Dorset Youth League First Division (Sunday 25-09-11)

(As Told By Adrian Perry)

The young Hammers fielded the same team apart from Ryan Hayter and Antonio da Paola who were both absent through illness, and Ross Giles who was not available through Injury. Ryan Giles came in at the back with Kyle Graham, and they both joined the ever improving Pete Baff who played up front in a 4-4-2 formation.

. The game started very evenly, and was played on a very nice Yeovil Town’s practice pitch .The surface suited very much the Hammers passing style of play. United’s strategy was to concentrate on good passing and movement both on and off the ball. Unfortunately it was a moment’s lack of concentration that led to Westland taking the lead. A long ball caught out the Hamworthy defence, and a Sport’s front runner took full advantage to score with a well taken shot. As expected the Hammers quickly recovered and went close with a couple of their own efforts before Luke Middlewick equalized. The scores remained level at half time which was a fair reflection of the game to date.

HT 1-1

The second half started well for the young Hammers with some great defensive and forward play. They gained the momentum with some quick breaks out of defence and they found their front men early to put pressure on Westland. Matt Platt had hard luck when he hit the crossbar with a nicely flighted shot from a free kick. It was against the run of play when Sports went ahead with a shot that went through a line of United defenders. Some timely substitutions, and a never give up attitude ensured that Hamworthy were not behind for long. Luka Hamilton had now been introduced to the front line, and his great effort saw the scores once again level. Both teams still had chances to snatch a win, but a draw at the end of the ninety minutes was a fair result.

This was a great away point against a good team, and helped the young Hammers to remain unbeaten so far this season.

FT 2-2

Team: R. Voysey, C. Perry, T. Rolls, M. Platt, R. Giles (D. Pudney). I. Male, V. Vincent (Capt), L. Middlewick ( J. Schwarzin), A. Frohlich, P. Baff, K. Graham (L.Hamilton.)

Sydenhams Premier League Wessex (Tuesday 27-09-11)

The game finished in yet another draw making it five out of nine games for the Hammers. This at the end of the day was a point gained rather than two lost. and probably a fair result after a thrilling game. Simon Browne kept the same side after Saturday’s win except that Shane Murphy replaced the unavailable Simon Evans in goal, and Lee Wilkins came in for Aaron Corby in mid-field. Michael White started the game on the bench.

The game began as it was to continue, at a high pace with both teams looking to find a way through, but without success. It was United who created the first real chance when Matt Head found Lee Wilkins in space on the edge of the six yard box, but unfortunately he fired just wide. It was then Hamworthy’s turn for a let off when Town striker Cole saw his shot deflected onto the United crossbar. Hamworthy gradually gained the initiative, and were rewarded with goal of the game. A good move down the left finished with Stuart Cannie finding Luke Burbidge with a superb long through ball. He ran on to cleverly knock the ball past the keeper with the outside of his boot and into the net just inside the post. The lead lasted just six minutes when the Town got the benefit of two highly debatable decisions. With the Referees Assistant clearly not up with play following a long clearance, the receiving player was at least two yards off side. He was allowed to play on and find his strike partner who then appeared the control the ball with his hand before knocking it past Shane Murphy.

To the surprise of most people watching and the Hamworthy players the goal was given.

HT 1-1

Alreford came out and took the game to the Hammers right from the restart. With just four minutes gone they took full advantage of some slack marking by the United defence. Four Hamworthy men stayed rooted to the spot as a Town player got to the byeline and then sent a simple lob into the six yard box that was headed home. Both sides continued to make chances with the Hammers unable to force the ball home in a number of goal line scrambles. Shane Murphy came to United’s rescue when he found himself one on one with Mike McEnery. He dived at the strikers feet just as he was about to shoot. McEnery was able to get on to the rebound before being brought down by a strong tackle from Greg Horlock. To his relief and that of the Hamworthy contingent the Referee allowed play to continue this time much to the annoyance of the Home crowd all baying for a penalty. With nine minutes of the game remaining Greg Horlock headed home a corner at the far post to once again bring the scores level. Both teams continued to go for a winner, but the game ended in a draw .Both team’s feeling that they may have won the game, but for a couple of debatable decisions.

FT 2-2

Team: S. Murphy, K. Yelland, S. Lockyer (D. Pidgley), G. Horlock, M. White, W. Robinson, L. Wilkins, M. Head,J. Satterley, L. Burbidge, S. Cannie ( M. White). Unused Subs: J. Byron.

