FAREHAM TOWN 1 HAMWORTHY UNITED 1
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)