ALRESFORD TOWN 2 HAMWORTHY UNITED 2
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)