5 of the 6 games involving Hamworthy sides over the last 7 days were Cup matches. Only the Development side had a league match which they drew 1-1 at home to Bemerton's Reserve side with Kai McCrow netting for the home team. First points on the board for Hammers 2nd string.
Onto the Cups!
The 1st team travelled to Hartley Wintney on Saturday hoping to cause an upset. However, a couple of crucial decisions went against them and playing with 10 men for two thirds of the match against higher opposition, they eventually succumbed to a 2nd half goal which saw them exit the competition 0-1.
On Tuesday evening, the players regrouped and set off to Alresford for a Wessex League Cup 1st round match. Sills decided to use this match as a chance to rest some legs and rotate the squad. A superb 2nd half performance saw birthday boy Cam Munn score 2 goals and have a hand in both the others, 1 an own goal and the other finished off y James King. Next up in that competition will be AFC Stoneham to be played at the County Ground (date tbc).
The same night, the Development team welcomed Lyndhurst to Hamworthy for the 1st round of the John Stimpson Memorial Challenge. After a goalless 1st half, the 2nd livened up and saw a goal each (Hamworthy goal scorer was Joe Robinson), 2 red cards and a penalty save by Hammer's Martin Shearing late on to keep it level. Unfortunately, it was Lyndhurst who got the better of the penalty shootout winning 4-2. Next up for the 2nd team is a home league game tomorrow (Sat 19th) against Romsey Town, come on down and support them if you can (£4/£3 on the gate).
Hamworthy's own mini Super Cup Sunday started off with the Under 18s taking on Gosport Academy in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round. After a lightning start, the Under 18s were soon ahead and looking dominant. Gosport after looking a bit shell shocked gradually got into the game but never really threatened and it was the young Hammers who regularly added to their tally and ended up winning 6-0 with 6 different scorers! Next up, the league season starts away to Dorchester an then the next round of the FA Youth Cup against Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday night with ko at 7:30. It would be great to have a bumper crowd for this match.
The Under 16s were given a bye in their League Cup so that left the Under 14s with the 2nd match of the day at the County Ground. The weather was still glorious and the youngsters performed well on the large pitch against on the whole, larger opposition. Hamworthy constantly looked a threat going forward and notched up 7 goals without reply to progress in their League Cup.
Looks like the future is bright for Hamworthy!!