Match Reports by John Hutchings

16.11.24. Hamworthy Recreation 3 Blackfield & Langley 1

Rec completed their first “double” of the season with this victory. Back in September Rec won comfortably at Gang Warily, but this was much more of a battle. It was a game of niggling fouls, which disrupted the flow of play. Rec finished with five bookings and had to play most of the second half with ten men, following a red card. Rec started well, but it was the visitors who went in front after just 4m. Some poor defending presented a chance for KELLY to slam past new home keeper, James Mayo, from close range. Back came Rec and Max Wilcock saw his shot cleared off the line, before they levelled on 18m. Eddie Hodge played a clever through ball for WILCOCK to run onto and fire, low, past Firman in the Blackfield goal. The visitors were dangerous going forward and had chances when Hill fired over and Baker’s low shot whizzed past the post, before Marcinkowski missed a header at the far post, from the dangerous Hill’s cross. Rec responded with a succession of corners and went in front on 41m with a fine goal. Chris Long broke down the left and delivered a great cross into the area, which was bundled in by WILCOCK from close-range, despite an attempt by a defender to clear - the eagle-eyed linesman signalling that the ball had crossed the line. HT 2-1.

There was a big blow for Rec after 53m, when Miles Wilcox was shown red for an off the ball scuffle, quickly followed by a double blow, soon after, when new keeper Mayo was forced off with an injury - Sonny Pike taking over in goal. This meant Rec had to re-shuffle and get men behind the ball to defend their lead and there were some anxious moments, but there was still time for Hodge to outpace his marker and see his shot deflected for a corner, before makeshift keeper, Pike made a brave save to deny Blackfield.

But on 82m the home supporters were celebrating when, following a corner, the ball fell for TYLER RUDD to produce a brilliant shot, out of nothing, into the far corner, beyond the startled Firman. The tireless Wilcock almost made it four late on, but had his shot parried by the keeper, before Blackfield knew it was not to be their day, when they missed another header at the far post, as the Rec battlers held out for a hard earned victory.

FT 3-1.

12.11.24. Dorset Senior Cup. Hamworthy Rec 4 Swanage Town & Herston 1

Rec are through to the next round of the Senior Cup after what turned out to be a comfortable win. But Swanage, from the Dorset Premier League, more than played their part in an entertaining game. Since a change of manager the Swans have been on a good run in the league and looked a very capable team, cheered on by some vociferous supporters. Rec had early chances and Max Wilcock was twice denied by Hobbs, in the visiting goal, before the Swans had their first attack of note - Turner, on the break, trying a speculative shot, wide. Rec were playing some neat football, but the final ball was often letting them down. Wilcock headed a chance wide and Tyler Rudd drew a good save from Hibbs. After a spell of pressure, Rec went in front on 37m. Eddie Hodge slipped a clever ball to WILCOCK, who finished cooly, low inside the near post and it was nearly two when Hodge, again, set up Rudd, whose attempt was deflected for a corner. HT 1-0.

Within five minutes of the re-start Rec went two up. Aaron Roberts’ trickery saw him upended in the box and HODGE cooly converted the spot-kick, low to the keeper’s right. Two became three on 55m when Ben Cooper’s corner found RUDD, who drilled a beauty, from 25 yards, in off the post.

Swanage kept going and pulled one back, on 65m - MAGNIER finishing off a neat move with a low shot inside the post. Back came Rec and young Will Lippiatt, who had impressed in midfield, had his run into the box thwarted at the expense of a corner. At the other end, Titley went on a mazy run for the Swans, eventually stopped by a Harvey Doe challenge and home stopper, Ollie King, tipped a goalbound shot over the top. But deep into stoppage time Rudd delivered a delicious cross to the far post, where LIPPIATT headed a deserved goal. FT 4-1.

9.11.24. FA Vase. Roman Glass St George’s 3 Hamworthy Rec 0

Three goals in a sixteen minute spell either side of half time means no FA Vase run for Rec this year. After a bright start they were well beaten by their Bristol based opponents. The hosts are near the top of the Hellenic league and showed why. They got on top mid-way through the first half, scored twice just before the break and never looked back. For Rec there was plenty of honest endeavour, especially from Eddie Hodge and Sean Wright, in midfield, but no end product. In fact, they failed to have a single shot on target, in the second half. It could have been different, when, Chris Long tried a shot from a tight angle, which the keeper parried. Sean Wright pounced on the rebound, only to see his attempt, desperately scrambled off the line. Aidan Shepherd then burst into the box, but was denied by the keeper and Max Wilcock just failed to get on the end of Tom Cooper’s cross. But St George’s then came into the game and nearly scored when Plummer missed a sitter, in front of goal and then the same player beat the offside trap to set up Gilchrist, who rattled the Rec bar. On 41m the hosts were in front. Tony Rolls brought down the dangerous Plummer, on the edge of the area and LINES stepped up to drill the free-kick around the wall and into the far corner and there was double trouble for Rec right on the half-time whistle, when Gilchrist headed down for PLUMMER to smash in the second. HT 2-0.

