Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Tuesday 27-12-11

This was United’s fourth defeat on the trot, but perhaps the Hammers were a little unlucky to have come away from this game with nothing. Their plight was not helped by having four booked and Karl Yelland sent off resulting from one or two debatable decisions. Downton received none despite a couple of late tackles, and a penalty given against them.

The game began on a stodgy pitch with both teams feeling one another out, and neither side really getting on top of play. After seven minutes the Hammers were given the chance to take the lead when a Downton player handled a cross into the box. The Referee spoke to the offender, but kept his cards firmly in his pocket. After a short delay the normally reliable Luke Burbidge hit the ball straight at a relieved Charlie Aldridge the Robbins keeper. Play continued to be fairly evenly spread until the twentieth minute when a Downton player rode two strong tackles just inside the United half. He took the ball down the right wing before picking out the Robins top marksman Nic Turpin to score his twenty-first goal of the season from close range. To their credit the Hammers raised their game, and were now in control of the game. It took them fourteen minutes to get back on even terms with a very well constructed goal. As they broke down the wide left a superb cross field pass from Steve Whitcher picked out Karl Yelland on the far right. He took the ball to the corner flag and crossed it for the unmarked Luke Burbidge in the six yard box to nod home. The Hammers continued to win most things before the break, but were unable to turn their superiority into goals.
H/T 1-1

Downton came out a lot stronger at the start of the second half, and play was once again evenly distributed. Both Teams were now cancelling each other out, but neither could create a clear cut goal scoring opportunity. This all changed when the Referee adjudged a Karl Yelland tackle from behind to be a straight red rather than a yellow, and reduced Hamworthy to ten men for the last thirty minutes of the game. United now had to concentrate more on defending, which meant striker Arron Currell being sacrificed in a team reshuffle. The ten men were holding their own until lady luck twice struck against them. A high bouncing ball was cleared by a Hamworthy defender, but to the Referees eyes the boot was raised dangerously, even though no contact was made with the Downton man who had ducked into the ball. Things became a lot worse when the resulting free kick from just outside the penalty area took a wicked deflection passed the stranded Simon Evans. This appeared to knock the stuffing out of the Hammers who apart from a late Luke Burbidge penalty shout which was turned down, never really looked like getting the point they probably deserved over the ninety minutes.

F/T 2-1

Team: S. Evans. K.Yelland, S. Lockyer, D. Haysom, M. White, J. Byrom, S. Lanahan, A.Corby (W. Robinson), L. Burbidge, L. Currell (T. Hunt), S. Whitcher.

Magna Dorset Premier League (Tuesday 20-12-11)

Both sides took full advantage of this game being played in mid week to strengthen their teams. New signing Steve Whitcher from Lymington made his debut for the Hammers in midfield, and he joined Luke Burbidge, Dan Haysom and Dan Pidgley from Saturday’s first team line up. Two other First Team squad players Will Robinson and Keeper Shane Murphy helped make it the strongest Reserve Team line up, of the season. It was a good opportunity for several of the younger lads to play with some of the more experienced Hamworthy players, and so it proved with two of them scoring goals. Weymouth also featured a few squad players in their side and Matt Head who recently left the Hammers started on the bench for them.

The game began at a very quick pace with both sides passing the ball well in a very even opening first quarter. It was Hamworthy that opened the scoring when Jordon Basing was put through one on one with the keeper by Luke Burbidge. He bravely kept his cool to toe poke the ball past the advancing keeper into the net, as the Weymouth player slid into him. The lead lasted less than two minutes after a Weymouth player was allowed to run unchallenged down the right wing, and cross the ball into the six yard box where it was duly converted. Once again the lead did not last long this time Luke Burbidge took full advantage of a defencive error to restore United’s lead, which they held on to until the break.