R. Voysey (GK)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 24-09-11

This was Hamworthy United’s first ever win over the Islanders, and an emphatic one it was. The Hammers were in control of the game from start to finish, and with a bit more luck the winning margin could have been even greater. New signing Simon Evans made his debut Home appearance in goal, and Michael White was not available for the game. This meant a reshuffle at the back with Dan Haysom reverting back to the central defender position, and Sam Lockyer taking his place at left back.

It did not take United long to get on top, and take the game to the opposition. With only six minutes gone Luke Burbidge was tripped as he jinxed his way into the box. Despite Luke staying on his feet the Referee awarded the penalty. The same player duly took the spot kick, slotting the ball past Cameron Farley into the corner of the net. Hamworthy kept up the pressure, and were awarded a series of corners. From these Aaron Corby just missed the post, and Stuart Cannie got the direction, but not the power with his header to beat the Keeper. Greg Horlock just shot wide from a corner, and Carl Yelland had his shot tipped over by Farley. At the other end Newport were finding it difficult to penetrate the Hamworthy defence, giving Simon Evans a relatively quiet fist half in goal. With just one minute of the half remaining, and looking as if the deficit at the beak might only be one, Newport conceded again. Jack Satterley had already hit the bar once before he hit it again. This time the ball dropped at the feet of Dan Haysom who stabbed the ball home from close range.

HT 2-0

The pattern of the second half continued as the first with United on top and Newport struggling to make any real impression on the game. Burbidge continued to bother the Newport defence with his runs. One of his low crosses to the far post was met by Cannie who just shot wide. Almost an exact copy of the move in the 55th minute saw Stuart Cannie find the back of the net this time to increase the lead. For the first time in the game United keeper Evans came under a bit of pressure, but his long punch away soon relieved the danger. With a minute of the game remaining the Hammers were awarded a second penalty. Cannie and a Newport defender both fell in a heap together as they tussled for the ball. This would have gone unpunished had the Islander not prevented Cannie from getting up by grabbing hold of him. This was spotted by the Referee, who much to the annoyance of the Newport players and bench awarded the penalty. Stuart Cannie in the absence of the substituted Burbidge made no mistake with the spot kick.

FT 4-0

Team: S. Evans, K. Yelland, S. Lockyer ( J. Byron), G. Horlock, D. Haysom, W. Robinson, A. Corby (L. Wilkins), M. Head, L. Burbidge (D. Pidgley)J. Satterly, S. Cannie. Unused Sub S. Murphy (G.K.)

Dorset Youth League First Division (Sunday18-09-11)

After drawing our first two games of the season, we decided to change our formation in an attempt to create more goal scoring opportunities. This was against a good Sherborne side that have for many years provided strong teams at all age group levels. This game was proved to be no different.

Both teams started well. The midfield was first dominated by Sherborne, and then by the Hammers, and this continued for the first 35 minutes. Hamworthy created a number of good chances but good defensive work by the opposition, and their keeper prevented United from scoring.

HT 0-0

After the break unfortunately it was Hamworthy who went behind to a shot which was going wide until it took a bad deflection off a Hammers player. This meant that for the second game in a row Hamworthy went a goal behind after they had clearly been on top in terms of possession. The equaliser came when the Hammers were awarded a penalty following a great run by Kyle Graham. The spot kick was confidently slotted into the bottom corner by Callum Perry for his second goal in two games. Now there was only going to be one outcome to the match, and that was a Hammers’ victory. The Hammers appear to need a goal against them to spur them into action. Once they were on equal terms their confidence grew. Their passing was the best that had been seen so far this season, and it was a pleasure to watch. Kyle Graham scored twice, and also hit the post to give United the lead their play deserved. Ian Male completed the scoring to give the Hammers all three points, and moved the Hammers into the top half of the table.

FT 1-1

As a team unit our confidence in each other’s ability and team spirit is a pleasure to experience and be part of. The highest compliment to the players was paid by a spectator. He said that the Hammers played with style, confidence and a never give up attitude. The team was as committed, and as fit in the last minute of the game as it was in the first. It goes to prove that all of the hard work on the training ground is reaping its due reward.