Within twelve minutes of the re-start the game was, effectively, over. Sonny Pike was adjudged to have fouled on the edge of the area - seemed very harsh, but up stepped LINES, again to fire the free-kick high into the top corner. After that, Rec rarely threatened, the closest they came was Wilcock’s rasping half-volley, just over the bar, after good work by Wright. Lines was denied a hat-trick of free-kicks, late on, when the Rec wall blocked his attempt. FT 3-0.

2.11.24. Hamworthy Recreation 1 Sherborne Town 0

After a midweek defeat it was important Rec got back to winning ways - and they did, courtesy of Tyler Rudd’s first goal of the season, early in the second half. Rec had many close matches with Sherborne back in their Dorset Premier League days, but this was the first league meeting between the sides for several years.

It was a game of few chances, with both defences looking solid and certainly not a game for the purists. After a goalless first half it always looked as though one goal could be enough to win it and that’s how it proved, with Rec grabbing their chance and defending bravely to clinch the points. Sherborne went close early on when Hubbard flashed a shot across the face of goal and Rec had a chance when Aidan Shepherd’s cross was blazed over by Chris Long, at the far post. Generally, chances were few and far between. For the visitors, Burpitt produced a neat turn and shot, just over the bar and Herrin missed a great chance after a mistake by Tony Rolls. For Rec, Tom Cooper’s free-kick smacked the base of the post. HT 0-0.

The game needed a goal and it came five minutes after the re-start. TYLER RUDD seized on the ball in midfield, strode forward shrugging off challenges and hit a beauty, low, past Attwood in the away goal and into the far corner, for 1-0. Rec had a shout for a penalty ignored when Shepherd went down in the box, but Sherborne were having plenty of the ball, without really threatening the home defence, who were doing their job, getting men behind the ball and bodies in the way, to frustrate the visitors.

Rec went close again when Long’s free-kick drew a great save from Attwood - beating the ball away for a corner, followed by Shepherd’s attempt, also deflected for a corner. Sherborne stuck to their task, but the nearest they came was a shot by White, high over the bar, as Rec battled away and held out for the win.

FT 1-0.

29.10.24. Hamworthy Rec 0 Millbrook 4

Every so often a game comes along where you just have to admit you were second best and for Rec this was it! Millbrook were stronger, faster and better in every department. They got off to a flyer, with a goal after two minutes and never looked back from there. GORMAN got that early goal, nipping in between defender and keeper to convert a cross from the left from close-range. It could have been two, soon after, when Drake went down in the area - the ref waiving away appeals. Rec’s first attack of note saw Sonny Pike fire a low shot through a ruck of players, but wide

But on 17m the lead was doubled. A slick move ended with White delivering to the far post where CONNOR FORD smashed home a first-timer, to put the visitors in control.

Rec tried to get back into it and Aidan Shepherd did well to tee up Ash Pope, whose shot was deflected for a corner, followed by Sean Wright heading Tom Cooper’s free-kick just wide. But Rec almost conceded again when Wright’s slip let in White, only for Rec keeper, Ollie King, to make a vital save. HT 0-2.

Rec started the second half with Chris Long’s cross-cum-shot gathered by Skrzyniarz in the Millbrook goal, but it was the visitors posing the most threat. After another chance was cleared off the Rec goalline, they made it three, on the hour. FORD, who had impressed all game, dashed down the left, cut in and hit a right footed beauty into the top corner.

The scoring was complete on 79m when JAMIE WHITE had a tap-in, after King had parried the initial shot. The only downer for Millbrook was a red cad, late on, for Ryan Batley - seemed harsh to most onlookers, who were expecting a yellow. FT 0-4.

For Millbrook, a near perfect performance. For Rec, one to get out of the system quickly.

26.10.24. Downton 2 Hamworthy Recreation 3

A good win for Rec, but Downton certainly made a fight of it. Rec were the better side in the first half and should have been more than the one goal in front at the break. The hosts came out for the second half with more vigour, put Rec under pressure and equalised, but immediately the visitors restored their lead and added a third from the penalty spot. Downton produced a late rally to pull a goal back, but Rec defended gallantly to earn a deserved win.

An early home mistake gifted a chance for Eddie Hodge, but his goalbound effort was brilliantly tipped over by home stopper, Kai Storr. Good work by Aidan Shepherd set up a chance for new signing, Ash Pope, but his shot was wide.

Rec were on top and it was no surprise when they went in front, on 14m. CHRIS LONG chased a ball down the middle, seemed to lose control, but regained composure to shrug off a defender and fire past Storr - 0-1.

