Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 20-03-10)

Once again the Hammer’s Saturday form was proved to be far better than that they have shown in their mid-week performances. They have won only two of their twelve mid-week games this season including Tuesday’s poor result against Arlesford, where they lost 3-0. United were also keen to avenge the 4-0 drumming they received at Hurn Bridge back in October on another Tuesday night that is much better forgotten. Simone Browne welcomed back Mike Antrobus, and Max Crow into the side, but lost the services of Stuart Cannie who was unavailable due to sickness.
Considering the amount of rain that had fallen in the previous twenty four hours the pitch looked, and played very well. The Hammers made the better start to the match of the two sides, and soon had Christchurch defending deep in their own half. It took only three minutes of the game for United to take the lead following a goalmouth scramble. The ball
was not cleared as it pinged around the six-yard box, but Max Crow eventually found a way past the helpless Stewart Kearn to open the scoring. Within a minute Max Frampton was called on to make a brilliant double save to keep his side in front. He blocked the first shot, and then dived full length to push away a second from the rebound. All this happened in a split second. Christchurch began to get on top, and the Hammers were asked to defend much more as the half progressed. United did well to hold onto their lead to half time with Max Frampton the busier of the two Keepers.
HT 1-0
Christchurch continued to have the edge of play at the start of the second period, and were eventually rewarded with the equalising goal on sixty five minutes. The goal was very similar to that scored by the Hammers. The ball was again not cleared, and resulted in another goal mouth scramble before a deflected shot took it past Max Frampton to even the score. The equaliser seemed to spur on Hamworthy more than their opponents, as the game swung back their way in the closing stages. It was now United who looked the more dangerous in attack, and the more likely of the two teams to go on and get the winner. They had two or three good opportunities to do this. The best of which fell to new signing Luke Burbidge who had up to that point been enjoying a good game. He was put through with just Keeper Stewart Kearns to beat, but unfortunately put his shot over the bar with the goal at his mercy. When the final whistle came a draw was probably a fair result over the ninety minutes. However it was probably Simon Browne of the two managers who felt that his team should have pinched it in the closing stages, and gone on to take all three points instead of the very creditable one gained
FT 1-1

Hamworthy United : Frampton, Antrobus, R. Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Crow, Burbidge ,Barron, Swann (Khider), Dancer (Toghill), Merritt. Unused Subs : Browne, M. Jackson.

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Tuesday 16-03-10)
Hamworthy were down to the barebones for this game. Mike Antrobus,, Max Crow, Mark Dancer and Mark Jackson were all not available from Saturday’s squad. Together with the injured players this meant Manager Simon Browne had to start the game at left back, and had only two players on the bench. Unfortunately it was the same old story so often witnessed this season, when there appeared to be a lack of effort on some players’ parts when trying to get a result from a mid-week game. Alresford are certainly no better than the Hammers, but what they did show was a willingness to give 100% and chase down every ball at every opportunity, and really get at United. Alresford’s sloping pitch is always difficult for visiting teams, and the Home Team are very good at hitting long balls out of defence, and catching the opposition on the break . Hamworthy also appeared to have great trouble in judging the uneven bounce of the ball, and keeping it on the deck.
Once again Hamworthy started the game strongly kicking down the slope, and dominated the play for the first ten minutes of the match. Jamie Barron’s pinpoint cross from the left was powerfully headed just past the post by the unmarked Greg Horlock. Soon after this a half hit clearance dropped to Joe Toghill on the edge of the box. His looping shot appeared to be going over the Town Keeper Dan Chapman, and into the net, but somehow he managed to lean back, and push the ball onto the bar and over. As the half progressed Alresford came more and more into it. The Hammers neglected their passing game, and got dragged into the long ball routine favoured by their opponents. Neither side now looked like opening the scoring before the half time break, and so it proved.
HT 0-0
The second half continued much as the first, with neither side looking as if they could win the game. Joe Toggle did manage to hit the crossbar in a six yard box scramble that followed a corner, but this was as near to scoring as the Hammers were going to get. The Town did score in the sixty fifth minute, and with it enjoyed a large slice of luck. They were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area which was taken by Matt Dawson. His shot took a wicked deflection off the wall, and sent the unfortunate Max Frampton completely the wrong way. The ball finished up in the opposite corner of the net to his dive. A few Hamworthy heads appeared to go down after that, and some did not appear to have the will to try and get back into the game. The goal had the opposite effect on the Alresford players who now lifted their game, and chased down everything. They harassed United into making too many unforced errors, and they were rewarded for their trouble by scoring two further goals to add to the Hammers misery. These were both scored by Matt Dawson to complete his hat-trick, and earn his team in the end a well deserved win.
FT 3-0
Of the twelve mid-week league games the Hammers have played this season they have lost eight and only won two, with two drawn. Room for improvement I believe

