CHRISTCHURCH 0 HAMWORTHY UNITED 2
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