Dorset Youth League Division Two (Sunday24-10-10)

Hamworthy started a bit shakily but soon started to pass the ball around nicely without creating too many chances. Ian male however kept making himself space on the right wing and put in several quality crosses into dangerous areas.

HT 0-0

The Hammers made a couple of changes at half time, and looked much more comfortable after the break. They were rewarded for their efforts when Kyle Stacey and Craig Graham worked well together on the left and took the ball from their half up the line and fed Billy Satterley. He cut inside the defender and placed the ball past the keeper into the top right corner of the goal. Hamworthy then went close again with the Rangers keeper saving this time from Billy. Soon after Jesse Arnold found the bottom corner with a cross come shot from the wide right. The young Hamworthy team were now playing the kind of football that got them an 11-2 victory in a friendly the previous week against Poole Borough Under16 Team. Captain Ashley Hancock almost made it three when hit the post from the edge of the box. United also struck the crossbar from a Craig Graham effort.

FT 2-0

Team: R. Voysey, R. Williams, J .Leigh (C. Graham), L. Smith (S. Brown), A. Depaola, V. Vincent, I, Male (C. Heasler), K. Stacey, J. Arnold, B. Satterley, A. Hancock

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 26-10-10

Hamworthy United got back to winning ways in another closely contested game against their near neighbours Christchurch. It was also sweet revenge for the controversial Wessex Cup defeat by their opponents a week earlier. Perry Mullins started for the first time since his transfer from Wimborne and Jack Swann was given the opportunity to start up front. Mike Antrobus and Stuart Cannie reverted back to the bench.

Christchurch started the better of the two teams and could well have opened the scoring in the first minute. Joe Kittle appeared to have the goal at his mercy on the edge of the six yard box, with Dan Ackerman out of position. The big Christchurch striker however struck the base of the post, and Ackerman was able to save when the ball when it was played back in again. The Hammers gradually settled down and began finding their men with some slick passing movements. In the twentieth minute United took the lead that their play now deserved after their slow start. Luke Burbidge laid the ball back to Max Crow on the edge of the penalty area, The Hamworthy Captain hit a great first time shot just inside Stewart Kearn’s left hand post, giving the Christchurch Keeper no chance. United were now controlling the game and soon after Max Crow should have doubled the score. He was picked out unmarked in the six yard box, but unfortunately he managed to head over. This was a much easier chance than the one he scored from. Jack Swann and Greg Horlock also both missed good scoring opportunities as United continued to have the upper hand. Christchurch did threaten on the odd break, and Dan Ackerman did well shortly before the interval to save diving to his right to push a shot away.

HT 0-1

Christchurch came a lot more into the game in the second half, but the Hamworthy defence were having a good game, and protected their goal well. At time some of the United players were guilty of over elaborating, and got caught in possession a few times. This could have been costly with the score at 1-0, but fortunately Christchurch failed to capitalise on their mistakes. Their cause was not helped when they were reduced to ten men after one of their defenders was dismissed for a second yellow card. As the game neared its end the home side pushed more men forward, and this left them open at the back to a quick break. It was from one of these that the Hammers scored their second goal three minutes from the end of normal time. The ball was played up the left and Luke Burbidge took it to the by-line before crossing it into the six yard box. The ball was met at the far post by a Christchurch defender who under no pressure at all slid the ball into his own net to make it 2-0 to the Hammers. Stuart Cannie on for Jack Swann could have added a third shortly afterwards but saw his shot blocked. In time added on Michael White under pressure did well to head off the line and prevent a late Christchurch consolation goal.

FT0-2

Team: D. Ackerman, R.Murray R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom, M. Crow, A Corby L. Burbidge, J.Swann (S. Cannie), P. Mullins (W. Robinson)

Unused Subs: J. Satterley, M. Antrobus

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 23-10-10

For the second game running Hamworthy United again found themselves at the wrong end of some very controversial decisions in another otherwise evenly contested match. There was not one bad foul in the match and yet the Hammers somehow picked up four bookings and a sending off. Even the Newport Match report on their website appears to agree that United did not get the rub of the green. Simon Browne was unable to call on the injured Aaron Stacey and Dan Spencer whilst Jack Satterley was on Dorset Under Eighteen duty. He did however introduce new signing from Wimborne Perry Mullins who came on as a second half substitute.