H/T 2-1

After the interval it was the Hammers who came out, and got on top right from the restart. Within minutes Jordon Basing scored his second goal to double the Hamworthy lead. This allowed them to relax and they now began to really dominate the game. Youth Team Player Ollie Clayton who was enjoying a good game out on the wide right, jinxed past a couple of players into the six yard box before calmly picking his spot for the Hammers’ fourth goal. United could have had further goals before Luke Burbidge a constant threat to the Weymouth hit the target again. Weymouth to their credit still continued to get back into the game and Shane Murphy did well to block a late attempt from close range. When the final whistle came, United were worthy winners of three valuable points to keep them above Weymouth and that much nearer to safety.

F/T 5-1

Team: S. Murphy, R. Dominy, D. Pidgley, T.Rolls, D.Haysom, S. Whitcher (S.Parker), O. Clayton (C.Perry), W. Robinson, L. Burbidge (A. Meredew), J. Basing, S. Bedward.

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday 17-12-11

After putting on a very creditable display in their previous game against league leaders Winchester City, the Hammer’s supporters and I suspect the Management Team expected more of the same. The fact that they were also back to full strength made this result all the more disappointing, when apart from a fifteen minute spell in the second half they never really got going. Karl Yelland, Aaron Corby and Sam Lockyer all returned to the line up with Aaron Stacey starting in place of the departed Matt Head who has left to join Weymouth.

The game began with a strong wind blowing at the backs of the Harlequins who were kicking towards the Irvin Brown Stand end. For the first fifteen minutes there was nothing between the two teams as they both probed for openings without much success. This all changed when a stray Hamworthy pass almost on the half-way line, was picked up by a Bemerton man. He was allowed to run unchallenged into the United penalty box before picking out Joe Sanger to score. Harlequins with the wind advantage just edged the play for the rest of the half. Simon Evans was the busier of the two keepers, but neither was stretched very much with goal scoring opportunities coming few and far between.

H/T 0-1

The Hammers normally start the second half with some urgency especially when kicking towards the Irvin Brown Stand end. It was some time however before they really got into their stride, and for the first time began to dominate the game. They had a spell of about fifteen minutes when they had a succession of corners, and kept Bemerton pinned in their own half. A great forty yard strike from Aaron Corby hit the underside of the bar and bounced down with the keeper well beaten. There were loud appeals that the ball had bounced over the line before being cleared, but these were waved away by the Referee. As so often happens after such an incident, Bemerton made a quick break that resulted in Harlequins doubling their lead. Joe Sanger once again showed some clinical finishing when he finished off a slick move to score his second goal of the afternoon. This goal appeared to knock the resistance out of Hamworthy, and it came as no surprise when the visitors added a third shortly before the end of play. What these last few games have highlighted is the Hammers lack of consistency. At times they can compete with best, but too often let themselves down with a poor pass, lack of awareness when defending, or the failure to finish off the chances that they have created. Simon Browne and his management Team are well aware of these short comings, and are already taking steps to rectify the position by bringing in fresh faces.

F/T 0-3

Team: S. Evans K. Yelland (S. Lanahan, D. Pidgley), S. Lockyer, D. Haysom, M. White, J. Byrom, A. Stacey, A. Corby, L. Currell (T. Hunt) L. Burbidge, S. Cannie,

Unused Sub: S. Murphy (GK)

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex) Saturday December 10-12-11

With three players suspended, and others injured, Simon Browne was down to the bare bones when selecting the team for this very difficult game against the League leaders. They would have to be at their very best, and would also need a bit of luck to get anything from this game. They did in fact play very well, but unfortunately did not get that little bit of luck to pull it off. They did however play their part in a very entertaining game, and went down battling to the end.

The game started at a cracking pace as both teams attempted to get on top. It was Winchester who got the first break after thirteen minutes when they were awarded what looked to many to be a very soft free kick. Winchester captain Leigh Mills was picked out with a pin point cross, and his well placed bullet header into the top corner gave Simon Evans no chance. Both teams had their chances to score further goals in a very closely contested first half, but both teams also defended well. Luke Burbidge’s powerful shot was well saved by City Keeper Rory Anderson. Jamie White in particular was proving to be a bit of a handful for the makeshift United defence, who never the less did well to prevent City more goal scoring opportunities before the break.

