WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
FRIDAY 7TH APRIL 2023
HAMWORTHY RECREATION 3 VERWOOD TOWN 1

We started well with Shepherd breaking down our left and delivering a searching cross that unfortunately drifted over the box without anyone following in. The counter was swift, finishing with an angled shot being kicked off the line by Davis.

Only 4 minutes on the clock and Storey gave Joe Smith an opening with a good ball wide. Rounding his marker Smith lofted the ball on to the penalty spot but the keeper was out to gather before Shepherd could connect.

The game continued with good pace and both teams playing good football.

McWilliams and Carswell prompted goal chances but our malaise was evident again of misfiring in front of goal.

Fishlock and Storey worked hard in the middle and it was Storey linking with McWilliams that sparked a break reaching the edge of the area. Carswell’s cut back found Fishlock following in. A low shot was deflected onto the post by a diving keeper and cleared.

34 minutes gone and a Cam Smith clearance was picked up outside the box. A 20 yarder crept through a packed area to put HR ahead. 0-1.

Pressure continued but there were no more changes to the score board before half time.

Half time. 0-1

Mason and McWilliams worked the flank from the whistle. McWilliams pass along the box found Fishlock but again the ball whistled over the bar from a rising volley.

Ham Rec tightened their grip on the game doing something we were constantly finding difficult, putting the ball in the net. 5 minutes into the half a counter from yet another attack featuring Joe Smith and Aidan Shepherd was hammered past Phillips from an angled shot. 0-2.

It was a frustrating period as we pushed on without reward.

Phillips made a couple of good saves from a busy HR forward line whilst at the other end we went close with shots from Mason and Joe Smith.

19 minutes played of the half and our pressure finally paid off. A crowded HR box half cleared a McWilliams delivery. In stormed Davis to score his first goal of the season. 1-2.

We pushed on again. HR’s defence became a solid wall. We couldn’t score. With 16 minutes left we suffered by leaving space when pushing forward and creating yet another attack. A long clearance found an unmarked runner who went unchecked to score making it 1-3.

Several onlookers felt a draw would have been a true reflection but we didn’t have the finishing touch. It will come.

Result 1-3.