Newport with a strong wind in their backs started the better of the two teams, and went very close in the third minute with a shot that just went by the post. It took the Hammers a little time to get going, but it was them that nearly took the lead twice in as many minutes. First Luke Burbidge shot just wide after creating a good opening, and then a twenty yard pile driver by Stuart Cannie rattled the Newport post with Keeper Gary Street just an onlooker. The Hammers were now well into the game and the big Newport keeper had to be alert to push another goal bound effort over the bar. A low cross into the Port box caused confusion until Streeter eventually managed to grab hold of the ball. Newport again raised their game and it was their turn to rattle the Hamworthy crossbar with a rasping shot. The Islanders took the lead after thirty two minutes perhaps a little fortuitously. The United defence who up until then had played well, failed to clear the ball which was picked up by Matt Evans. His looping header had Dan Ackerman back peddling, and he appeared to be impeded as he went for the ball. As he fell to the ground the ball appeared to drop on his back before going over the line. Richard Jackson went into a fifty - fifty challenge with a Newport defender soon after the restart and appeared to win the ball, but he was shown a yellow card by Referee Mr Dine.

HT 0-1

Hamworthy started the second half on the attack and within minutes were on the end of another controversial decision. They were denied what looked to be a stone wall penalty when a United player was sent sprawling in the area only for the Referee to wave play on. Worse was to follow soon after as a Newport player went down holding his face after a straight forward challenge by Richard Jackson that showed no malice at all. This time the Referee produced a red card that increased Hamworthy’s problems by reducing them to ten men. To their credit Hamworthy continued to take the game to Newport and went close on another couple of occasions. They did however pick up two further bookings for dissent as decisions appeared to go against them. In the fifth minute of stoppage time Newport scored a second goal by Substitute Tom Scovell when they broke quickly as Hamworthy pressed forward for an equaliser. Once again the ball was nor cleared as it should have been, but instead found Scovell who found the corner of the net with his shot.

This was the fifth time Newport have beaten the Hammers, but unfortunately this result will not tell the full story of a game played between two good sides trying to play entertaining football

Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus (J. Swann), R. Jackson, G. Horlock, , M. White, D. Haysom, M. Crow, A Corby (P. Mullins), L. Burbidge, S. Cannie, R. Murray.

Unused Subs: W. Robinson

Sydenhams League Cup (Wessex) Tuesday 19-10-10

Hamworthy can consider themselves more than a little unlucky to have lost this very closely contested cup tie. Their plight was not helped by a couple of very dubious decisions by the officials which had a major bearing on the outcome of the game. None more so than the disallowed goal in the first period of extra time. Simon Browne decided to rest a couple of the players who had done so well in the Totton & Eling game and give other squad members a chance. Michael White and Mike Antrobus gave way to Ryan Murray and Stuart Cannie in the starting line up.

The first quarter was very even with play moving very quickly from end to end, as both teams probed for an opening. Luke Burbidge went close after thirteen minutes when his shot just cleared Stewart Kearn’s crossbar from the edge of the box. The Hammers did take the lead nine minutes later when Luke Burbidge collected the ball in the box jinxed past two defenders and slotted the ball low into the corner of the net beyond Kearn’s reach. Christchurch were given the golden opportunity to draw level when they were awarded a penalty which no one apart from the Referee appeared to know why. Not one Christchurch player appeared to appeal, but it still resulted in a spot kick, and a booking for Greg Horlock.

Dan Ackerman made the first of his many good saves on the night to save the penalty. He saved a second immediately afterwards as a Christchurch man tried to convert the rebound. Christchurch did get back into the game shortly before half time taking full advantage of a lapse in the Hamworthy Defence. A harmless looking ball across the box evaded two United defenders before being bundled over the line by Ben Osborne.

HT 1-1

Hamworthy had the slight edge on play in the second half now kicking up the slope, but both teams failed to capitalise on the chances that they created. United were guilty at times of over elaborating and delaying too long before getting their shot away. This allowed the opposition the time to close them down to avert the danger. The Hammers were to lose the services of Aaron Stacey who was stretchered off with ligament damage to the back of his knee following a heavy tackle. This resulted in an overnight stay in hospital for the young front runner who had just broken into the first team. He is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. Both Teams could not be separated after ninety minutes and so extra time had to be played

