Magna Dorset Premier League (Wednesday 25-08-10)

Hamworthy United who picked up their first win against Sturminster Newton in their last game, took another valuable point in this game. Holt United are very much fancied to be challenging at the end of the season, especially after beating fellow favourites Westland Sports 5-2 the previous Saturday.

The young Hammers were strengthened by the return of First Team player Richard Jackson and a couple of other first team squad players, but on paper faced a much stronger side. Holt included ex- Hammer Steve Gilbert in their very strong line up.

The young Hammers led at half time with a goal from sixteen year old striker Jack Satterley who looks a great prospect in the making. Holt levelled after the break when another ex-Hammer Tom Willis headed home. The Home Team then took the lead with what looked a harsh penalty given it appeared by the Referee’s Assistant. With less than ten minutes remaining Hamworthy got the draw they certainly deserved when Aaron Stacey kept his cool after being slipped through to score a fine goal. This was his second important goal in two games.

The Reserves can take great heart from their opening four games which included last years winners Hamworthy Recreation away.

Team: S. Lillington, M. Glavin, D. Hyne, J. Merrit, J. Bayliss, R. Jackson, S. Parker, A. Stacey. D. Spencer J. Satterley, A. Janes (C. Meyer)

The Magna Dorset Premier League (Saturday28-08-10)

The Reserves were on their travels again this time away to Wincanton Town. This is their third away game on the trot and with no Home game scheduled for September they can expect more of the same. Hamworthy were without Keeper Sean Lillington due to first team duties which gave a chance to Youth Team Keeper Robert Voysey.

The Hammers had to fight back from a poor start when they found themselves 2-0 down. By half time the scores were level with first Jack Swann and Aaron Stacey scoring. This was Aaron’s third goal in as many matches, and scored from a midfield position.

The second half showed the difference between the two sides with the Town taking their chances and United not. If Hamworthy could only have finished the chances they created, then the 4-2 finish might have been very different
Team R. Voysey, A. Carrivac, S. Moore, D. Hyne, J. Byron, S. Parker (D. Gould)

M. Glavin (S. Read), A. Stacey, J. Swann. A. Janes, J. Bayliss (C. Mayer)

EON FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND (SATURDAY 28-08-10)

The Hammers were without the services of their experienced Central Defender Michael White who was at a wedding. Playing against ten men for most of the match Hamworthy did themselves no favours by putting in an inept display for most of the ninety minutes. In the end they had to thank a moment of madness by a Sherborne defender to get them out of trouble with just a minute of play remaining on the watch.

Hamworthy just edged the opening fifteen minutes of the game. They were playing the better passing game keeping the ball on the deck. Sherborne were taking more of a route one approach. It was the Town however who took the lead with a long ball out of defence which was misjudged by Mike Antrobus. He could not prevent the ball going to a Sherborne player out on the left. His cross into the six yard box was met by Marc Caines unmarked at the far post. He picked his spot finding the corner of the net with a simple tap in that gave Dan Ackerman no chance. Stuart Cannie almost equalised straight away, but his freekick just missed the far post. The Town were not in front for long however before the Hammers got the equaliser which had an element of luck with it. Max Crow attempted cross from the right was deflected back to him. This gave him a second chance to get the ball in, but this time it ended up in the back of the net, helped again by another Sherborne defection. Sherborne were reduced to ten men with just under a half hour gone. Aden Willis ran over to push Stuart Cannie to the ground right under the nose of the Referee. This was after Sherborne had been awarded the free kick for Cannie’s foul on another Town player. The sending off however lifted the ten men of Sherborne, and it was Hamworthy who were now struggling to lift their game

HT 1-1

Hamworthy had to change their Keeper after the break, Dan Ackerman having picked up a groin strain in the first half. His replacement Sean Lillington had little to do before having to pick the ball out if the net following another somewhat fortuitous goal. Marc Caines speculative centre come cross found the wind and the far top corner of the net to give Sherborne the lead. The Hammers could not make their extra man count and never really troubled Marc Locke except on one occasion. The Sherborne keeper did well to get his body in the way of a close range shot that looked a certain goal. Dan Spencer and Jack Satterley were introduced in the last fifteen minutes, the former looking very lively with his extra pace. Hamworthy looked dead and buried when in the last minute of time added on they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. The shot never looked to be a dangerous one, but for no apparent reason a Town player put his hand up and made contact with the ball, This gave the Referee no option but to award United a penalty. Max Crow stepped up to score, and give the Hammers a lifeline their performance over ninety minutes never deserved, and a chance to do better in the return next Wednesday.

