HAMWORTHY UNITED 0 WINCHESTER CITY 2
Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 26-02-11
The Hammers can have few complaints about losing this game to table toppers Winchester City. After a reasonable first half United failed to match Winchester after the break and in the end paid the price. Simon Browne was able to name Aaron Corby in the squad for the first time since he left to join the Navy.
The playing conditions were ideal and the game began with both teams feeling each other out. Greg Horlock had a good opportunity to open Hamworthy’s account when he rose unchallenged to head a George Webb free kick just wide. The same player had an almost identical opportunity minutes later which ended with the same result. The two teams at this stage looked evenly matched with Winchester looking lively up front with on loan Eastleigh striker Jamie Brown proving to be quite a handful. The United defence however was coping with him quite well until a few minutes before the break when the tall Winchester front man hit the foot of the post. Luckily for the Hammers Tom Dunford hit the follow up over the bar.
HT 0-0
Guy Butters obviously gave his side a pep talk during the break, because they began the second half the stronger of the two teams. The Hammers on the other hand did not appear to raise their game as they have done so often in the past in the second half. City brought on substitute Saolo Asajile shortly after the restart, and he made an immediate impact with his pace. Winchester City were now controlling the game and took the lead in the 62nd minute. A low dangerous cross into the six yard box was met by Brown who scored from close range before Sean Lillington could close him down. It could have been two nil only a few minutes later when Brown this time hit the crossbar with a dipping long range shot. United did raise their game after the introduction of Aaron Corby, and for the first time put the Winchester Keeper under pressure. Any hope of getting at least a point ended when with time running out City scored again. Sean Lillington could not hold a low fierce drive from Dunford, and the ball dropped to Asajile to toe poke home. A late flurry in the Winchester penalty area saw a loud appeal for a penalty turned down. Keeper Anderson appeared to push a United player in the back with both hands, but it was apparently not seen by any of the officials, and therefore all appeals were waved away.
FT 0-2
Team: S. Lilington, M.Oldring (W. Robinson), R. Jackson, G. Horlock, M. White, D. Haysom, G.Webb, M. Crow, D. Ewen ,L. Burbidge, B. Magookin (A. Corby)
Unused Sub: D. Ackerman (G/Keeper)