FT 1-1

Hamworthy thought they had taken the lead early in the first period of time added on. Luke Burbidge took the ball to the by-line and squared it back into the six yard box. Substitute Jack Satterley ran on to the ball and slid it into the empty net, only to find that the Referees Assistant had his flag raised much to the amazement of the majority of people watching and to the relief of Christchurch and their supporters. This gave a lift to the home team, and they for the second time in the match made the Hamworthy defence pay for some slack marking just before the break. The up till then very reliable Greg Horlock failed to make contact with the ball that ran across him and through to a Church striker who scored from close range. Hamworthy should soon have been back on level terms when Aaran Corby weaved his way into the box round several players. Once again however he did not get his shot away before being closed down. The second period of half time saw the Hammers pushing up in an attempt to square the match and with Christchurch always threatening to hit them on the break. Despite their hard work United could not pull the goal back and ended up losing a game that they did not really deserve to lose. They should reflect however on the many missed opportunities they created, and hope that they can do better in the league game next week on the same ground. For the impartial observer it was probably a good game to watch, but not for the Hamworthy contingent. They left a little disappointed not at either team, but at the way the game had been handled.

Final Score 2-1

Team: D. Ackerman, R. Murray(M. White), R. Jackson, G. Horlock, D. Hayson, W. Robinson(D. Spencer)M. Crow, A Corby, L. Burbidge, A. Stacey (J. Satterley) S. Cannie,

Unused Sub: E. Roberts, J. Swann

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 16-10-10

For the third game running the Hammers had to come from behind to win the match. Only two points separated the two teams before the start, and so a close game was always on the cards. Totton & Eling were playing their first game on their brand new pitch, and were eager to get off on a winning start. Michael White and Max Crow returned to the starting line up and Stewart Cannie and Ryan Murray were back in the squad after missing the last game. Manager Simon Browne also retuned to take the reins.

On a perfect playing surface both teams started at pace, and both had chances to take an early lead. It was the Home side who had the best of these, but twice failed to hit the target when through on goal in the first few minutes. Luke Burbidge came close to opening the United account with a dipping shot that was going just under the cross bar until the Totton Keeper Sam Webb pushed it onto the bar and over. Play was very even between the two teams and shifted from end to end very quickly, but neither side was able to put the finishing touches to their often very good build up. Aaron Corby had the ball in the net for the Hammers, but he was ruled off side by the Referee’s Assistant. It was Totton and Ealing who opened the scoring after thirty one minutes. Dan Ackerman did get down and push the first attempt away. Unfortunately the ball was picked up by a Totton Striker on the edge of the six yard box, and he had the simple job of picking his spot and finding the empty net to make it 1-0. As half time approached Hamworthy were given the golden opportunity to draw level when a defender under pressure handled the ball, and they were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately Max Crow blasted the ball high over the bar from the spot kick.

HT 1-0

United started the second half much better than the Millers, and were soon pressing for an equaliser. The Referee waved away what looked to many to be a stone wall penalty when Luke Burbidge was upended in the box. They did not have to wait long however to get the equaliser their play deserved all be it perhaps a little fortunately. Sam Webb appeared to slip as he came to collect a Richard Jackson cross which evaded him and found the top corner of the net instead. The Hammers twice went close to taking the lead as they continued to have the edge in play. A brilliant through ball from Aaron Stacey put Aaron Corby through one on one with the Keeper. After taking the ball wide of Webb, the United man missed the far post with his shot,when it looked easier to score. Luke Burbidge missed in an almost identical manner, but he did make amends in the seventy sixth minute with a brilliant finish to take the lead. As the game neared its closure Totton & Ealing began to throw more men forward in attempt to get something from the game, but risked getting caught on the break. The Hamworthy defence held firm and never really looked like conceding an equaliser despite the extra pressure in the remaining minutes. They were also helped by some inept finishing by the Millers who never really tested Dan Ackerman in that time.

FT 1-2

Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus (R. Murray), R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Hayson, M. Crow, A Corby, L. Burbidge (J. Swann), A. Stacey (S. Cannie), W. Robinson

Unused Sub: E. Roberts

Dorset Youth Cup Sunday 10-10-10

Hamworthy started very well and took the lead when Billy Satterley finished off a nice move up the left between Adam Frohlich and Jesse Arnold. This culminated in a good cross and a quality finish. Hamworthy were the much better side and were playing a nice passing game. Unfortunately it was a mix up on the right hand of the United box that cost them a goal. The Hammers however continued to play some good football after the restart. Ian male restored Hamworthy’s lead with a good half volley before the break.