FT 2-2

Team: Dan Ackerman (S. Lillington), M. Antrobus, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, S Lewellyn (Capt), M. Lawrence ( J. Satterley), M. Crow, A Corby (D. Spencer), L. Burbidge, L. Currell, S Cannie

Unused Sub James Merritt

The Magna Dorset Premier League (Saturday August 21st 2010)

This was a game that both teams needed to win to get off the mark after losing their first two games of the season. It was the Hammers who lifted their game in the second half to take home all three points.

Both Teams in the first half found difficulty in really testing the keepers. Too often they lacked a good final ball when through on goal, and had too many passes going astray. The ball was too often hit long when a shorter more telling pass would have been the better option. Sturminster did have the ball in the net, but luckily for Hamworthy their keeper Sean Lillington was adjudged to have been fouled in his attempt to save, and so the goal did not stand.

HT 0-0

The Hammers played a lot better in the second half, and began to control the game. They began to put the Sturminster Newton defence under more pressure than at any point during the first period. They should have taken the lead on at least two occasions, but for some poor finishing, and good goalkeeping. The goal was certainly worth waiting for when it finally did come just over half way through the second period. A throw in followed by a pin point cross into the six yard box was met by a bullet header by Aaron Stacey who gave the keeper no chance to save the ball. Hamworthy continued to have the better of things, but were unable to convert any more of their chances due in part to some good goalkeeping.

FT 1-0

Team: S.Lillington, A. DePaola(A. Carrivic), S. Moore, D. Hyne, J. Byron, A. Stacey, S. Barney, A. Janes (C. Meyer), S. Parker, J. Satterley, J. Bayliss (S. Read)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 21st August 2010

The Hammers went on the road again, with a goal tally of 8 from their previous two matches, so could they keep up this good scoring rate away from the County Ground.

It seemed unlikely for the first five minutes, as they were pinned inside their own half by a very good passing game imposed by the home side. Moneyfields stretched the Hammers all over the field with an accurate passing game which looked capable of scoring every time they went near Ackerman’s goal. However, despite this huge amount of pressure, the Hammers gave nothing away, and started to look dangerous themselves with the pace and energy of Luke Burbidge up front, and the passing and tenacity of Aaron Corby in midfield, so it really came as no surprise that the Hammers were first on the score sheet on 7 minutes, when a lovely ball from Max Crow in midfield over the top, released Burbidge on the home goal. He was tracked by a defender who was able to block his first effort from just inside the box, but the ball fell kindly for the youngster, and he punished Moneyfields with a clinical second effort. 1 - 0 Hammers. Moneyfields were unphased by the early goal, and continued with their wonderful passing game, from the goalkeeper, right through the team. They continued to look menacing and earned a quick equaliser on 10 minutes which rocked Hamworthy for it’s simplicity. A long ball crossed over from deep within the Moneyfields half appeared to have missed everyone beyond the far post, but a miraculous and acrobatic lunge by the Moneyfields forward, kept the ball in play, and with the defence appearing to switch off, the equalising goal was a easy finish for former VTFC Warren Hunt. 1 - 1.The game continued in much the same vain, until the 25th minute, when a Moneyfields throw-in deep in their own half found it’s way across the penalty area and right in the path of Aaron Corby, who thumped the ball in the net. 2 - 1 Hammers. Hamworthy United were a little unlucky not to score straight away to make it 3 - 1 when a good move around the home penalty area allowed Max Crow a rasping shot from about 25 yards which just missed the upright. The keeper didn’t move ! Perhaps the Boys could settle down and start to disrupt the Moneyfield’s passing game ? No, they couldn’t. The passing and movement of the home team was causing the Hammers a major problem, by spreading the field, and allowing more space which the Hammers could not fill quickly enough. A well worked passing move sent Hunt in on the Hammer’s goal, and only a good sprawling save with his legs by Ackerman prevented another equaliser. However, from the resulting corner, Moneyfields got back in the game with another simple goal, caused by very poor marking. The ball came over from the right hand side and was headed goalwards by an unchallanged Moneyfields player. With no Hammers defender on the line at the back post, and the entire defence spectating the action, it was a simple tap-in to tie the match up in the 41st minute.The Hammers weren’t done just yet, as a very good break out down the left, saw Cannie expose the home defence, but his cross was cut out with Burbidge lurking.

