Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 19th October 2019)
Hamworthy United:
S Cooper, T Cooper (D Randall 75), J Gleeson, F Saadi, C Cocklin, T Rolls, A Pope (H White 80), L Francis (c), E Hodge, D Cann, C Beard
Subs: R. Watkins, H, White, H. Cooper, C. Munn.
Goals: Cann, Saadi,
Hamworthy were hoping to build on their recent form, and give new manager Tim Sills his third league win on the trot. This would not be easy against a strong Lymington Town side which included the recently transferred United keeper Sam Jones.
The Hammers were without striker Cameron Beard who was serving a one match suspension. Playing conditions were difficult to say the least with gale force winds and driving rain.
Hamworthy were desperately unlucky not to have taken the lead in the first minute. Ollie Davis sent a low dangerous cross into the six yard box that only needed a touch to convert, but unfortunately Dan Cann arrived just too late to connect. Both teams were well matched, but it was the Town who went into the lead in the 30th minute. It remained that way until the final minute of the first half when the Hammers gave away a needless penalty.
The Referee pointed to the spot having noticed a foul not seen by many by Connor Cocklin on his opponent as he tried to defend the ball. The penalty was duly converted to give Lymington a rather flattering 2-0 lead at the break, and left Tim Sills and his men with plenty to think about.
The half time talk must have done some good because it did not take long for Hamworthy to pull a goal back. Dan Cann was this time on hand to score with a simple tap in to make it 2-1 seven minutes into the second half.
Although there was still not a lot to choose between the two teams it was again the home side who had been making more of their chances.
They took another to restore their two goal lead in the 77th minute, making United’s task even more difficult. That task was not helped when Dan Cann was sent to the sin-bin for dissent following the goal, therefore reducing Hamworthy to ten men for ten minutes.
After his return to the field of play and almost at the end of normal time, Hamworthy pulled another goal back.
From a free kick out on the right wing Fawzi Saadi sent a text book cross over that avoided everybody, and found the far top corner of the net to make it 3-2.
Lymington were now defending for their lives as the Hammers pressed forward to try and get the equaliser they deserved, and they very nearly did with several attempts going just off target. However bad luck was to strike again, in the third minute of extra time.
A long through ball looked as if it would be easily cleared by United Keeper Ollie King who was under no pressure at the time. Unfortunately for him he slipped at the vital moment just as he went to clear the ball, and knocked it straight into the path of a Lymington striker who had no difficulty in finding the empty net.
The final score line flattered the hosts, but Hamworthy have to take some of the blame for losing this game, when a draw would have been a better refection of the match.
They were guilty at times of a lack of discipline and making careless mistakes, but it also has to be said that they never gave up. United also have to take some credit for playing their part in an entertaining game, that had been played in very difficult conditions.
They will now be hoping to make amends against another tough team Portland United on Tuesday night at the Specsavers County Ground.