H/T 0-1

The Hammers now kicking towards the Irvin Brown Stand enjoyed their best period of the game. Liam Currell unfortunately could not get enough power on his shot, and saw it hacked off the line in a last ditch clearance. This was followed by a series of United corners as United continued to press for an equalizer, but Winchester held firm. It was from a quick break out that City scored their second goal. Dominic Allen was found out on the right, and Jamie White stuck out a foot to re-direct the ball past the stranded Simon Evans, who had the original shot covered. Simon Browne used all his substitutions in an attempt to get back into the game. To their credit Hamworthy continued to compete and were desperately unlucky not to have got a goal back shortly before the end of play. Following a good move Luke Burbidge hit a fierce shot against the base of the post with keeper Anderson well beaten. Over the ninety minutes Winchester probably deserved their win, but with a little luck and a bit better finishing thing could have been different. Having now played Winchester City twice the Hammers now face second Bemerton Heath Harlequins in their next game for the third time this season.

F/T 0-2

Team: S. Evans, J. Byron, D. Pidgley, M. White, D. Haysom, M. Head (A. Stacey), S. Lanahan, W. Robinson, L. Burbidge, L. Currell (T. Hunt, R. Dominey ) S. Cannie.

Magna Dorset Premier League (Saturday 10-12-11)

Hamworthy United Reserves recovered from being 2-0 at the break to draw the game, and earn a vital point in their struggle to reach the safety of a mid –table position. In deed they could have won it with a second half revival that saw them score three goals to take the lead. Unfortunately the Hammers just failed to hang on to win the game, with Holt getting a late equalizer and a share of the points. Jordon Basing and Kyle Graham(2) were the Hamworthy scorers as this very young side continues to come to terms with the Premier League, a big step up from the Youth League in which many of them play.

Team: R. Voysey, C. Perry, A. Meredew,V. Vincent, T. Rolls, S. Parker (J. Schwarzin), O. Clayton, D. Orchard, J. Basing, K. Graham, M. Platt (I. Male).

Dorset Youth League Division 1 (Sunday 11-12-11)

League Leaders Hamworthy United continued to put pressure on the other teams in Division 1 by winning once again. The win is even the more remarkable considering nine of the team featured in the Reserve Game at Holt the day before. The Poppies held the Hammers to a 1-1 draw at the break with Oliver Clayton scoring the first of his two goals in the match. In the second period Oliver Clayton and Tony Rolls ensured three more points for the young Hammers. They now face Westland Sports A. another strong contender for the title at the County Ground next Sunday at 2.00pm.

Team: R. Voysey, T.Rolls, A. De- Paola, M. Platt, L. Middlewick (P.Bathie), J. Sheppard (L. Hamilton), V. Vincent (J. Schwarzin), I. Male, O. Clayton, K. Graham

Magna Dorset Premier League Saturday 03-12-11

Hamworthy Reserves were once again without their more experienced players the likes of Scott Bedward and Darren Orchard who both had work commitments. The team once again contained mostly Youth Team players who although doing well in their own league are still adjusting to the step up to the Dorset Premier League. They can consider themselves a little unlucky to have lost this game especially having another of their more experienced players carried off. The Hammers led 3-2 at the break in a high scoring first half. Their goals came from Jordon Basing (2) and Ollie Clayton. Swanage were reduced to ten men when former Hammer, and the scorer of two of their goals Jim Crossin was dismissed. He was shown a red card when the scores were level, for his foul on Russell Dominey who was also unable to continue. Unfortunately the young Hammers were unable to hang on and eventually let in the winning goal shortly before the end of play,

Team: R.Voysey,C.Perry, A.Meredew, R. Dominey (I. Male), T. Rolls, V.Vincent, O. Clayton, (J. Schwarzin), S.Parker, J. Basing, K.Graham, M. Platt.