Hamworthy United : Frampton, Merritt, Horlock, Llewellyn, Browne, R. Jackson, Burbidge (Khider), Barron, Swann ,Cannie (Facer), Toghill. Unused Subs :

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 13-03-10)
The Hammers welcomed back Max Crow from injury, having missed the last two matches, and Boss Simon Browne gave a first start to AFC Bournemouth Academy player, Luke Burbidge.
On a sunny, but windy afternoon, both teams opened up brightly on a hard pitch. If anything, the Hammers were playing with a slight breeze in their backs. The inclusion of both Crow and Burbidge pushed Cannie into a full on up front role. It was Cannie’s striking partner though, Jack Swann, who struck first blood after only 7 minutes. A throw in down the right hand touchline was flicked on by Cannie. The defender tried to run the ball out for a goal kick, but he was robbed of the ball by Swann, who calmly turned inside and clipped the ball over the diving keeper. The early goal clearly inspired the Hammers on, and gave them an early breakthrough, something in recent games they had been unable to do. On the quarter hour, Hamworthy scored again. A freekick delivered by Jamie Barron was met by Horlock. His effort hit the far post and came out, only to find Luke Burbidge on hand to tap in his first goal for the club. Hammers 2 - 0. Credit to Lymington Town though, they rallied, and called Max Frampton into action, firstly having to come and take a difficult catch in a crowd of players, and then getting his body behind a long range effort, which he was able to hang onto. The Hammers looked composed and almost scored a third after a fine break from Jack Swann, forcing a fine save from the home keeper. The last action for the half was a corner on the right side for the Hammers, floated over by Jamie Barron. Greg Horlock rose, unchallanged, and thumped his header over the bar ! It looked easier to score ! Half Time : Hammers 2 - 0
Lymington livened up the start of the second half, calling Max Frampton into action early on. A fine break down the right side saw a beautiful cross delivered into the Hammer’s penalty area. However, a fine header brought a fine save. It certainly was a wake up call, and signs that this match was not yet over. Burbidge was unlucky not to get a second goal. He received the ball from another Barron free kick on the edge of the opposition box. Turning on a sixpence, and with no space to work with, he side-stepped three defenders and saw his effort diverted for a corner. Hamworthy continued to look the stronger side and should have gone further ahead when Swann was put through on goal, but his low shot missed the target with the keeper beaten. Lymington did however miss a gilt-edged chance late on. The ball was delivered into the box, where everyone appeared to miss it. It fell to a Lymington player 6 yards out with only Frampton to beat, but the forward sliced high and wide. It was probably their last chance to get back into the match, as Hamworthy made it a 3 - 0 scoreline. A throw-in on the left touchline deep in the oppostion half, saw Jackson receive the ball back from Toghill. He delivered a great cross only for Cannie to smash the ball on the volley into the net. A great finish. When Lymington did get the ball past the United keeper from a quickly taken free kick, which caught Hamworthy napping, the looping ball was acrobatically cleared off the line by Skipper, Steve Llewellyn, a remarkable clearance. Perhaps this was going to be Max’s day after all, a first clean sheet since his return to the County Ground ?
Final Score : Lymington Town 0 Hamworthy United 3.
Hamworthy United : Frampton, Antrobus (Merritt), R Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Crow, Burbidge, Barron, Swann (Facer), Cannie, Toghill (M Jackson). Unused Subs : Dancer, Browne

