HAMWORTHY UNITED 1 ALTON TOWN 3
Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 12th February 2011-02-13
Alton proved that they are one of the most underrated sides in the league, and a much better team than their position in the table suggests. You could see why they had beaten Winchester and Newport in recent weeks. It also has to be said that this was a below par display by the Hammers which was especially disappointing following their last Home win performance over Poole Town. Dan Spencer started the game replacing Ryan Murray who has returned to Bashley, and Hamworthy welcomed back Captain Max Crow to the bench following his long lay off due to injury.
On a day when playing conditions were ideal, play was fairly even in the opening stages with perhaps Sean Lillington slightly the busier of the two keepers. Most shots were restricted to those from some distance which caused neither keeper too many problems, that is until the thirtieth minute. Following a brief period of defending Hamworthy failed to clear the ball far enough outside the penalty area. The clearance was picked up by mid fielder Carl Saunders who lashed a first time shot past Sean Lillington from fully twenty five yards. The shot was hit with such power that it was in the back of the net before the United Keeper could move. Hamworthy did raise their game following this set back and almost got back into it straight away. Greg Horlock failed to finish off from close range following a spot of head tennis in the Alton goal mouth. They did get back into the game however with a very well worked goal three minutes before the break. George Webb made a strong run out of defence and found Luke Burbidge with a good pass; he in turn put Dave Ewen in on goal with another superb ball. The United striker kept his cool and picked his spot to bring the scores level.
HT1-1
United were now playing towards their favoured Irvin Brown Stand end, which has resulted in many a second half revival for the Hammers this season, but not in this game. Apart from some good runs and crosses from Dan Spencer out wide right Hamworthy failed to raise their game. Their usual penetration was not there and they failed to create many chances. They did not look as if they would concede a goal either until the Referee awarded a penalty against Greg Horlock for allegedly pushing his man. Carl Saunders stepped up to put the spot kick away. This appeared to be a little harsh especially as there was another identical challenge in the opposite box minutes later This time the official waved away the loud appeals, and waved play on. Simon Browne tried to change things by bringing on fresh faces, but Hamworthy were playing well below par. Alton were in no mood to give away their lead a second time defending well and always looked dangerous on the break. It was from one of these that they hit United again. The move was finished off by Carl Saunders who scored his, and Alton Town’s third goal to complete the scoring. There was no way back for the Hammers who could have few complaints about the result.
FT1-3
Team: S. Lillington, D. Spencer, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom, G. Webb,Will Robinson (M. Lawrence), D. Ewen (J. Foster), L. Burbidge, S. Cannie (M. Crow).