Team: R. Voysey, C. Perry, T. Rolls, A. De Paola, M. Platt, V. Vincent (Capt), I. Male, P. Bathie, A. Frohlich (K. Graham), R. Giles(J. Schwarzin), L.Middlewick (R. Hayter)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 17-09-11

Hamworthy United are fast becoming the draw specialists of the Premier League. This was their fourth draw in seven games so far this season. All four have ended up 1-1 after the Hammers had taken the lead. To be fair most people would have settled for a draw away at big spending title contenders Winchester City. United started the game with their new signing Simon Evans in goal. He is on loan from Dorchester Town, and comes with a great deal of experience of playing at a higher level. Aaran Corby who was unavailable for Tuesday’s game replaced Stuart Cannie in mid-field.

Hamworthy started well and came close to scoring from their first attempt. This followed some good work by Luke Burbidge who then picked out Jack Slatterley with his cross. The young United striker swiveled,and shot forcing the City Keeper to push the ball round for a corner. Winchester mainly used the long ball tactic trying to get their two strikers behind the Hamworthy back four. However the United defenders and the new Keeper coped well, and kept danger down to a minimum, Slatterley laid the ball out left for Sam Lockyer who then crossed to Burbidge who just shot wide. The same player came even closer when after being fed by Corby hit the far upright with his shot across goal. The Winchester Keeper then made a great save from Greg Hurlock’s goal bound header from a Lockyer free kick. Simon Evans did well to rescue the Hammers when he was faced with a one on one situation. With six minutes to go City failed to clear their lines from an Evans clearance. Burbidge picked up the ball and jinxed past two players before crossing low for Jack Slatterly who hit the ball high into in the roof of the net to open the scoring for the Hammers.

HT 0-1

Winchester applied much more pressure on the Hammers in the second period as they fought to get back on level terms. Most of this was from distance however and did not really threaten. Dominic Allen shot from twenty yards out, but Evans tipped the ball over. United began to defend deeper as the half progressed, and this left their front two more isolated, and less threatening than they were in the first half. With ten minutes remaining City got their eqaliser. Following a quickly taken corner a City player went past Carl Yelland along the goal line. He crossed into the box where Evans did make a save but was unable to clear the ball. It fell for Leigh Mills to bundle it over the line to square up the match.

Team : S. Evans, K. Yelland, D. Haysom, G. Horlock, M. White, W. Robinson, A. Corby, M. Head, L. Burbidge, J. Satterley. S. Lockyer

Dorset Youth League (Division One) Sunday 11-09-11

(As reported by Adrian Perry)

Following an excellent performance the previous week we went into this encounter full of confidence, and expectation of achieving all of the 3 points on offer.

The game started well, but both teams struggled with a cross wind which meant that the ball was in the air far too often to suit our style of play. We settled early, but got caught out by a quick throw in. This allowed their striker to attack our goal, and score with a well placed shot into our net. For the rest of the first half there were opportunities for both teams, but the conversion rate from scoring chances created into goals was sorely missed. Going in at half time one goal behind was a situation that I was confident that we could recover from.

HT 0-1

At half time we took the opportunity to look at some strategic positional changes, and these were introduced shortly into the second half. It became very clear that we now had a more evenly balanced shape about the team. We soon created many more goal scoring opportunities. We were rewarded with a penalty after a fine run into the box by Pete Lanna Baff. Callum Perry confidently converted the spot kick to level the scores at 1-1.The onus was now very much on the Hammers to go forward and secure the game, but instead we conceded another goal. However we kept our team spirit and focus together and worked very hard to get back into the game. We did this with some great quality passing, and general play. For this we were rewarded late in the game with an excellent goal from Ian Male to level the scores once more.

FT 2-2

Our genuine team spirit and our willingness to work together saw us through a difficult encounter. This was against another local team who raised their game on the day by being able to play at the County Ground. My congratulations to everyone for a well deserved point.

Team: R. Voysey, C. Perry, T. Rolls, A. De Paola, M. Platt, V. Vincent (Capt), I. Male, R. Hayter, L.Middlewick (A. Frohlich), L. Hamilton (R. Giles), K. Graham

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 13-09-11

After a poor second half display against Alton in the FA Vase on Saturday Simon Browne must have been pleased to see the improvement in his team in this game. United battled to the end in this game and almost snatched a winner in the last couple of minutes. Simon only made one alteration to the team that started on Saturday. Matt Head came into mid-field in place of Aaron Corby who was unable to make it because of his Navy commitments.