HT2-1

The Hammers took control again after the break and were looking quite comfortable until one of Dorchesters players landed badly, and was taken to hospital by ambulance with a suspect dislocated hip. The game restarted after a stoppage of around 30 mins. There was 25 mins left and the injury seemed to fire up Dorchester more than United. Hamworthy were trying to hold on but with around 7 mins left Dorchester were award a penalty which they converted, and with time nearly up they broke down the left and somehow managed squeezed the ball in to win the game.

FT 2-3

Team, R. Voysey, R. Williams, O Millar, A. Depaola, R. Llewendon, J.Arnold, K.Stacey, A. Frohlich (C. Graham), I. Male (l Smith), B. Satterley, A. Hancock.

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 09-10-10

Sean Bartlett took charge of the Team in the absence of Simon Browne who was off playing cricket in the West Indies. Michael White (family commitment) Max Crow (suspended) and Ryan Murray (recalled by Bashley) were not available for selection, but Hamworthy welcomed back Lee Diaper for his first match of the season. Once again the Hammers showed both sides of their game. In the opening twenty minutes of the first half they were awful, and deservedly found themselves two goals behind against a team that wanted the ball much more than they did. As the game progressed however United got better and better, so that by the end of the match they were playing the fast flowing football that they showed in their previous outing, and were rewarded with a well deserved win.

The Hammers began the game very sluggishly and were second best in most things. It took Laverstock and Ford only two minutes to take the lead when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area following a careless foul. Dan Ackerman could only watch as the ball was chipped over the wall and into the far corner of the net. As on previous occasions when things were not going right Hamworthy tended to play the ball long and in the air. Will Robinson almost equalised after seven minutes, but his shot just flashed past the foot of the post. Three minutes later United slipped further behind with yet another bit of catastrophic defending. Not for the first time this season it resulted from yet another under hit back-pass. Gradually the Hammers began to get their game together, and pulled a goal back on twenty five minutes through Aaron Stacey who was making his second start for the First Team. He did very well to keep his cool after taking the ball off the hesitant Laverstock Keeper to find the net just as he was being closed down by other defenders. United thought they had equalised when they again found the net,only for it to be ruled off side by the Referee’s Assistant. Hamworthy were now very much back in the game, and did draw level five minutes before the break. Dan Haysom was on hand to get up and head home a corner that sent the Teams in all square at the break. This did not look at all possible after the first fifteen minutes of the game.

HT 2-2

The Hammer came out after the break looking to take the game to Laverstock. It took them just three minutes to take the lead for the first time in the match, and this was scored by Lee Diaper. Hamworthy were now a lot more relaxed, and on top dominating play with their passing game that was now much more in evidence. It was only a matter of time before United increased the lead which they did when Luke Burbidge scored the goal of the game. He finished off an excellent passing move involving several United players with an unstoppable shot past Matt Baker the Laverstock keeper. The Visitors were awarded a penalty, but a fine save from Dan Ackerman diving to his right kept the two goal cushion. This and another excellent save soon after prevented any hope of a comeback for the Salisbury team. Another piece of fine Hamworthy play saw Aaron Stacey put in one on one with the Keeper. He did very well to draw the keeper before lobbing the ball over him into the empty net, only to find the goal had once again been ruled out for off side. The Hammers finished off a very good second half display with another well taken goal this time by sixteen year old substitute Jack Satterley. With five minutes remaining he burst into the penalty box, kept his marker at bay, and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper into the corner of the net for goal number five for United on the day. This made it thirteen goals for the Hammers in two games which must be a Club record.

FT 5-2

Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus, R. Jackman, G. Horlock, D. Haysom, A. Corby. M. Lawrence, W. Robinson, A. Stacey, L. Burbidge (J. Swann), L. Diaper (J. Satterley)

Unused Subs: S. LLewelyn, E. Roberts

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 06-10-10

In the previous game against Fareham Town the Hammers lost because they failed to put enough of the many chances they created away. Simon Browne could not complain at this result against a team that had beaten Fareham Town only the week before, and started the game above United in the league. The young Hamworthy side scored eight goals on the night (a Wessex League record for them) and had two ruled out for offside. This was against another youthful New Milton side that also played a lot of good football on the night. Playing conditions were absolutely ideal with the ball zipping off a damp perfectly prepared pitch, making good football easy.

