Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 25-01-11

Hamworthy were once again like the Arlesford game unable to overcome a team that never stopped harassing them from the kick off until the final whistle. The game was played at ninety miles an hour with the ball being in the air for long periods of the match. The Home team tactics were very clear right from the off. It was going to be route one whenever possible, and to close down the Hammers at every opportunity to prevent them getting their passing game going. To be fair to Laverstock the tactics proved to be very successful for them, but it was also very boring to watch. Simon Browne was able to name only one change to the side after George Webb reported fit after his knock on Saturday. Sean Lillington was given the chance to take over from Dan Ackerman in goal.

United began the game kicking up the slope on a very stodgy surface. The game started as it was going to continue for the next ninety minutes, played at ninety miles an hour. It was the Hammers who almost opened the scoring following a very good move. The ball was worked out to the right, and a dangerous cross into the six yard box was sent inches past the post by a Dave Ewen header. Hamworthy again went close this time a long throw into the Laverstock box was headed goal wards by one of their defenders. Luke Haviland did well to quickly react and punch the ball over when it looked destined for the top corner. The United defenders were having trouble all night with the long ball tactics of the opposition. This led to Dan Hayson bringing down his opponent in the box with a reckless tackle. Laverstock converted the spot kick to open the scoring, but luckily for Dan, and United the Referee kept his cards in his pocket on this occasion. Hamworthy were not behind for very long, and were soon back on level terms with a brilliant individual goal by Luke Bubidge. He picked up the ball midway into the Laverstock half before weaving his was past three defenders, and rolling the ball past the Keeper into the corner of the net.. This was much to the annoyance of the very vocal Laverstock Manager. That really was the last piece of constructive football in the game which deteriorated into a scrappy affair from that point on. Mike Antrobus had to come off following being hurt earlier in a goal line collision, and was replaced by Dan Spencer.

HT 1-1

The second half continued in much the same way as the first, most of which was scrappy and with the ball in the air. You could not fault the Laverstock work rate and determination to get something out of the game. The Hammers were all too often hurried into making wrong decisions, and no one appeared to be able to put their foot on the ball and play the game at their pace. Sean Lillington did well to get down, and save at the feet of a Laverstock man put through on goal, That apart there was very few goal scoring opportunities at either end. Stuart Cannie worked hard and did well when he came on for Dave Ewing, but was unable to create anything. I think everybody was relieved when the Referee blew for time with the scores still level. This was probably a fair result, but oh what an awful game.

FT1-1

Team: S. Lillington, R. Murray, M. Antrobus (D. Spencer), G. Horlock, M. White, D.Hayson, G. Webb, W. Robinson, D. Ewen (S. Cannie), L. Burbidge, R. Jackson.