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 13-03-100
The Hammers welcomed back Max Crow from injury, having missed the last two matches, and Boss Simon Browne gave a first start to AFC Bournemouth Academy player, Luke Burbidge.
On a sunny, but windy afternoon, both teams opened up brightly on a hard pitch. If anything, the Hammers were playing with a slight breeze in their backs. The inclusion of both Crow and Burbidge pushed Cannie into a full on up front role. It was Cannie’s striking partner though, Jack Swann, who struck first blood after only 7 minutes. A throw in down the right hand touchline was flicked on by Cannie. The defender tried to run the ball out for a goal kick, but he was robbed of the ball by Swann, who calmly turned inside and clipped the ball over the diving keeper. The early goal clearly inspired the Hammers on, and gave them an early breakthrough, something in recent games they had been unable to do. On the quarter hour, Hamworthy scored again. A freekick delivered by Jamie Barron was met by Horlock. His effort hit the far post and came out, only to find Luke Burbidge on hand to tap in his first goal for the club. Hammers 2 - 0. Credit to Lymington Town though, they rallied, and called Max Frampton into action, firstly having to come and take a difficult catch in a crowd of players, and then getting his body behind a long range effort, which he was able to hang onto. The Hammers looked composed and almost scored a third after a fine break from Jack Swann, forcing a fine save from the home keeper. The last action for the half was a corner on the right side for the Hammers, floated over by Jamie Barron. Greg Horlock rose, unchallanged, and thumped his header over the bar ! It looked easier to score ! Half Time : Hammers 2 - 0
Lymington livened up the start of the second half, calling Max Frampton into action early on. A fine break down the right side saw a beautiful cross delivered into the Hammer’s penalty area. However, a fine header brought a fine save. It certainly was a wake up call, and signs that this match was not yet over. Burbidge was unlucky not to get a second goal. He received the ball from another Barron free kick on the edge of the opposition box. Turning on a sixpence, and with no space to work with, he side-stepped three defenders and saw his effort diverted for a corner. Hamworthy continued to look the stronger side and should have gone further ahead when Swann was put through on goal, but his low shot missed the target with the keeper beaten. Lymington did however miss a gilt-edged chance late on. The ball was delivered into the box, where everyone appeared to miss it. It fell to a Lymington player 6 yards out with only Frampton to beat, but the forward sliced high and wide. It was probably their last chance to get back into the match, as Hamworthy made it a 3 - 0 scoreline. A throw-in on the left touchline deep in the oppostion half, saw Jackson receive the ball back from Toghill. He delivered a great cross only for Cannie to smash the ball on the volley into the net. A great finish. When Lymington did get the ball past the United keeper from a quickly taken free kick, which caught Hamworthy napping, the looping ball was acrobatically cleared off the line by Skipper, Steve Llewellyn, a remarkable clearance. Perhaps this was going to be Max’s day after all, a first clean sheet since his return to the County Ground ?
Final Score : Lymington Town 0 Hamworthy United 3.
Hamworthy United : Frampton, Antrobus (Merritt), R Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Crow, Burbidge, Barron, Swann (Facer), Cannie, Toghill (M Jackson). Unused Subs : Dancer, Browne

Sydenhams WessexPremier League (Wednesday10-03-10)