HT 2 - 2

Moneyfields started the second period sharper than the Hammers, and only a last ditch tackle by Michael White prevented exposing Dan Ackerman in the Hammer’s goal. The Hammers didn’t learn quick enough, because within 5 minutes of the re-start, and with one second half scare already, a simple through ball caught Hamworthy square and a text book finish put the home side ahead in the game for the first time at 3 - 2. Manager Simon Browne brought on two substitutes almost straight away, with Liam Currell replacing Joe Toghill, and new boy Dan Spencer replacing Martin Lawrence. Currell had been rested on the bench after his recent ankle injury and went up top to partner the ever industrious Luke Burbidge, while Stuart Cannie dropped back into midfield allowing Dan Spencer to make his league debut out wide on the right. He looked very sharp and oozed confidence on the ball when taking on defenders.The impact was almost spontaneous, as a good passing move down the right saw Crow chip the ball up to Burbidge, whose little flick on released Currell, but his shot hit the far upright and bounced out to safety with the keeper a mere spectator.The change of formation and the introduction of the substitutes appeared to spark the Hammers into new life. Corby was very unlucky when he chased down a backpass to the Moneyfields keeper, whose clearance struck him on the backside, and flashed just past the post.The final throw of the dice came on 80 minutes, when Mark Dancer replaced Mike Antrobus, the Hammers throwing everything into attack in an attempt to save the game. In reality, they had the chances in the last ten minutes to have won it. Good work on the right and a wicked cross from Max Crow, saw an unmarked Liam Currell head over the goal from only ten yards out, and a last ditch corner from Cannie picked out an unmarked Corby, running in at the near post, but his header, which should have found the net from 3 yards out, skidded off his head across the goal and went harmlessly behind for a goal kick.Dan Spencer showed his pace and enthusiasm when he raced back to become the last defender and thwart a certain goal moments before the final whistle. In the end a 3 - 2 defeat for the Hammers, which was a little hard to bear, taking into account the amount of chances that went begging. A harsh lesson to be learnt though I suspect, in closing down the opposition, and giving opponents too much time and space on the ball.
Hammers : Ackerman, Antrobus (Dancer), Toghill (Currell), Horlock, White, Llewellyn, Crow, Corby, Burbidge, Lawrence (Spencer), Cannie Unused Subs Roberts (GK), Merritt

Magna Dorset Premier League (Tuesday 17-08-10)

Hamworthy United Reserve Team Manager Rod Stacey was very pleased with his

Team’s performance against last season’s Champions and a front runner again this year. With players unavailable due to working commitments and the early start Rod was unable to field his strongest side. Many in his team had not played at this level until their first game last week, but they equipped themselves very well. After the game quite a few Hamworthy Recreation Supporters congratulated Rod on his team’s efforts. New signing Keeper Sean Lillington came in for particular praise for making some excellent saves that kept the score line respectable. A makeshift defence understandably were at fault for a couple of the goals. Never the less it was a brave Team effort that saw the Hammers battle to the end. Hamworthy Recreation are always a force especially on their own pitch, and United will not be the only team to lose by three or more goals there.
Team: S. Lillington, D. Gould (S. Read), D. Orchard, S. Williams, S. Moore, A. Stacey, M. Vincent, S. Parker, A. Carrivac, J. Bayliss (D. Facer)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 17-08-10

The Hammers welcomed back their Captain Steve Llewelyn for his first game of the season following suspension. Both Richard Jackson and Mark Jackson were not available for selection due to holidays. Joe Toghill made his first start and Liam Currell still not fully fit after his ankle injury was on the bench. Dan Spencer another good young prospect was also on the bench for the first time.