Unused Subs D. Ackerman, J. Slatterley

Sydenhams PremierWessex League (Wessex) Saturday 22-01-11

Manager Simon Browne played down Hamworthy’s league position to the Press in the week, but whichever way you looked at this fixture, irrespective of games played, this was a ‘Top of the Table’ clash between leaders Winchester City and Hamworthy United, who surprisingly started the day in second place. With the Hammers quietly going about their business in recent weeks, and second only to Poole Town in the goal scoring department, it was certainly going to test just how good they really are, and how genuine their league position is.
The game started lively enough, when Hammers influential midfielder, George Webb, appeared to be deliberately taken out by two Winchester players in a clattering ‘Sandwich’ which went unpunished by the Referee. Webb stayed on, but clearly had some problems and eventually limped off after half an hour. He was replaced by Stuart Cannie. The Home team took hold of the game and had much of the early possession, and indeed looked far more dangerous. Most of the attacking went down the left side. They supported in numbers, and the hard pressed Hamworthy defence allowed them too much space. Ackerman was forced into action early on, but was helpless as the left hand post was rattled with a decent effort, before Hamworthy could clear. The Hammers did force their way into Winchester territory, and had a short spell of possession. Good work on the right by Burbidge forced a corner on the left. Ryan Murray was completely unmarked from Webb’s cross, but he failed to hit the target, and headed wide. Following a free kick on the right, the ball missed everyone in the Winchester box, but Will Robinson couldn’t keep his shot down, and fired over. Just a warning to the Home side that they weren’t going to get everything their own way, as Hamworthy played their way back into the game. Winchester went in front after 25 minutes, when a through ball left the United defence wanting A neat chip over the advancing Ackerman opened the scoring. Hamworthy appeared to lose their composure after the re-start.They constantly lost possession, and together with poor clearing, put themselves under unnecessary pressure. The Hammers threatened the home goal on the half hour, after good close control from Ewen. His lay back picked out defender Haysom, but his shot was sliced wide when he should have done better. Leading up to the break, Winchester came on strong. Ackerman was
forced to save low down, and then they caught Hamworthy on the break. A great run down the right delivered a super cross to the far post, but the header was wide, a let off for the Hammers. Almost the last action of the half was a Winchester corner, on the left. If the Hammers could have defended this and gone in a goal down, they would still have been in the game, but they couldn’t. The ball was delivered to the far post, where a home player was completely unmarked. What made it worse, was that the ball almost beat him, and he sent a looping ball goal wards. Despite the attendance of Ackerman and a defender on the line, the ball somehow dropped in.
Half Time : Winchester City 2 - 0 Hamworthy United
These days, Hamworthy United are made of sterner stuff, so it was no surprise when they came out of the blocks for the second half. If they held Winchester in too high a regard in the first half, it didn’t show after the re-start. Within 8 minutes, Hamworthy had scored. A fine free kick on the left
from Cannie, was met by a diving Ryan Murray header to reduce the arrears. Dan Spencer was brought on to replace Antrobus, in a tactical switch, to provide more pace down the Hammer’s right flank. Early possession from Spencer saw him go on a speedy run, which caused the home side
problems. In fact, the next time he did this, he was completely taken out, though on this occasion, the Referee saw fit to show a card, and rightly so. On 70 minutes, the Hammers equalised and turned the tie on it’s head. Burbidge picked up the ball out on the right, a strong role for him. He took on, and easily passed three defenders, and smashed the ball across the box from the bye line. Dave Ewen was on hand to score. With the intensity of Hamworthy’s comeback, you just felt that they could now go on and win this, but it wasn’t to be. They didn’t exactly shut up shop, as it is not in Manager Simon Browne’s nature. It was poor defending play that exposed the Hammers for Winchester’s winner. The Home forward picked up the ball out wide on the touch line, at the half way line. He ran at the defence, and naively, they backed off, and backed off, before he fired a low shot towards the far post. It appeared to be covered by the diving Ackerman, but somehow, it ended up in the net. The pendulum had swung, and the stuffing had cruelly been sucked out of the Hammers. The final whistle came, with a 3 - 2 win for Winchester City, in what was an entertaining game. Despite the disappointment, what can be reported, is that the Hammersare currently second in the league on merit, and can quite proudly rub shoulders with the best in this league.

Full Tlme : Winchester City 3 Hamworthy United 2

Team: Ackerman, Antrobus (Spencer), Jackson, Horlock, White,Haysom, Webb (Cannie), Robinson, Ewen, Burbidge, Murray. Unused subs :Lillington (GK), Satterley

Magna Dorset Premier League (Saturday 22-01-11)

After playing so well the previous week and recording a good win, the Reserves were brought down to earth by a young Merley Cobham team who won convincingly. United were second best in almost every department, and could have few complaints at the result. On the plus side it should be said that Hamworthy continued to try and play their football up to the final whistle, and did not let their heads drop.

The Hammers once again got away to a poor start going one behind after only three minutes. The United central defenders were guilty of ball watching, and that allowed the speedy Liam Mulcare to run through the middle and score. Merley Cobham’s second goal came from the penalty spot after Leroy Corbin clumsily brought down his man in the area. Mike Rees replaced the big centre half soon afterwards by bringing on Antonio De Paola. The Hammers did well to hold out to the interval without conceding a third with the lively Cobham team going very close on several occasions.

HT 0-2

Hamworthy started the second half a lot better than they did the first, and began to create a few chances of their own. Just as it looked that they might get back into the game they were hit on the break. Oliver Clayton an ex Hamworthy ball boy collected the ball out wide right, and outpaced the United defence before beating Ed Roberts to score the first of his two goals. Five minutes later Merley Cobham scored again, and with ten minutes remaining Oliver Clayton scored his second to complete the scoring. The Hammers had their chances to get on the score sheet, but too often got caught in possession before they could get a shot away.