This was another disappointing result following the Hammers poor showings against Laverstock & Ford in the league, and Gillingham Town in the cup. Max Crowe failed a fitness test on Tuesday, and Lee Diaper had still not recovered from the injury he picked up against Laverstock & Ford. Greg Horlock was still recovering from a tummy bug and started on the bench. Brockenhurst were also short of their first choice team with players missing including Keeper Nick O’donnell.
Hamworthy started slightly the better of the two teams playing on a firm pitch, and in a strong cross wind that meant the ball spent a lot of time in the air. The Hammers went close when a hard low dangerous cross from Stuart Cannie flashed across the six yard box without anybody able to get a foot on it. Play was scrappy for much of the time with the Home Side territorially on top. The Badgers looked the more dangerous however, especially when they broke quickly out of defence . Max Frampton was the busier of the two Keepers in the first half, but never really looked like getting beaten until three minutes before the break. After a spell of United pressure Brockenhurst swept the ball up to the other end of the pitch, and found Hamworthy too stretched at the back. The Brockenhurst striker rode Richard Jackson’s attempted tackle, and got his shot away, but this was pushed away by the diving Max Frampton. He was helpless however when the ball was returned past him into the net to give the New Foresters the half time lead.
HT 0-1
Any hopes that the Hammers would come out fighting in search of an eqaliser in the second half did not come to fruition. It was not until Simon Browne brought on new signing Luke Burbidge that the Hammers began to look as if they wanted to get a result out of the game. Jamie Barron went close, but still Hamworthy could not get a clear shot on goal to test the Badgers young Keeper. United’s case was not helped when Stuart Cannie retaliated by kicking out at an opponent despite having been awarded the free kick, and received a red card. The remaining minutes of the game saw Hamworthy getting on top at last, but some good defending by the Brockenhurst ensured they went home with the maximum three points that takes them six clear of the Hammers.
FT 0-1
Hamworthy disappointed to lose to a Team that they had beaten 3-1 away less than three weeks earlier, must try to restore the confidence that they showed when going on a five game unbeaten run recently, and get back to winning ways.

Hamworthy United : Frampton, Antrobus, R Jackson, Cherrett (Horlock), Llewellyn, Dancer (Burbidge), Toghill, Barron, Swann , Cannie, M. Jackson ,Merritt Unused Subs : Browne, Facer

Richard Jackson was the only change following the disappointing Dorset Senior Cup semi-final defeat against Gillingham Town last Tuesday, replacing name sake, Marc Jackson at full back. Manager Simon Browne obviously showing faith with the team, on what was always going to be a difficult match, bearing in mind that Laverstock & Ford had already plundered 3 points at the County Ground, and were responsible for knocking the Hammers out of the Wessex League Cup.
Rather like the midweek clash with Gillingham, the Hammers started very brightly and pinned the Home team in their own half for the first 10 minutes or so, but were unable to get that so important early goal. The Hammers were playing down the slope, on what was a very uneven pitch. Much of Hamworthy’s invention came down the left hand side, and it was plain for all to see how Richard Jackson’s absence due to suspension, hurt them in midweek. Following a cleared corner, Greg Horlock fired a fierce dipping volley just over the crossbar. The approach play was at times very precise and accurate with fine passing between Barron, Jackson, and Dancer up front, who was holding the ball up so well. It was from one of these attacks that Barron sent over a cross and Swann produced a fine headed effort to the top corner, only to see the keeper fingertip it over for a corner. Although the Hammers had much of the first half under control, the Home team were still able to break up the hill, but did not really cause the Hammer’s defence any bother, Frampton not being called upon to make a save. As the half time break came, it was disappointing that the score was still goalless, especially as Hamworthy had been the better team.
Half time 0 – 0.
The second half saw the Hammers playing up the hill. They resumed their domination of possession, particularly on the right side, where Cannie had moved to replace the injured Diaper. However, despite a lot of play, and many corners, the first goal eluded them. The breakthrough finally came when Dancer was fed the ball along the ground in the box and was floored from behind. Penalty. Jamie Barron cooled stepped up and slotted the ball home, sending the keeper the wrong way. Hammers 1 – 0. Just when you thought that the Hammers would go on to seal the game, they allowed Laverstock to get back into it. We were unable to knock the ball around and keep possession, and were now constantly under pressure from a rejuvenated Laverstock side, who were able to bombard our area with balls.It seemed inevitable that an equalising goal would come, and it came from a corner over on the right hand side.The ball was knocked to the far post and dropped behind one of the many forwards who appeared unmarked. The Laverstock forward, his back to our goal, had time to swivel round and smash the ball into the roof of the net, without a tackle in sight ! The Hammers needed to re-group and play a lot better if they were to win the match. The introduction of former AFC Bournemouth academy player, Luke Burbidge inspired the side, again most of the attacks coming down the right hand side. A ball smashed across the box from Jamie Barron took everyone by surprise, when it only needed a touch. It was Laverstock & Ford who finished the match strongly, peppering the box with crosses and calling on large numbers to defend to keep that precious point intact.
Overall, a disappointing result, a match the Hammers should have tied up.
Final Score 1 – 1.
Hamworthy United : Frampton, Antrobus, R Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Cherrett, Diaper (Toghill), Barron, Swann (Facer), Dancer (Burbidge), Cannie Unused Sub : Browne