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex ) Saturday 03-12-12

Any advantage the Hammers may have had before the game was cancelled out by a pitch which proved to be very much a leveler on the day. Newport now under new management was a very much improved side to that which was beaten 4-0 at the County Ground earlier in the season. Despite this Hamworthy came away feeling a little unlucky after dominating the second half and nothing to show for their efforts. After the mid-week win at New Milton Simon Evans returned in goal and Karl Yelland also started at right back. Tom Hunt retained his place up front which meant Aaron Corby was on the bench.

The first fifteen minutes of the game was a bit of a non event as both sides came to terms with the difficult playing surface. In United’s first real first real attack of any note a good diagonal long pass into the penalty area found Luke Burbidge in space, but his shot was hit straight at Cameron Farley the Newport Keeper. Soon after that Farley did well to push Stuart Cannie’s shot from an acute angle round the post. From the resulting corner an unmarked Jon Byrom should have hit the target with his header, but instead sent the ball wide. Newport enjoyed a ten minute spell when they got on top. Tom McInnes their most dangerous player did well to get a shot away that went just over, and another shot went inches past the post. With thirty four minutes gone and following a throw in, the United defence failed to clear the ball as it bobbled about on the edge of the six yard box. McInnes took full advantage of the hesitation and pounced to give Simon Evans no chance with his strike. This handed his side the lead after a fairly even half.

H-T 1-0

United made a double substitution shortly after the break, bringing on Dan Haysom and Aaron Corby for Tom Hunt and Matt Head. The Hammers were now dominating the game, but missed two golden opportunities to take the lead. First Sam Lockyer unmarked and in space, and then Arron Corby headed the ball straight at the Keeper. Newport’s best chance of the second half came when they rattled Simon Evans cross bar with a header. The Home side retreated more and more as the half progressed, and with twenty minutes left Hamworthy won a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. A well taken Stuart Cannie kick went over the wall, and looked destined for the top corner before Keeper Farley brilliantly pushed the ball round for a corner. Dan Haysom got up to head the cross when it came in, and loud appeals for hand ball followed when the ball was stopped on the line. The Referee however waved these protests away. The last ten minutes was all United as Newport fought to hold on to all three points. More than a few thought the Referee a little mean with the time he added on, especially in the second half after several stoppages, and some blatant time wasting by the Home team. That said Newport defended very well to make life difficult for the Hammers. United, not for the first time returned home pointless from St Georges Park, and perhaps felt just a little hard done by the result.

FT 1-0

Team: S.Evans, K.Yelland, S. Lockyer, M.White, J. Byrom, W. Robinson, M.Head (D. Haysom), S Lanahan, L. Burbidge, T. Hunt (A. Corby), S. Cannie. Unused Sub: D. Pidgley

Sydenhams Premier League (Wessex ) Saturday 03-12-12

Any advantage the Hammers may have had before the game was cancelled out by a pitch
which proved to be very much a leveler on the day. Newport now under new management
was a very much improved side to that which was beaten 4-0 at the County Ground earlier
in the season. Despite this Hamworthy came away feeling a little unlucky after dominating
the second half and nothing to show for their efforts. After the mid-week win at New
Milton Simon Evans returned in goal and Karl Yelland also started at right back. Tom
Hunt retained his place up front which meant Aaron Corby was on the bench.