Both teams started the game very quickly picking out their men with some good passing movements. It was the Home side who opened the scoring after only five minutes. Will Robinson lost his footing as he was about to clear, and this left the New Milton Striker time to pick his spot. His shot hit the inside of the post before going in off it which gave Dan Ackerman no chance. The lead was short lived however, because almost immediately Max Crow playing his first game after injury equalised with a cracker of a goal. He was found on the left hand corner of the penalty box before he cut inside. He then dribbled passed two players and unleashed a great shot into the top right hand corner of the net. The Hammers then took the lead after Dan Loader made a brilliant point blank save from close range, but could only push the ball straight up in the air. Greg Horlock was on hand when the ball came down to header it over the line. United had the ball in the back of the net again following another good move, but this time the flag had been raised. Play continued to flow from end to end, but it was the Hammers who looked the more threatening in front of goal.

HT 1-2

United were very quickly off the mark after the interval. They increased their lead almost immediately when Luke Burbidge ran down the left, and sent a perfect ball to the far post. Aaron Stacey making his first start for the First Team was on hand to head the ball down and in. The Hammers went even further ahead when Max Crow put a dangerous cross into the six yard box which found Aaron Corby who converted in off the post. Play was not all one way and Dan Ackerman did well to get down saving from close range, as New Milton looked to reduce the arrears. They were finding it difficult at the back to contain the very quick Hamworthy raids that kept coming at them. Luke Burbidge was put through the middle one on one with Dan Loader before being brought down by the Keeper as he went to go round him. To New Milton’s relief and to many people’s surprise the Referee awarded a penalty, but did not show a card of any colour. Aaron Corby found the corner of the net with his spot kick United took their foot off the gas and were punished for it with a New Milton goal. Hamworthy again struck back, this time through left back Richard Jackman who was now playing just behind the front strikers. To their credit New Milton continued to look for goals and they were rewarded with a third one from a free-kick that never rose above six inches and somehow evaded a packed six yard box before going in. Luke Burbidge who never stopped running all night got a much deserved seventh, and Max Crowe completed a superb evening for the Hammers with his second and their eighth goal.

FT 3-8

Team: D. Ackerman, R. Murray (M. Antrobus), R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom, W. Robinson (M. Lawrence), A. Corby, M. Crow, L. Burbidge, A. Stacey (J. Satterley).

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 02-10-10

This was yet another disappointing result, against a Fareham team that clearly were no better than Hamworthy on the day. This coupled with a series of missed gilt-edged chances, which otherwise could have given Uniteda clear win

.Hamworthy started lively with good possession, and an early move down the right brought the first strike at goal. Aaron Corby tried to place a shot from 25 yards but unfortunately skied it over. A second effort followed shortly after on 5 minutes. Stuart Cannie had the home ‘keeper scrambling across the goal with a right footed shot which only just missed the post. Fareham overcame this early pressure and started to exert their own style of football on the game. They forced a series of corners on the left hand side, where they were stronger, but the Hammers held firm. The first gilt edged chance for United came on 37 minutes, when a Stuart Cannie free kick found an unmarked Greg Horlock in front of goal. Unfortunately his rushed effort was ballooned over. A touch more composure surely would have resulted in the Hammers taking the lead. Shortly before the break Luke Burbidge broke away on the right, and he was able to fend off two defenders before passing to the supporting Cannie. Although his long distance effort forced a save, it was still disappointing. The half time whistle brought an end to a poor first half display of football from both sides.