Dorset Senior Cup Semi Final (02-03-10)

After dominating the first twenty minutes of the game Hamworthy can have few complaints about losing this Semi-Final to their Western League opponents. It is true that due to injuries, suspensions and ineligibility that this was far from the Hammer’s strongest side, but the line up should still have been strong enough to have won this tie. Simon Browne also had to use Ollie Cherrett in mid-field rather than his usual central defender position. The pitch was far from ideal for playing the ball on the deck dueto it being very sticky on top, and churned up very easily as the game progressed.
The Hammers opened very strongly, and looked for the first twenty minutes to be much the better side. They should have taken the lead in less than two minutes when Lee Diaper out on the right wing sent a dangerous cross into the six yard box. This was met by Jack Swann who somehow managed to put the ball wide from just a yard out, and with the goal at his mercy. Hamworthy continued to dominate going close on another couple of occasions, but they were set back on their heels when Gillingham took the lead from a rare break out of defence. A speculative shot from some twenty five yards out found Max Frampton standing off his line. He apparently misjudged the flight of the ball, and he could only stay rooted to the spot as the ball went over his head, and into the roof of the net. The Town took great heart from this, and changed the pattern of the game completely, now taking the game to the Hammers. Mike Antrobus had to make a last ditch clearance off the line, and two other fierce shots went dangerously close, as United struggled to get their game going again. Their must have been some relieved players when only one yellow card for each side was shown by the Referee as players from each side got involved in a scuffle. This was prompted by a clumsy tackle from Stuart Cannie. He was then pushed to the ground with two hands by a Gillingham player who retaliated .Half time could not come quick enough for Hamworthy who were now a shadow of the team that started the game.
HT 0-1
Although the second half was perhaps a little more even, the football did not improve with a little of note being created. Hamworthy came the closest to scoring with a Stuart Cannie free kick from just outside the penalty box. The ball smashed against the cross bar with the keeper beaten, but when it dropped a Hamworthy player he could only knock it straight into the Keeper arm’s. Apart from that instance both Keepers never really had a lot to do before the final whistle. The game ended in a win for Gillingham, and a very frustrating evening for the Hammers and their travelling supporters who have been used to much better performances than this of late.

Team : Frampton, Antrobus, M.Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Cherrett, Diaper, Barron, Swann, Dancer (Facer), Cannie. Unused subs. Robers, Browne Seal

