BRADING TOWN 1 HAMWORTHY UNITED 1
Sydenhams Wessex Premier League ( Monday 12-04-10)
The early 4.00pm start to this away trip to the Isle of Wight meant that some players were not available through work commitments. This made team changes inevitable. Max Crowe was available, but Jack Swan, Stuart Cannie and Chia Khider (who withdrew late) were not. This gave Lee Madgewick who has been playing well for the Reserves a chance to make the step up, and start his first game for the senior squad. He took the opportunity well, and impressed with a very steady performance in midfield.
Hamworthy began the match kicking up the considerable slope, and had a strong wind in their backs. They started the game stronger than their Island opponents, and restricted Brading to only having the odd break. The Hamworthy defence dealt with these quite comfortably. United were enjoying more of the ball, but could not finish off their good approach work with a telling shot on goal. The Brading Keeper was eventually beaten, but for the second game running the Hamworthy scorer was an O G. This followed some good work up the left wing by Richard Jackson who got to the byline before putting a dangerous cross into the six yard box. The Town defender under pressure mistimed his header. This saw the ball glance off the top of his head, and curl just inside the far post. The helpless Keeper was given no chance to save, and keep his side from going behind. Despite further chances the Hammers could not capitalize, and went in at half time with a slim, but well deserved lead
HT 0-1
The second half saw a roll reversal, and it was Brading who were soon to get on top. They forced Hamworthy into defending deep in their own half for the first time in the match. Max Frampton was called upon two make two or three really good saves as the sustained pressure continued, but he was eventually beaten ten minutes into the second period. As the second half continued the match once again became more even. The Home Team perhaps still had the slight edge, but play went from end to end, as both sides went in search of a winner. The Town were awarded a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions both on the edge of the penalty box. These were wasted however much to Max Frampton’s relief when they were blasted high and wide over the bar. The scores remained level at the final whistle. This was a result that most people agreed with and it was a fair one, with both teams taking a point. United shaded the first half, and Brading had the slight edge in the second, and this made it a close, but enjoyable game to watch.
Team : Frampton, Antrobus, R. Jackson, Horlock, Llewelyn (Capt), Crow, Madgewick, Merrit, Burbidge, Dancer(Facer), Diaper. Unused Sub: Browne