals.
FT 0-1
Team: S. Shergold, M. K. Yelland (R. Rule), S. Browne,G. Horlock S. Llewelyn, J. Merritt, M. Crow, T. Vavreka , C. Mutch (M. Jackson),M.Dancer (L. Mekchiche), R. Jackson Unused Subs: O. Cherrett, E. Roberts

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 31-10-09)
Playing the whole of the second half with ten men The Hammers came twice from behind to secure all three points. This was their first Home win of the season in the league, and their second in a week. A delighted Home crowd saw United climb out of the bottom spot with a brilliant battling second half display. This win was all the more pleasing for Simon Browne who was down to the bare bones for selection with players not available due to suspensions and injuries. One new face on the bench was Larbi Mekchiche and his introduction in the second half was to the game. The Blackfield & Langley line up featured ex-Hammer Tom Hawkins in goal. He was a regular in our promotion winning side and was Hamworthy’s first Wessex League keeper.
There was not much to choose between the two sides in the opening quarter of the game with perhaps the Visitors having the slight edge on play. With twenty minutes gone Blackfield & Langley opened the scoring with an own goal. This followed a somewhat disputed throw in when the Assitant Referee much to the surprise of those watching missed the ball going out the first time, and then gave the throw the wrong way when it went out again. The ball was played into the six yard box from the throw where confusion in the Hammer’s defence resulted in Ollie Cherrett knocking the ball past his own Keeper. Blackfield & Langley then got on top for a period playing some good attractive football, but United continued to battle oto stay in the game. This paid dividends, and they were rewarded with a Stuart Cannie goal from a corner. The Hamworthy striker who is now coming into a bit of form rose unchallenged to direct his header passed Tom Hawkins for his second goal in two games. As half time approached United were reduced to ten men when James Merritt was shown a second yellow card for a careless tackle.
H.T 1-1
Things looked ominous for the Hammers when shortly after half time Blackfield and Langley took the lead again. After a sweeping move up field, Richard Bridge found the top corner of the net with a great strike from twenty yards out. The Visitors were now playing with a lot of confidence, and there now looked to be only one winner of this game. A Simon Browne substitution however was to change the game. New signing Larbi Mekchiche the ex-Dorchester Town player came on for Mark Dancer who had played well up to that point filling in up front. The new man made his mark straight away when he burst with pace through the middle and unleashed a terrific shot that look destined for the top corner. Tom Hawkins did well to pull off a great save and push the ball over. Within two minutes Mechiche repeated the feat, but this time the ball struck the right angle of post and bar before rebounding to safety. The Blackfield and Langley were now unsettled and for the first time looked vulnerable, and it came as no surprise when Steve Llewelyn brought the scores level. With just a minute of normal time remaining the Visitors sent everybody up for a corner, and this proved to be fatal. Richard Jackson broke quickly from defence and ran the full length of the pitch before picking out Ollie Cherrett who somehow managed to keep up with him, and slide the ball home.
FT 3-2
Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, R. Jackson,O. Cherrett S. Llewelyn, J. Merritt, M. Crow, T. Vavreka , C. Mutch M.Dancer (L. Mekchiche) S. Cannie Unused Subs: Simon Browne E. Robberts