Despite a loss last week against high flying Fareham Town, the Hammers were in confident mood about this match after their recent good run of form. Brockenhurst sat just above the Hammers in the league, and with the pitch being very soft and easily cutting up, any home advantage was probably lost before the kick off.
The early exchanges saw both sides giving the ball away, but a long ball over the top caught the Hammers defence square, and only a timely intervention from Richard Jackson averted a very dangerous situation, preventing a strike at goal. With Max Frampton recently re-signing for the Hammers from Brock, he was obviously keen to keep a clean sheet. Richard Jackson, a much improved player these days was soon to show off his attacking skills, when a sharp run down the left gave him the chance to drive the ball across but the ball was beaten out. The left hand side was proving fruitful for the Hammers. Nice inter-play between Jackson and Diaper laid on an opportunity for Max Crow, but his rasping left footed shot was wide. Good pressure was now being asserted by the Hammers, playing in their change strip of orange and black. A Jamie Barron corner was met by Dancer but his header was high. Although Brockenhurst showed that they could still look dangerous with a long ball out, Hamworthy looked by far the better side and passed the ball around with confidence. After 21 minutes the first Hamworthy goal came. Some good linking play after a throw-in down the left hand side between Jackson and Dancer, allowed Toghill to cross. The ball was not cleared and rolled out to Barron, who surprisingly scuffed his shot, but it went to Jack Swann who knocked it in. 1 - 0 Hammers. A second goal almost came straight away when Swann forced a low down save from the home keeper, but on 29 minutes, Brockenhurst almost equalised. Max Frampton was forced to parry a great effort, and it was only the intervention from Toghill that prevented the forward from tapping in the rebound. The Badgers were still showing enough to make us realise that this game was far from over. Although the surface was difficult to play on, there was absolutely no excuse for the Brock number 6 to take out Max Crow from behind, ball gone, sending Crow up in the air and crashing to the soggy ground beneath. For anyone that watches football regularly, it looked a straight forward ‘Red’ card, although the Referee didn’t think so. Amazing ! Fortunately Crow didn’t suffer any serious injury. Just before the break, Swann had the ball in the net following a smart turn but was alleged to have ‘turned’ his man.
Half time 1 - 0.
The Hammers started the second period in the same vein, and a second goal always threatened. The home keeper was called upon to make a couple of good saves, and then after good play between Crow, Barron, Joe Toghill’s shot hit a post. The second goal came almost straight after, when a deep Barron cross was not cleared resulting in Mark Dancer scrambling the ball in. 2 - 0 Hammers.They couldn’t rest on their laurels, as Brock struck back almost straight away when Llewellyn gave away a penalty, after dangerous play inside the box. Only moments bwfore, Greg Horlock had headed a golden chance wide. Frampton failed to keep the shot out, so at 2 -1, Brock fancied their chances. For a 5 minute spell, the Hammers looked a little on edge, but kept their composure to score a match winning third goal, put away by Jack Swann, after great work on the right from Antrobus. Final score 3 - 1.
Team : Frampton, Antrobus, Jackson, Horlock, Llewellyn, Crow, Diaper (Seal), Barron, Swann, Dancer, Toghill. Unused subs. Cherrett, Browne

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 13-02-10)

Hamworthy’s five match unbeaten run came to an end when they went down to high flying Fareham Town. Two first half goals from far post crosses meant that United would have to make yet another second half recovery. Good defending by the Town ensured that this was never really on, and any chance of getting a point as they had in the away fixture was not going to be. Once again Simon Browne was down to the bare bones when picking the team for this game. With mounting injuries and with Captain Steve Llewelyn not available, he was again forced to name himself on the bench. United did however welcome back Steve Gilbert for one week only before he transfers to Wimborne next week.
Hamworthy were once again slow to get going, and were soon under pressure from the much quicker Town front men. Fareham took the lead after only three minutes from what at best could only be called a speculative cross. Max Frampton appeared to misjudge the flight of the high looping ball into the box, and could only watch as it went over his head. Graham Lindsey unmarked at the far post had the simple job of heading it down, and into the net to put the Visitors in front. A penalty appeal for handball by some Town player was quite rightly turned down by the Referee. The offending United defender had no chance of avoiding the ball as it was hit straight at him from close range. The Hammers gradually got into the game, and almost got the equaliser when Jamie Barron’s shot went just wide with the Keeper beaten. The same player hit another goal bound thunderbolt of a shot from close to the penalty spot, but the Town central defender bravely put his body in the way to avert the danger. With just five minutes of the half remaining, and with Hamworthy now playing with a lot more confidence, they conceded a second goal. Another quick break up the right resulted in a cross to the far post. Mike Antrobus appeared to have it covered, but he mistimed his jump, and that allowed the ball to go over him. The ball was chested down by Dave Birmingham before smashing it home with his left foot to double Fareham’s lead.
HT 0-2
In recent games United have left their best performances for the second half, and it would have certainly required something special to get anything from this game. Jack Swann slipped as he took the ball into the box, and was shown the only yellow card of the game for diving even though he never actually appealed for a penalty. The Hammers more than held their own in the second half, but a well drilled Fareham defence made sure that any attempts on goal were few and far between. The majority of the play was in mid-field for most of the second half as the Town protected their first half lead. With time running out, and United pushing up to get something from the game, they were nearly made to pay again. If Max Frampton was in anyway to blame for the first goal he more than made up for it with two brilliant last ditch saves in the last two minutes from Gary Austin.
FT 0-2