HT. 0-0

Aaron Stacey replaced Martin Lawrence for the start of the second half. The Hammers appeared to up their game from the whistle, but they had early scare when Ackerman spilled a shot which fortunately ran away from the Fareham forwards. Hamworthy’s best moment of the match followed. It came down the right hand side, which turned the home defence. The ball was taken to the goal line and pulled back across goal. Aaron Corby was on hand to meet the ball from 6 yards running in, but somehow he completely sliced the ball wide, when it seemed easier to score. It was an opportunity missed, as the Fareham keeper then delivered a ‘route one’ clearance up field. The ball was played out onto the left hand side, where the resulting cross was sent into the Hammer’s 6 yard box. Ackerman was always struggling to get to the ball, and it ended with a simple glancing header for Fareham’s opener. 1 - 0 Fareham. In fairness, this did seem to inspire the Hammers, because instead of dropping their heads, they created a number of chances. They should have not only equalised, but taken the match away from Fareham, but poor finishing prevented this. Aaron Corby tried to make up for his earlier miss, when he unleashed a 30 yard bullet which was tipped over. Luke Burbidge, as ever running his socks off up front on his own, cut in from the left hand side to sting the keeper’s fingers with a rasping shot at the foot of the post. Steve Llewellyn came off the bench to replace Will Robinson on 76 minutes, and went straight up front in a bid to add some aerial power. He almost had an immediate impact, when a cross from Burbidge on the right wasn’t cleared, and fell to him about 6 yards out. His shot however was easily saved by the home keeper at the expense of corner. A more clinical effort would surely have found the net. It was not all one way however, as the pressure Hamworthy were applying left them vulnerable to the break. Only the intervention of Ackerman kept Hamworthy in contact with the home side. He knocked the ball away when presented with a one on one situation. Time was now beginning to run out, but two more chances should have provided the Hammers with a goal. A Cannie corner found Dan Haysom at the far post. His header back across the goal found Horlock, but his header was put over from close range. Another by-line run by Murray found Stacey on the pull-back, but again, composure deserted Hamworthy and the kick was sliced. An apparent final ditch corner gave the Hammers a final opportunity to send everyone forward to try to rescue a point. For some reason only known to him, Cannie lost possession in the corner attempting to take a short one. Despite a courageous defensive effort by Aaron Stacey who was out muscled by three breaking forwards. He could not prevent Fareham from making it 2-0. As the game drew to a close, a free-kick into Fareham’s penalty area resulted in Dan Haysom smashing the ball into the net to reduce the arrears. The restart was the final action, and so in the end the Hammers lost 2 - 1. Despite a fairly quiet first half, Hamworthy made so many good clear goal scoring opportunities in the match, but they simply failed to tuck them away. This was another disappointing result for Boss Simon Browne and all the travelling Hammers fans.

Team: Ackerman, Murray, R Jackson, Horlock, White, Haysom, Corby, Lawrence (Stacey 46), Burbidge, Robinson (Llewellyn 76), Cannie Unused subs : Roberts (GK), Antrobus

Magna Dorset Premier League (Saturday 02-10-10)

The Reserve’s tough game against unbeaten Portland United was not helped by two first team squad players not turning up to play, forcing Rod Stacey to play some players out of position. Top goal scorer Aaron Stacey had gone with the first team squad to Fareham therefore increasing Rod’s headache.

Hamworthy started brightly enough, and for the first fifteen minutes of the game were certainly holding their own against their more experienced opposition. It was the first of a number of defensive errors that led to the Islanders taking the lead. Sam Moore tried to head the ball back to Youth Team Keeper Rob Voysey who had already come off his line to collect. Unfortunately the ball was under hit and was collected by Ashley Smith who slid the ball past the young keeper to open the scoring. Seven minutes later the same player took advantage of another Hamworthy defensive blunder to double the lead. Marc Vincent was caught in two minds when the ball was played into the penalty area which gave Smith the chance to take the ball off him and score. The Hammers had a few chances at the other end and were rewarded with a penalty in the thirty seventh minute when Jack Satterley was upended in the box. Jack picked himself up and hit the perfect penalty low into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Any hopes of getting back into the game were short lived as Portland once again found the back of the net far too easily two minutes later, through Nick Etherington, and again just before half time with an Adam Linekar strike.

HT 1-4

Hamworthy played a lot better in the second half and pulled one back after fifty seven minutes with arguably the best goal of the game. Some good inter-passing into the box finished with Jack Slatterley picking out a good through ball to Charlie Myer closing in on the right hand side of the six yard box. The young Hammer kept his cool to beat the Portland keeper Tom Carter with a fine shot into the far corner to make it 4-2. It was now the Islander’s turn to be awarded a penalty, but Rob Voysey made a fine save diving low to his left to palm the ball away. He made another good save shortly afterwards, but all his good work was undone however ten minutes from time. The Visitors were given what looked to be a very soft free kick on the edge of the penalty box, and this resulted in a somewhat harsh yellow card for Dale Hynes. Alex Godfrey this time found a way past the Hammers keeper to restore the three goal lead which they kept until the final whistle.

FT 2-5

Team: R. Voysey, D. Gould, S. Moore, D. Hyne, M. Vincent, C. Myer, B. Asagba, J. Bayliss (S. Williams), S. Parker, J. Satterley,B. Satterley