FT. 5-0

Team: E. Roberts, R. Ball (R. Hatchard), S. Moore, L. Phillips (A. Hancock), L. Corbin (A. De Paola), V. Vincent, L. Claire, M. Lawrence, J. Foster, D. Orchard, S. Coats

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday January 18th 2011

The Hammers did well to battle back from going a goal behind to a first half hotly disputed penalty, and go on and win the game quite comfortably. The win takes them to the dizzy heights of second place behind Winchester City who are their next opponents. It also meant that Hamworthy have gone nine games without defeat since losing to Bornemouth on November 2nd 2010. Simon Browne named the same squad for this match as the one selected to play in the postponed Brockenhurst game.

The first half was played at a fast pace like a local derby, with neither team giving an inch. The problem with this from a spectator’s point of view was that for long periods of the half good football often gave way to brawn. The Home side was not given the chance to settle down, and play the passing football they are capable of. Instead they were harried and chased by a Hayling side determined that there would be no repeat of the hiding the Hammers had inflicted on them on the Island earlier in the season. Hamworthy’s first opportunity came when Greg Horlock headed a George Webb free-kick just over the bar. Luke Burbidge then found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled off side. Hayling were awarded a penalty from which Leroy Williams scored after thirty minutes. The Referee’s decision to award the spot kick after Dan Ackerman was adjudged to have brought down a Hayling striker, was hotly disputed by many watching. They thought that the offence took place at least a foot outside the area, and should have only been a direct free kick. Luckily it took only five minutes for the Hammers to equalize through George Webb direct from another free kick. The flight of the ball deceived the Keeper Chris Clark, and found the far top corner of the net.

HT1-1.

Hamworthy made a much better start to the second half. With less than two minutes gone it was their turn to be awarded a penalty, this time for a mistimed tackle in the box. The normally reliable Luke Burbidge this time fluffed his spot kick by putting it at a comfortable height for Chris Clark to save, and keep the scores level. The Islanders who were now very much on the defensive, had a man dismissed for a second yellow card, thus making their task even more difficult. The Hammers were passing the ball well at this stage, and were now firmly in control. They had another goal ruled out for offside before eventually taking a well deserved lead on the hour. A good cross to the far post by Ryan Murray was headed back to George Webb who made no mistake with his second goal of the match. Two minutes later the lead was increased again. Dave Ewin added to his goal tally with a lob over the keepers head. The ball appeared to have also come off a defender on its way into the net. The Hayling United manager was given a red card, and sent from the dug-out after a heated argument with the Referee, ten minutes from the end. Despite several other chances Hamworthy were unable to increase their lead, and had to settle for the two goal winning margin.

FT 3-1

Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom, G. Webb, W. Robinson, D. Ewen (J. Foster), L. Burbidge (J. Satterley), R. Murray (S. Cannie)

Unused Subs: Dan Spencer, S. Lillington

Magna Dorset Premier League (Saturday 15-01-11)

This was Hamworthy United Reserve’s first game for eight weeks, their last game being on November 27th 2010. Since that game Mike Rees has been appointed the new Manager and several new players have been signed. Mike could not have wished for a better start against a team placed eight places above them in the league, and that had also beaten them 5-2 at Sturminster Marshal two games ago. The Hammer’s team consisted mainly of very young players with two or three more experienced men making up the numbers. They worked very hard to get back into the game after an early set back to run out worthy winners at the final whistle.

Perhaps not surprisingly following their long lay off Hamworthy were very much on the back foot for the opening ten minutes of the game. They looked very disorganised at the back and were soon under considerable pressure from the Visitors. Only eight minutes had gone by when Sturmister Marshall were awarded a corner from which they scored. The ball into the box was not cleared far enough, and only found Ciaran Miller on the edge of the box. He gave Keeper Ed Roberts no chance driving the ball past him into the net to open the scoring. Very much to United’s credit they did not let heads go down, but gradually raised their game. In fact by half time they were very much back in the game, the only thing lacking was a telling shot on goal

HT 0-1

The Reserves now kicking towards the favoured Irvin Brown Stand end were having much the better of things in the second period. It was Sturminster Marshall’s defence who were now coming much more under pressure from the now lively United attack. In the sixty-third minute that pressure was rewarded with the equalising goal. Jack Foster was picked out near the penalty spot and did well to control the ball before thumping it past Doug Shear the Stur Keeper. The Visitors did raise their game for a short period, but were unable to get back on top. Most of their attacks were now being dealt with by a revitalised United defence, and shots on goal were far and few between. With just under ten minutes of normal time remaining Ryan Ball’s accurate cross found Liam Claire on the far corner of the six yard box. He turned and beat his marker before shooting low into the net. Sturminster Marshall did try hard for the equaliser in the remaining minutes, but Hamworthy held on to record a well deserved win.