Team: M. Frampton, M. Antrobus, R. Jackson (S. Browne), G. Horlock, S. Gilbert, M. Crow, L. Diaper J. Barron, J. Swann S. M. Dancer, J. Toghill (M Jackson). Unused Sub R. Rule

Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Tuesday 09-02-10)

Back in September these two teams played out a boring 0-0 draw at the County Ground. This match once again finished all square, but unlike the previous encounter was far from being boring. After a first half largely dominated by the Home side, and finding themselves a goal down at the break, the Hammers battled back in the second half to earn a well deserved point. Manager Simon Browne made one of his rare starts in place of the unavailable Steve Llewlyn. Max Crow took over the Captains arm band. The only down side of the game came when Stuart Cannie hobbled off with a reoccurrence of his hamstring pull, and now looks set for a long lay off.
The game was played on a sticky bumpy pitch which led to a variable bounce of the ball and made close control very difficult. Despite this Romsey set off at a terrific pace, and soon had United on the back foot with some long accurate passes that exploited the space behind the Hamworthy defence for their fast forwards to run onto. It was all Romsey as the Hammers at times defended desperately to try and stem the continual flow of attacks that came at them. On a rare break Jamie Barron went very close with a shot that went just wide, and the Town Keeper struggling to cover. Just as it looked as though United were perhaps going to weather the storm they conceded a goal on twenty three minutes. Two Hamworthy defenders slipped as they desperately tried to clear the ball out of a crowded penalty box. This allowed the Romsey man the time and space to smash the ball past Max Frampton and give his Team the lead that they thoroughly deserved. To their credit United did not crumble as they might have done earlier in the season. They gradually clawed their way back into the game, and did well to keep the lead down to a single goal, and create a few chances of their own before the break.
HT 1-0
Hamworthy continued to improve after the break and gradually began to get the upper hand, and control the game. It was the Town’s turn to spend most of their time defending as United came more and more into the game. Lee Diaper was now giving his full back a torrid time out on the wide right, going past his man almost at will. Greg Horlock scooped the ball just over the bar as he lunged at a low cross into the six yard box, and Joe Toghill hit the ball straight at the Keeper after being put through on goal. Lee Diaper got the winner cutting in from the right, and hitting a great shot past the stranded Keeper into the far corner of the net. The same player should have scored again a minute later, but this time hit the ball straight at the advancing Romsey Keeper. The last ten minutes of the game saw both Teams going all out for the winner with both defences at times at full stretch. Manager Simon Browne did well to make a last ditch clearance off the line with Max Frampton well beaten. Hamworthy I am sure would have gladly settled for a draw at half time, but must have been a little disappointed at the end not to have snatched a win, having created much the better chances in the second period.
FT 1-1
Team: M. Frampton, M. Antrobus, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, S. Browne, M. Crow, L. Diaper J. Barron, J. Swann S. M. Dancer, S. Cannie (J. Toghill). Subs not used: M. Seal