Both teams started at quite a pace, as each side tried to grab the initiative. Poppies were looking threatening in the air especially from set pieces when they delivered some dangerous crosses into the box. They thought they had taken the lead after twenty minutes when one of these crosses was put away with a thunderbolt of a header, but it was ruled out by the Referee. He had noticed an infringement not by the scorer, but by Dave Ewen who did not object to the decision. Hamworthy continued to keep their game together, and took the lead five minutes later. Luke Burbidge cut in from the right, and squeezed a low shot past Max Frampton at his near post. There was some debate after the game whether it had taken a deflection or not, but Luke was determined to claim it. The Poppies continued to look dangerous, and the often hard pressed Hamworthy Defence did well to deal with these threats. It was a shame therefore that a needless free kick was given away out on the right wing shortly before the half time whistle The resulting cross was only half cleared, and Kayne Daysh was the first to react giving Shane Murphy no chance with a well placed shot.

HT 1-1

If Poppies had the slight edge in the first half then things were certainly evened up in the second period with the Hammers now playing towards their favoured Irvin Brown Stand end. Luke Burbidge and Jack Slatterley were giving the Bournemouth back four plenty to think about and went close on a couple of occasions. The Poppies threats were although still dangerous at time were now less often. As the game drew to a close it was United who came closest to taking all three points. First Jack Satterley almost scored with a clever back heel flick, and then with only a couple of minutes remaining Greg Horlock. The tall Hamworthy Central Defender rose and met a cross from a set piece with a bullet header which just skimmed the post. The Home crowd all thought it was in, and that the Hammers had snatched a last ditch winner, but it was not to be.

FT 1-1

Team: S. Murphy, K. Yelland, D. Haysom,G. Horlock, M. White, W. Robinson,M. Head, S. Lockyer, J. Slatterley, L.Burbidge, S. Cannie (L.Wilkins)

Unused Subs: D. Pidgley, J. Byron, S. Lillington (GK)

Dorset Youth League (Division 1) Sunday 04-09-11

The first game of our league season and away to a good Poole Town team who’s players have been together for many years, this was always going to be a difficult encounter. For the Hammers this was the first time that the starting 11 had ever played together, it was therefore expected that it would take a little time to settle on a very wide pitch.

In the first half we competed in every department with focus on not conceding any goals which we achieved. At times it felt that the opposition had more “people” on the pitch than we did however we kept our discipline and composure and worked for each other and as a unit.

The second half saw chances for both teams but good defensive play from our boys helped us grow stronger in confidence as the game progressed and with a little luck we could have taken all 3 points.

All players should take great credit for their commitment to their team mates the Management team are very proud to support all of your efforts on the pitch. The last 15 minutes showed our excellent fitness levels this is of course due to all of the hard work put in at training.

We now look forward to our first home game of the season at Fortress County Ground, with additional players waiting to get their chance to get pitch time places in the starting line up will be challenging for everyone.

Team: R. Voysey, C.Perry, T. Rolls (D. Pudney), A. De Paola, M. Platt, V. Vincent (capt), I. Male, R. Hayter (L. Middlewick), A. Frohlich (L.Hamilton), R. Giles, K. Graham.

F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Round Qualifying (Saturday 10-09-11)
Another disappointing second half display from the Hammers meant that they have now gone out of both the FA Cup & Vase at the first hurdle. This is the first time that this has happened since they joined the Sydenham Wessex League seven years ago. Hamworthy had controlled most of the first half with Shane Murphy a spectator for a great deal of that time. All this good work was to be wiped out by a minute of madness in the second half when we surrendered our lead with two bits of sloppy passing. Diane Bassiriki was still injured and Sam Lanahan and Dan Spencer have gone off to University. Will Robinson returned after his holiday, Sam Lockyer started the game in midfield, and Matt Head and Dan Pidley were on the bench.

After their usual slow start and kicking with the slope the Hammers gradually raised their game. United should have scored when a Stuart Cannie corner dropped at the feet of Dan Haysom standing well inside the six yard box. The Hamworthy left back somehow managed to get the ball over the bar when it looked easier for him to score. Craig Atkinson who had been much the busier of the two keepers pulled off a good save from Aaron Corby. He also got his body in the way of a pile driver from Stuart Cannie diverting the ball out for a corner. Hamworthy must have been more than a little disappointed not to have been at least one up at the break.