FT 2-1

Team: E. Roberts, L. Claire, S. Moore, L. Phillips, L. Corbin, V. Vincent, R. Camacho (Ryan Ball), S. Parker (D. Gould), J. Foster, D. Orchard, M. Lawrence (A. Hancock)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday11-01-11

Hamworthy returned to winning ways by deservedly beating a New Milton side keen to avenge the 8-3 defeat inflicted on them by the Hammers at their ground in October. Simon Browne once again demonstrated his Youth Policy which has brought so much success this season, by including another young player Jack Foster

in his squad. Jack was brought on for the last ten minutes and certainly proved that he is another young Hammer that if he continues to improve could well be appearing on a more regular basis in the near future.

There was not much to choose in the opening quarter of the game. It was New Milton however who had the best opportunity to open the scoring. A Town striker was allowed to get in one on one with the United Keeper, and looked as though he must score. Dan Ackerman did well to stop the shot with his foot and guide it to safety, as the opposing striker went to slide the ball past him,low to his right. Hamworthy began to get on top as the half continued, and they deservedly took the lead after twenty five minutes. After a period of United pressure the ball came out to Richard Jackson. The United Captain took no time to return the ball past Stuart Amey the Town keeper with a well struck shot just inside the post. The Hammers should have gone further ahead soon after that incident. A George Webb cross into the six yard box was followed by a goalmouth scramble. Several shots were then blocked on the line before the ball was eventually cleared. Dan Hayson also went close to doubling the lead just before the break, but United had to settle for the one goal lead at the half-time whistle.

HT 1-0

Hamworthy continued to have the better of things at the start of the second half. Ryan Murray was brought down in the penalty box as he ran through on goal. The offending Town defender was allowed to stay on the pitch, but the Referee had no doubts in pointing to the spot. Top goal scorer Luke Burbidge had no hesitation in stepping up and finding the bottom corner of the net with his spot kick. Just as it looked as if the Hammers were well in control of the match, New Milton took full advantage of a Hamworthy defensive mix up to score, with substitute Charlie Gajic scoring. This goal lifted the visitor’s game, and for a period they were very much back in the match, and were now looking to get the equaliser. Any hope of this was finished when Luke Burbidge cut in from the left,before rounding the keeper and finding the net with another well worked individual goal. The win could have been even more convincing if a Greg Horlock diving bullet header had gone in, instead of going inches past the post in the last few seconds of the game.

This win continues Hamworthy’s unbeaten run of eight games and also puts them back in fourth place in the table.

Team: D. Ackerman, M. Antrobus, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom, G, Webb, W. Robinson, D. Ewen (S. Cannie), L. Burbidge (J. Foster), R. Murray,

Unused Subs: S. Lillington, D. Spencer, L. Currell

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 8th January 2011
Not for the first time in the matches played between these two sides Alresford proved to be a difficult side to beat. Hamworthy had more of the play in the first half and completely dominated the second, but to their credit with some good goalkeeping together with some good defending and a little bit of luck the Town hung on for a 0-0 draw. The Hammers were without the services of their captain Max Crow who is now sidelined for eight weeks after chipping an ankle bone in the previous game against Totton & Eling. Simon Browne did welcome Stuart Cannie and Dave Ewen back into the squad after missing the previous game. Seventeen year old Dan Spencer was given the chance to make his first start for some time after recovering from a long spell of injury..

