PORTLAND UNITED 1 HAMWORTHY UNITED 2
Dorset Senior Cup 2nd Round
This tie meant for the third year running the two United teams met at Portland in the second round of the Dorset Senior Cup. Portland is never an easy place to visit, but at least this year unlike the previous two, the gale force winds and rain kept away. That and a good pitch meant that the playing conditions were excellent on the day. Captain Max Crow was side line with an injury which gave Will Robinson the chance to return the starting line up. Mike Antrobus and Jack Swann were unavailable due to work commitments.
Portland lined up with one up front and packed the midfield in an attempt to stifle Hamworthy. For most of the first half they managed to do this, but this also meant they created nothing themselves. The Hammers although playing well below their best were still able to control the game, and looked the more dangerous of the two teams when going forward. Once again they were often guilty of over elaborating, or dwelling too long on the ball when getting into good striking positions. This allowed the hard working Portland defence time to clear their lines and prevent the Wessex League side taking the lead. Richard Jackson went closest to scoring when he cut inside and drilled his shot inches past the post with the keeper well beaten.
HT 0-0
Simon Browne’s men must have had a good talking to at half time because they started the second half much better. They at last got the ball down and got their passing game going, and now began to stretch the Islander’s defence. Ten minutes into the second half the Hammers were rewarded with a well taken goal. Following a good move Richard Jackson was picked out on the far left in acres of space. He took time to control the ball and send a pin point cross over for Perry Mullins to bury it at the far post, This a rare Mullins header. Hamworthy continued to control the game, and it was only a matter of time before they scored another cracking goal following another good move. Luke Burbidge laid the ball back into the path of the advancing Arron Corby who struck a great low shot into the corner of the net from twelve yards out. The Hammers then had a good shout for a penalty, but Referee Mr Cobb gave the defender the benefit of the doubt, and awarded the free kick on the edge of the box instead. Portland late in the game did push more men forward, and they were unlucky when a free kick that looked to be going well over suddenly dipped and struck the bar. In time added on, and with the dug-out screaming for them to hold on to the ball, Hamworthy gave it away. A dangerous ball into the box was not dealt with and Portland hammered home a late consolation goal. The final whistle was blown almost immediately after the restart. The Hammers were worthy winners over the ninety minutes, but Portland must have wondered if they had been a little more adventurous earlier on what might have happened.
FT 1-2
Team: D. Ackerman,R. Murray,R. Jackson.G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom,W. Robinson, A. Corby, L. Burbidge (J. Satterley), S. Cannie ,P. Mullins (D. Spencer)
Unused Subs L Currell E. Roberts