The first half started with Hamworthy slightly on top, but gradually Brockenhurst eased their way into the game until there was nothing to choose between the two sides. In fact the first forty-five minutes produced very little goalmouth activity as both Teams cancelled one another out. The Hammers’ best chance came when Aaron Corby was put through on goal by Luke Burbidge, but his shot was straight at Keeper Nick O’Donnell who saved it with his legs, and ended up sitting on the ball. The scoreless first half was a fair reflection of the play up to that point.

HT 0-0

The second half saw Hamworthy gradually get on top attacking the end opposite to the school. The Brockenhurst keeper had to be very alert to get down and save a shot that appeared to be going just inside the post. Stuart Cannie had a shot that flashed across the face of the goal just missing the far upright. United’s passing game was much improved on that in the first half, and they began to put more pressure on the visitors defence. After some good team work on the far right Max Crow sent a very dangerous low cross into the six yard box that just avoided a couple of lunging Hamworthy boots, and Keeper O’Donnell. United were rewarded for their endeavour just over halfway through the second period with a well struck goal from Stuart Cannie. When the ball came to the Hamworthy Striker he took no time at all to control it, and hit a fierce shot that was heading for the corner of the net. Nick O Donnell almost made a wonderful save, but the ball was hit with such force that he could only help it into the net,and give the Hammers the lead their play now justified. United continued to have the better of things until the last few minutes of play, when they appeared to be satisfied to just play out time. Brockenhurst to their credit went in search of an equaliser, but lacked the punch up front to really bother Dan Ackerman and his defence.

FT 1-0

Team: D.Ackerman, M. Antrobus, M.White, G. Horlock, S. Llewelyn (Capt), M. Crow, A. Corby, M. Lawrence, S. Cannie, M Burbidge, J. Toghill.

Unused Subs E. Roberts, M. Dancer, D. Spencer,J. Merritt, L. Currell.

F.A. Cup Extra Preliminary Round (Saturday 14-08-10)

The game was played in front of a big crowd of 247 boosted by many Exeter City fans. They came to pay their respects to one of their players Adam Stansfield who died earlier in the week, and started his career at Elmore. Four Goals in sixteen minutes of the second half saw the Hammers safely through to the next round and a Home tie against Sherborne Town. This followed a very lack lustre first half by United, and after giving away an interval lead two minutes into the second period. Hamworthy started with the same line up that drew with Bournemouth the previous Tuesday.

United began the game kicking up the slope, and had slightly the better of the opening exchanges. It took just seven minutes for the Hammers to open the scoring. A good cross from the left to the far post found the head of Greg Horlock. He directed the ball back across the face of the goal to Aaron Corby who made no mistake from close range. Liam Currell was struggling from the ankle injury picked up in the Bournemouth game, and had to be substituted half way through the half by Joe Toghill. After taking the lead Hamworthy struggled to keep the momentum going, and as the half progressed Elmore came more and more into the game. In fact but for some erratic finishing it could so easily have been them that lead at half time instead of the somewhat fortunate Hamworthy United.

HT 0-1

Elmore started the second half as they finished the first, on top. They were rewarded with an equaliser just two minutes after the interval with a similar goal to that scored by Hammers. A cross to the far side of the box was not dealt with, and a looping header over Dan Ackerman left the Elmore man to pick his spot from close range. The goal kick started United back into the game, at last finding their men and attacking Elmore down the slope. Luke Burbidge now playing a little wider on the left began the move that soon restored Hamworthy’s lead. He passed to Aaron Corby who in turn picked out Max Crowe on the far left wing. He cut inside his man and crossed the ball back to the centre spot to Stuart Cannie. The United striker gave the Elmore Keeper Luke Phillips no chance with a well struck volley into the corner of the net. This was the start of a sixteen minute spell of some good football, and some devastating finishing by Hamworthy, spearheaded by young Luke Burbidge. He scored the third goal himself when he worked his way across the box beating two defenders, before lashing the ball back across it and into the bottom corner of the net. In the sixty second minute United increased their lead even further with another superb finish. Aaron Corby found Joe Toghill on the far left, he took the ball a few paces before sending a twenty five yard strike into the far corner of the net, to score his first goal for the Hammers. The fifth and final goal a minute later was again scored by Luke Burbidge. After picking up the ball in midfield he ran straight through the middle of a stretched Elmore defence, and picked his spot to shoot past Phillips to complete a fine solo effort. With the job done Hamworthy eased off the pedal and Elmore to their credit continued to look for a consolation goal that never came before the end whistle was blown.

Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus, R. Jackson (M. Jackson) G. Horlock, M. White, M. Lawrence ( J. Merritt), M. Crow (Capt) A. Corby, L. Currell (J. Toghill), L. Burbidge, S . Cannie. Unused Sub E. Roberts.

The Magna Dorset Premier League (Friday 13-08-10)

Hamworthy United’s first game of the season featured several new players in their line up played under lights on Friday evening because of the First Team FA Cup game the following day.

The whole game was played at a hectic pace with both teams going all out to get their first points on the board. It was Hamworthy who took an early lead with a well taken goal by Jack Satterley. Hamworthy kept the lead until nearly half time before Sherborne scored a disputed second goal. James Merritt appeared to have been fouled before play was allowed to continue and the Visitors go on andequalise.

The Town took full advantage of some slack defending early in the second half to take the lead and scored again ten minutes from the end.

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 10-08-10

Hamworthy fielded the same squad as the one that played so well against Lymington in the first game of the new season. They were still without their Captain Steve Llewelyn and James Merritt who were both having to sit the game out due to suspensions imposed at the end of last season.

It took the Hammers just four minutes to take the lead following a hectic opening spell. United were awarded a corner taken by Stuart Cannie. New signing Liam Currell got the faintest of touches to take the ball over Kenny Vaughan the Poppies keeper and into the net. Hamworthy’s lead did not last long however just four minutes to be exact. After a Bournemouth attack the ball was only cleared to the edge of the box, but straight to Tom Jeffes. Under no pressure he was given time to fire a low shot into the corner of the net passed Dan Ackerman. When they kept the ball on the deck the young quick United front runners were causing the Bournemouth real problems. Following a good run from mid-field, one of these strikers Luke Burbidge kept his head to restore the Hammers lead with a superb finish. Poppies were relying a lot on the long high ball into the box looking for the big presence of Joe Kittle. The big powerful striker was proving a handful for Greg Horlock and Michael White to deal with. Liam Currell almost increased the lead when he cut inside the penalty box and fired a great shot just past the far post. Hamworthy went further ahead with another well taken goal, again from another new signing. Martin Lawrence sent over a pin point cross which Aaron Corby met with a powerful header that gave Vaughan no chance to make it 3-1. Hamworthy were however not having it all their own way and had to defend well to keep the score line the same at the break.

HT 1_3

For the first fifteen minutes of the second half the Hammers did more than held their own, but gradually came under more pressure as the Poppies upped their game. Just as it looked as though they might have weathered the storm United gave away a needless free kick just outside the box. A well taken free kick by George Webb found its way past the wall and just inside the post to reduce the lead to one. The Hammers were now beginning to look a bit leg weary as the pressure increased yet again. Simon Browne made some substitutions one of these being sixteen year old Jack Satterley making his Wessex League debut. He was on long enough to show that he has something to offer at this level, and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions when the Hammers tried to hit Bournemouth on the break. As the game drew to a close Hamworthy were at full stretch trying to defend their slender lead, and just as it looked as though they had succeeded the Poppies scored. The goal came in the fifth minute of time added on and the Hammers barely had time to restart the game when the final whistle came. Many in the United camp were disappointed at the result after the game, having got so close to a very good away win. On reflection however they probably would have settled for a draw before the match and an away point against a team expected to be in contention for the title at the end of the season.
Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, M. Crow (Capt), A. Corby. M. Lawrence, L. Currell (M.Dancer), L. Burbidge ( J. Satterley), S. Cannie (M. Jackson) Unused Subs E. Roberts