The first fifteen minutes of the game was a bit of a non event as both sides came to terms
with the difficult playing surface. In United’s first real first real attack of any note a good
diagonal long pass into the penalty area found Luke Burbidge in space, but his shot was
hit straight at Cameron Farley the Newport Keeper. Soon after that Farley did well to push
Stuart Cannie’s shot from an acute angle round the post. From the resulting corner an
unmarked Jon Byrom should have hit the target with his header, but instead sent the ball
wide. Newport enjoyed a ten minute spell when they got on top. Tom McInnes their most
dangerous player did well to get a shot away that went just over, and another shot went
inches past the post. With thirty four minutes gone and following a throw in, the United
defence failed to clear the ball as it bobbled about on the edge of the six yard box.
McInnes took full advantage of the hesitation and pounced to give Simon Evans no chance
with his strike. This handed his side the lead after a fairly even half.
H-T 1-0
United made a double substitution shortly after the break, bringing on Dan Haysom and
Aaron Corby for Tom Hunt and Matt Head. The Hammers were now dominating the
game, but missed two golden opportunities to take the lead. First Sam Lockyer unmarked
and in space, and then Arron Corby headed the ball straight at the Keeper. Newport’s best
chance of the second half came when they rattled Simon Evans cross bar with a header.
The Home side retreated more and more as the half progressed, and with twenty minutes
left Hamworthy won a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. A well taken Stuart
Cannie kick went over the wall, and looked destined for the top corner before Keeper
Farley brilliantly pushed the ball round for a corner. Dan Haysom got up to head the cross
when it came in, and loud appeals for hand ball followed when the ball was stopped on the
line. The Referee however waved these protests away. The last ten minutes was all United
as Newport fought to hold on to all three points. More than a few thought the Referee a
little mean with the time he added on, especially in the second half after several stoppages,
and some blatant time wasting by the Home team. That said Newport defended very well
to make life difficult for the Hammers. United, not for the first time returned home
pointless from St Georges Park, and perhaps felt just a little hard done by the result.
FT 1-0
Team: S.Evans, K.Yelland, S. Lockyer, M.White, J. Byrom, W. Robinson, M.Head (D.
Haysom), S Lanahan, L. Burbidge, T. Hunt (A. Corby), S. Cannie. Unused Sub: D. Pidgley

Premier (Wessex) League Tuesday29-11-11

In his interview with the Daily Echo prior to the match the New Milton Manager told the Hammers to expect a tough game, and to be prepared for a shock result. After ten minutes play and with United two goals up it did not appear that way, but a strong finish by the Home side meant that the result was a bit closer than Simon Browne would have wanted. Once again a mid-week fixture meant changes with Simon Evans, Karl Yelland, and Aaron Corby all missing from the previous line up. Liam Currell made an impressive first start of the season up front, and Rob Dominey did well in his first Wessex League outing at right back. Shane Murphy replaced the unavailable Simon Evans in goal.

The Hammers started at a cracking pace, and soon had New Milton on the back foot, and went close to scoring from their first attack. It took less than four minutes for United to go in front following a good passing movement involving Luke Burbidge, Liam Currell and Sam Lanahan. Currell had a shot stopped, but Sam Lanahan made no mistake when the ball fell to him. The same player almost doubled his account soon after, but this time the ball went just over. With less than ten minutes gone another quick break resulted in another Hamworthy goal. A beautiful through pass found Liam Currell bursting through the middle. He drew the Keeper before taking the ball round him, and finding the net from an acute angle to score his first goal since returning from Swanage. To their credit and despite looking open to the quick break New Milton gradually improved. Their main threat came from their wide left player Paul Preston who got in one or two dangerous crosses, and was proving to be a bit of a handful. The Hamworthy defence however dealt confidently with most of these attacks, and it was always United’s Currell & Burbidge who looked the more likely to score. However the score remained the same at half time.

H.H. 0-2

After the break play was a lot more even with New Milton eager to go forward in an attempt to get themselves back into the game. Hamworthy were too often guilty of surrendering the midfield, and allowing New Milton too much room to run at them before closing them down. This encouraged the Town who were now producing chances of their own, and Shane Murphy had to pull off a couple of first class saves to keep them out. Hamworthy still looked capable of hitting them on the break as play went from end to end. New Milton were unlucky when they rattled the United crossbar before the ball was cleared. As the game drew to a close Hamworthy were being pegged back into the last quarter and looking a little rattled at times. New Milton however left it until injury time before they scored, but it was too little too late to stop a Hamworthy win.
F.T. 1-2

Team; S. Murphy, R. Dominey ( M. Haysom), S. Lockyer, M. White, J. Byrom, W. Robinson, M.Head, S.Lanahan, L. Burbidge, L. Currell (T. Hunt), S. Cannie.

Unused Subs: D. Pidgley, R. Voysey(GK), V. Vincent