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13/2/10
Hamworthy Recreation 3 Sherborne Town 1
After several months absence Rec were pleased to be able to play this fixture on their home pitch at Magna Road. The adverse weather has severely affected the season’s fixtures with Rec’s pitch always one to suffer at the hands of extreme rain. Sherborne had given the home team a torrid time in December when they met, with two very late goals ensuring Rec the points with a 2-0 victory. Hamworthy knew not to underestimate them or any other side that they face. Rec’s unbeaten record is something to be proud of but is also the biggest incentive for any other side they face to break.
The game kicked off and it was clear to see the visitors were pumped up and full of running. The home side seemed a yard off the pace all over the pitch and on ten minutes they conceded a goal. Tim Trevett’s deflected cross left Kevin Leonard in the home goal helpless, but once again Rec had chances to clear their lines and prevent the goal from happening; 0-1. Sherborne with their tails up looked the more dangerous side and even when Rec had the ball their passing was sloppy and work rate slack.
With half time approaching chances started to come the home team’s way. Ryan Lucas had a shot that hit both posts and the ball somehow stayed out.
Half time was much needed and several home truths pointed out in a downbeat home dressing room.
A response was required in the second half and the players gave it. Suddenly Rec were working as a team and not individuals and shutting our visitors down and taking more pride in everything that they did. Chances were coming and going but eventually Hamworthy got back onto level terms. Rich Sands’s corner was met by Shaun Brian whose header back across the goal was met by a Mike Notley diving to head home; 1-1.
The “green army” were now firmly in control but Sherborne always offered a threat on the break. Ollie Tomsett was pushed into a more familiar role in midfield as Rec threw all that they could forward in search of a winner. Chances fell to Wayne Hole, Notley and Jamie Moores but to no avail. Was it going to be one of those days?
A break forward found a Sherborne player one on one with Leonard but he snatched at his chance and skewed the ball wide.
Time was running out when Sands drove at the Sherborne defence before slamming the ball home to the home supporters delight and relief; 2-1.
There was enough time for substitute Ashley Ayley to get in on the act, cutting in from the right and releasing a shot to beat their keeper; 3-1.
Afterwards manager Gareth Daniel mused “A vital lesson learnt, hopefully, that every side is desperate to be the first to take our unbeaten record and we can't rest on our laurels. We have to earn the right to play our football and don't have a God given right to so. The second half display was pleasing as the players responded to a poor first half performance.”
Sherborne keeper James Smith foils Mike Notley twice:
1st with a save (above) and then forcing Mike wide as Rec went looking for the winner