Hamworthy began the match kicking towards the school end on a sticky pitch, and in front of a healthy crowd of a hundred and twenty six people. The pattern of the first half soon took shape with United having a bit more possession than their visitors, and creating the better chances. One of these came when a well directed corner from Dan Hayson was met by the Hammers top goal scorer Luke Burbidge. Unfortunately he was unable to direct his header on target sending it inches wide of the post. Luke Burbidge again went close with another header shortly afterwards that ended the same way as his previous effort. Dave Ewing came closest to opening the scoring with a shot that looked destined for the top corner of the net. The Alresford keeper had other ideas however pulling off his best of many good saves during the game. He flung himself across the goal to finger tip the ball past the post to deny the Hammers a lead they probably deserved at that stage of the game. The Town played some good passing football of their own, but were denied a goal scoring opportunity by a well organized United defence. Both Teams went in at the break with no goals to show for an entertaining first half

HT 0-0

Hamworthy over the years have preferred to attack the Irvin Brown Stand end, and certainly started the second half by doing just that. In fact they continued to dominate the next forty five minutes without the reward they deserved. They were now totally on top, but unfortunately guilty at times of over elaborating, and were often closed down before they could get a shot away. To their credit Alresford defended well in depth and in numbers, with their Keeper pulling off a number of good saves to keep them in the game. Simon Browne brought on Stuart Cannie and Jack Satterley to try and get a winner, but unlike in the previous game the opposition held firm. In fact United were in danger at times of being hit on the break as they pressed up in search of a winner. The few attacks the Town did make however were dealt with before they could get a shot on goal, and they never really looked like scoring. At the final whistle the score remained goalless, but it certainly had not been a boring match. Both teams had contributed in their own way to an entertaining game. FT 0-0
Team: D. Ackerman,M. Antrobus, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom R. Jackson,W. Robinson ( S. Cannie), G. Webb, D. Ewen, L. Burbidge, D. Spencer (J. Slatterley).

Unused Subs: S. Lillington, L. Currell, R. Murray

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Monday 3rd January 2011

This was Hamworthy’s first game in almost three weeks, and for sixty minutes of the match it certainly looked like it. The Hammers struggled the entire first half to get their game going, whilst their visitors who had played the Tuesday prior to this match looked the livelier of the two teams. The Hammers were without Dave Ewen who was ill, and so this gave a chance to Liam Currell to start the game following a long lay off through injury.

As previously stated Totton & Eling made much the better start of the two teams, with the Hammers struggling to get any sort of rhythm going in their game. Dan Ackerman had to make a couple of decent saves as the visitors looked to take an early lead. Luckily for United Totton’s approach work was not matched by their finishing, which for the most part was off target. The Home Team lost the services of their Captain Max Crowe who was stretchered off with a twisted ankle, and was replaced by Will Robinson. Hamworthy’s best chance came mid way through the half when George Webb was found unmarked in front of goal. The normally sharp reliable mid-fielder reflected the Hammers first half performance by shooting straight at Tom Hawkins the ex Hamworthy Keeper now playing for Totton & Eling. He gratefully gathered in the ball into his chest, and the chance was gone. Kev Dawtry must have been the happier of the two Managers at the interval, but perhaps he was a little disappointed that his team was not in the lead.

HT 0-0

United started the second half a little better than they had the first and were now enjoying more of the possession, but they were still unable to get a telling shot in on goal. With fifteen minutes of the half gone Liam Currell who had just been booked (harshly in many people’s opinion) was replaced by sixteen year old Jack Satterley. The young striker was soon in the action sending a dangerous low cross into the six yard box from the left which was somehow missed by everybody. He was then to miss his best chance of the match. A low cross this time from the right saw him end up in the net, and not the ball after sliding in at the far post.

Simon Browne brought on another youngster Dan Spencer to add a bit more pace to a team that was now firmly on top. Hamworthy’s pressure was at last rewarded in the eightieth minute with a goal that was worth waiting for. Jack Satterley from the edge of the penalty box smashed the ball past Tom Hawkins to score the first of his two goals. Two minutes later

Jack Slatterley scored again after being put through on goal. This time he kept his cool to round the Keeper and roll the ball into the empty net. It was now all Hamworthy, and with one minute of the game remaining it was Luke Burbidge who cleverly weaved his way through Totton’s now weary defence to score another superbly taken goal, the third of the match and send the Hamworthy faithful home happy.

Team: D. Ackerman, D. Haysom, M. Antrobus, G. Horlock, M. White, R. Murray (D. Spencer), M. Crow (Capt) (W. Robinson), G. Webb, L. Currell (J. Satterley) L. Burbidge, R. Jackson. Unused Sub: S. Lillington