HT 0-0

Town Manager John Robinson must have given his team a bit of an ear bashing at half time, because they certainly raised their efforts right from the restart. It was Hamworthy’s turn to be on the back foot as Alton really pressed them for the first time in the game. It was a little bit against the run of play when the Hammers did break free, and Jack Slatterley was needlessly pushed in the back in the penalty area. The Referee who was just yards away had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, much to the annoyance of some of the Alton supporters. The ever reliable Luke Burbidge for the first time this season decided to go for the opposite corner than his normal choice. Craig Atkinson dived and palmed the ball out, but luckily Luke followed up and returned the ball into the net to give United the lead in the fifty-fourth minute. Hammers were ahead for just five minutes before disaster struck twice in a minute. Karl Yelland instead of clearing out wide, passed the ball inside where Simba Mlambo took full advantage to even the score. Hamworthy were again in possession, and were on the break when another careless pass from Will Robinson proved to be very costly. He gave the ball straight to an Alton Player, and this led to Mlambo scoring his second goal of the game. It was ironic as many of the Home supporters in the stand had called for him to be taken off after he had a very indifferent first half. The most disappointing thing for the travelling United supporters was that heads now appeared to drop, and some players appeared to give up far too easily. Too often the ball was kicked long and up in the air with too many players not prepared to run back, and try and retrieve the ball when they lost it. They were making far too many simple mistakes, and they appeared unable to raise their game. Hamworthy did press for the last few minutes of the game, but it was all too little too late by then.

FT 2-1

Team: S. Murphy, K. Yellan, D. Haysom, G. Horlock, M.White, W. Robinson (D. Pidgley). A. Corby, S. Lockyer, L. Burbidge, J. Slatterly, S. Cannie.

Unused Subs: L. Wilkins, M. Head, S. Lillington (GK)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 03-09-11

Normally a point away to Fareham Town would be considered quite good as it has never been a happy hunting ground for the Hammers. It was in fact a very disappointing result, having once again given away the lead with another own goal. This came early in the second half when we were in control of the match despite not playing well. Simon Browne kept the same side that played against Bemerton Heath except Will Robinson who was not available, and his place was taken by Aaron Corby. He returned after a bout of flue, and Sam Lockyer also came back after a holiday. He started the game on the bench.

The Hammers made their usual slow start, and it was a good quarter of an hour before they put their first decent move together. Luke Burbidge made a good solo run from his own half down the right wing. He swept past several Town defenders before taking the ball to the corner. There he sent a low pass across the goal line where Matt head came in at the far post, but he was unable to convert. Hamworthy did take the lead in the twenty seventh minute when Dan Pidgley picked up a loose ball in the penalty area, and slotted it past the diving keeper into the corner of the net. United still had the edge, and looked the more dangerous of the two teams, but the play was very scrappy from both sides. Both teams were still having difficulty in finding their men. Following some good work by Luke Burbidge the Hammers almost doubled their lead. He picked out goal scorer Dan Pidgley in a similar position from which he had scored. This time however his shot just skimmed the outside of the foot of the post, and so the score remained the same until the break.

HT 0-1

The game continued after the break with both teams not really getting a grip on a very poor game. Fareham could not have believed their luck when United gave them a goal that they never really looked like getting up until then. Shane Murphy who had handled everything confidently up to that point spilled what looked a routine cross. He then palmed the ball against Greg Horlock, and into the net.

You would have hoped that this would have stirred Hamworthy into raising their game, but unfortunately this did not happen. They continued to struggle to put two passes together, and far too often stood off their men. The front two were left isolated as the midfield played too deep, and failed to get up in support.

Town almost took the lead with their best, and almost only dangerous attempt on goal when they hit the cross bar. With time running out the Hammers at last showed a bit of urgency and went close twice. First of all through substitute Jack Slatterley, and then Matt Head with a late chance that should have given United the win. He was put clean through one on one with the keeper, but unfortunately tamely hit his shot straight at Luke Douglas.

Team: S. Murphy, K. Yelland, D. Hasom, G. Horlock, M. White,A. Corby, M.Head , S. Lanahan, L. Burbidge, S. Cannie (J. Slatterley) D. Pidgley( S. Lockyer)

Unused Subs: D.Spencer, S. Lillington (GK)