HAMWORTHY UNITED 3 HAYLING UNITED 1
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