VELOCITY WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2023
VERWOOD TOWN 1 HAMWORTHY RECREATION 5

Current table toppers Hamworthy Rec took a step nearer promotion taking away from the game three points on offer.

Davis almost had us in front with less than a minute gone with a shot from just outside the box that the keeper did well to hold. Hamworthy’s immediate reply fell flat due to an offside flag.

We countered with McHale architect of freeing Carswell for a run on goal, but it was Verwood suffering the offside flag on this occasion.

The game see sawed until the 14th minute when an angled shot crept in on the near post 0-1.

We kept an open game and King crossing from the right found Carswell in space, a great volley was beaten out by the keeper. Richardson following in was fouled on the edge of the box. Up stepped Smith to slam the free kick past the keeper. 1-1.

Stung, HR pushed forward. Broad and McHale were under pressure from the flanks. Pope and Davis had similar pressure from aerial threats but overall it was an even contest.

A tough decision by the ref resulted in a yellow for Jack Broad with 33 minutes on the clock . A good solid tackle on the edge of the box stopped a shot and looked OK but the ref decided otherwise. Mitchell made a great save scooping the ball away from goal. In swept a runner who fortunately put the ball over the bar.

36 gone and a McHale Richardson link split Hamworthy’s defence. Hockey swept in but agonised as his shot was deflected clear of the area.

5 minutes left and a ball whipped into our area was planted past Mitchell 1-2.

Half Time 1-2

Hamworthy’s half time adrenalin intake was noticeable as they attacked from the whistle. A torrid few minutes tested resolve. We dug in.

Hockey and King went close but with 8 minutes of the half gone we wilted. A shot was blocked by Davis. The ball spun out of the area but fell to Hamworthy. Mitchell got to a strong volley and cleared but only to see it hammered back and for a toe ender to divert it into the net 1-3.

HR were showing a shade more energy than us at this time but we continued to play good football and always a threat on the break.

McHale Richardson and Hockey worked the left flank well and with a slice of luck could have closed the deficit.

16 minutes saw Harrison Whitelaw make way for Ollie Lowes.

Hamworthy had a slight edge in possession, but today a good work ethic was evident and looked as if it would yield. Sadly as the game wore on we had chances but again short on a finishing touch.

20 gone and Smith came off for Ferguson.

The game went end to end for a while and with 15 minutes to go King made way for Tilsted.

Maybe a bit of leg weariness kicked in with 10 minutes left giving Hamworthy an extra edge in play. 2 goals resulted in the period with a final score line not justifying such a gap between the teams.

Nonetheless Hamworthy deserved the points and we wish them well in the run in.

Result 1-5