Laverstock & Ford v Hamworthy United ( Sat 6th March 2010)
Richard Jackson was the only change following the disappointing Dorset Senior Cup semi-final defeat against Gillingham Town last Tuesday, replacing name sake, Marc Jackson at full back. Manager Simon Browne obviously showing faith with the team, on what was always going to be a difficult match, bearing in mind that Laverstock & Ford had already plundered 3 points at the County Ground, and were responsible for knocking the Hammers out of the Wessex League Cup.
Rather like the midweek clash with Gillingham, the Hammers started very brightly and pinned the Home team in their own half for the first 10 minutes or so, but were unable to get that so important early goal. The Hammers were playing down the slope, on what was a very uneven pitch. Much of Hamworthy’s invention came down the left hand side, and it was plain for all to see how Richard Jackson’s absence due to suspension, hurt them in midweek. Following a cleared corner, Greg Horlock fired a fierce dipping volley just over the crossbar. The approach play was at times very precise and accurate with fine passing between Barron, Jackson, and Dancer up front, who was holding the ball up so well. It was from one of these attacks that Barron sent over a cross and Swann produced a fine headed effort to the top corner, only to see the keeper fingertip it over for a corner. Although the Hammers had much of the first half under control, the Home team were still able to break up the hill, but did not really cause the Hammer’s defence any bother, Frampton not being called upon to make a save. As the half time break came, it was disappointing that the score was still goalless, especially as Hamworthy had been the better team.
Half time 0 – 0.
The second half saw the Hammers playing up the hill. They resumed their domination of possession, particularly on the right side, where Cannie had moved to replace the injured Diaper. However, despite a lot of play, and many corners, the first goal eluded them. The breakthrough finally came when Dancer was fed the ball along the ground in the box and was floored from behind. Penalty. Jamie Barron cooled stepped up and slotted the ball home, sending the keeper the wrong way. Hammers 1 – 0. Just when you thought that the Hammers would go on to seal the game, they allowed Laverstock to get back into it. We were unable to knock the ball around and keep possession, and were now constantly under pressure from a rejuvenated Laverstock side, who were able to bombard our area with balls.It seemed inevitable that an equalising goal would come, and it came from a corner over on the right hand side.The ball was knocked to the far post and dropped behind one of the many forwards who appeared unmarked. The Laverstock forward, his back to our goal, had time to swivel round and smash the ball into the roof of the net, without a tackle in sight ! The Hammers needed to re-group and play a lot better if they were to win the match. The introduction of former AFC Bournemouth academy player, Luke Burbidge inspired the side, again most of the attacks coming down the right hand side. A ball smashed across the box from Jamie Barron took everyone by surprise, when it only needed a touch. It was Laverstock & Ford who finished the match strongly, peppering the box with crosses and calling on large numbers to defend to keep that precious point intact.
Overall, a disappointing result, a match the Hammers should have tied up.
Final Score 1 – 1.
Hamworthy United : Frampton, Antrobus, R Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Cherrett, Diaper (Toghill), Barron, Swann (Facer), Dancer (Burbidge), Cannie Unused Sub : Browne