VELOCITY WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2024
VERWOOD TOWN 3 HAMWORTHY UNITED 1

Our away fixture at Hamworthy 13th August 2024 resulted in HU taking three points in a 3-1 victory. 8th October we met at Potterne in the DSC and HU went through following a very comfortable 6-1 result. No wonder then we faced a confident HU on Potterne in this return league fixture.

It was deja vue in the first minute. HU swept down their left and managed a curling cross into the box but luckily landing on the roof of the net. A minute later Bentley stopped an approach reaching the edge of the area. His clearance was blocked resulting in a shot on goal. Dinnivan's knees did the job of preventing an early lead for the visitors.

A rocky start but one that sparked a strong reaction.

Wearden and Pope got the better of midfield and Pope's cross-field ball after 5 minutes released Grzybowski on the left. A good effort from the edge of Hamworthy's box went inches over the bar

12 minutes gone and HU's push on goal was blocked by Bignell. Bignell's chip over midfield found Lordache. A cheeky header over an advancing keeper and a follow up tap over the line put us ahead 1-0.

Criciun had a shot saved minutes later as we gained more possession. Miller had a header saved and Grzybowksi's cross-cum shot was well taken under the bar by the keeper.

4 minutes left of the half another attack left Lordache with a half chance. It was enough as his left foot daisy cutter beat the keeper to make 2-0.

Half Time. 2-0

It was a remarkable start to the second half with Hamworthy forced on the back foot. 3 minutes gone, Criciun picked up a Bignell ball down the right and outpacing his marker delivered a cross into the box inch perfect for Wearden to volley past the keeper. 3-0.

Hamworthy's response was immediate. Dinnivan pushed one ball over the bar and turned another round the post as HU tried hard to reduce arrears. 12 gone and they were rewarded from a run down their left and a cut back to the edge of the area was steered past Dinnivan. 3-1.

It was a classic hard fought period as both sides defended well under threat. Both were committed to attack giving spectators value for gate money.

22 Grzybowski made way for Hockey who 8 minutes later had the ball in the net only to be denied a goal by a debatable off side flag.

Handbags meant an extended 6 minutes extra time and on the whistle HU almost had a second but for a brilliant Dinnivan diving save.

Result. 3-1