FA CARLSBERG VASE - 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND
SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
HAMWORTHY UNITED 2 VERWOOD TOWN 3

On the way in to the dressing rooms the comment was heard that our keeper should get some backache pills. Finger salutes followed so the banter was already established.

The way the game started it looked as if we should've done some shopping for lumber medicaments. We were slow in comparison to the home side and only a good save from Tong and timely interventions from Smith and Delaney kept the score sheet clean.

Luke Homer had taken up the left back slot in place of injured Murray. Matt Dear continued in right back position and both were being tested heavily with an aggressive attacking HU.

Dyer made the first real attempt on the home sides goal after 10 minutes but the side netting was the only thing ruffled.

Jamison chipped a good pass to Elysee. A cross and Lovell stole in to try a shot but the keeper made the save look easy.

Hamworthy deservedly went ahead but then Lovell scored a cracker from close in.

We were getting better but passing was still a problem. HU looked the sharper side but we plugged away and Elysee almost had the ball in the net with a dipping shot that landed at the back of the goal.

Tong then displayed an unknown agility by diving across the goal and flicked a volley on to the post and out.

Morrison's heading ability was called on when the home side pressed us back into our area and launched a series of crosses. Morrison excelled and we kept the score down.

Then we dipped slightly allowing another goal before the half time whistle sending us in 2-1 down.

Out we came for the second half with a Mike Haskell rousing chat insisting we tried harder.

Hamworthy looked the more solid of the teams but Dyer and Elysee's continued storming their way into the heart of HU defence caused a few anxious moments for HU.

Smith and Delaney fought well and Matt Dear's overlapping was now paying dividend.

Haskell and Lovell tried shots and Jamison's drive half way through the half warranted a goal but a sharp keeper kept HU nose in front.

10 minutes to go and Lovell forced his way through to slip the ball past the keeper. 2-2.

Hamworthy went into overdrive but then came disaster for Verwood and Adam Tong. Tongs jump and catch was exceptional but the clutch of players meant collision.

The game was held up while Dan Eldridge (local butcher doubling as Physio) examined the damage. The result was an ambulance. Later it was learned that Adam had fractured ribs one of which had penetrated his lung.

Jamison donned the gloves and for the last few minutes of the half was in action, making one tremendous save from a close volley.

The game went into extra time. Both teams committing to attack and although good for the spectators was heart stopping for the Managers.

110 minutes......Lovell raced into the area and slipped a cross past a despairing keeper. A hat trick for the Golden Oldie and a 3-2 score line for Verwood.

Could we hang on for the win? Yes...........

Final score 3-2.