It was nearly two, soon after, when Pope spotted the keeper off his line only for his clever lob to strike the bar, followed by Hodge’s low cross just eluding Shepherd. HT 0-1. Whatever the Downton manager said at the break seemed to have immediate effect as the hosts came out on the front foot. Ingram produced a clever turn and shot, just wide and Prestel, up from the back, headed wide from a corner. But on 68m Downton were level. Moore went down in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Rec keeper, Ollie King parried MOSELEY’s penalty, but was unable to prevent him tapping in the loose ball, 1-1.

To their credit Rec came straight back into it, on 70m. Long darted down the left, his shot was parried by Storr, but SHEPHERD was there to gratefully thump in the loose ball.

Rec made it three, on 76m, when Long turned in the area and was upended. HODGE stepped up to drill the perfect penalty, low to the keeper’s right.

Rec just needed to see the game out, but needlessly gave away a free-kick, on 90m, in a dangerous area. King blocked the kick, but RAFFERTY was on the spot to tuck away the rebound, to set up a tense period of stoppage time, but the stoic Rec defence held firm to clinch the points.

FT 2-3.

12.10.24. Hamworthy Rec 1 AFC Portchester 2

A defeat for Rec, but there was no shame in losing to the league leaders. After a shaky start and going a goal down Rec got themselves back in the game and the scores were deservedly level at the break. But a second half red card saw Rec reduced to 10 men and from there on it was always going to be difficult, with Portchester adding a second mid-way through the second half.

Portchester showed their class from the start and put Rec under pressure, with Harrison Brook seeing his turn and shot saved by new Rec keeper, Noah Crisp and Ryan Wilkins heading over, before they took the lead on 7m. Clack broke down the right and delivered a telling cross, with the ball finding its way to BROOK to slam in, for 0-1.

Rec, however, steadied themselves and Max Wilcock hooked a chance wide, before Tom Cooper’s dangerous cross was put out for a corner. Rec were causing the league leaders some concerns and the equaliser came on 27m. Aidan Shepherd’s cross was won by Wilcock, with the loose ball falling for CHRIS LONG to finish from close-range - his 14th of the season.

Rec were now on top and nearly took the lead when Wilcock’s header was brilliantly saved by Steve Mowthorpe, in the Portchester goal, with Long firing the loose ball across the face of goal. HT 1-1.

Wilcock had an early second half chance, when he cut in but shot over, before the visitors got on top again. The ever dangerous Brook headed just wide and then blazed a great chance over the top - a let off for Rec, followed by a goalline clearance to keep the scores level.

But disaster struck for Rec, soon after, when Max Wilcock was sent off for a foul tackle. Rec were defending for their lives and Crisp produced a good save from Bailey, before the visitors pressure paid off, on 66m, with BROOK cooly netting a 25 yarder, to break Rec hearts. Pennery then missed a sitter for Portchester, but Rec had a shout for a penalty turned down, with Tyler Rudd drilling the loose ball across the face of goal.

Rec kept fighting to the end, with Tony Rolls firing over the bar, but the visiting defence brilliantly led by Kane O’Keefe all game, held out for the win. FT 1-2.

An end to Rec’s four game winning run, but certainly no disgrace in this result.

5.10.24. Andover New Street 1 Hamworthy Rec 2

A great result for Rec, in a battling performance at previously unbeaten Andover New Street. The afternoon did not start well for the visitors, with keeper, Callum Smalley pulling up with an injury in the warm up. Luckily, sub keeper, Ollie King was in the squad and certainly played his part in the victory.

New Street started strongly, putting Rec under pressure. King was forced into an early save, pushing away a free-kick, before the hosts went close. A long clearance from ex Rec keeper, Matt Fredericks, found Williams, whose shot was blocked by King. The resulting clearance hit the post, with the rebound falling into the arms of the busy Rec stopper.

Rec settled down and got back into it, but never really threatened the home defence - the closest they came was a Max Wilcock header, wide of target. New Street continued to put Rec under pressure and Herbert slipped in Sweeney, forcing King into another vital block, before the busy Rec keeper was grateful to Tom Cooper for a timely intervention, after being caught out on a break. After weathering the storm Rec went in front, in stoppage time. Sonny Pike initiated the move, allowing Eddie Hodge to cross from the left for WILCOCK to slam in from close-range. HT 0-1.

New Street made changes at the break and immediately, one of them, Griffiths, had a header saved by King. But on 51m the lead was doubled. A neat move saw Aidan Shepherd cross for Wilcock, who was up-ended in the area. Skipper, BEN COOPER cooly dispatched the spot-kick, high to Fredericks right, to make it 0-2. The hosts came back strongly, but Rec were defending well and keeping them at bay, until the 71st minute. Hesitancy down the middle presented a chance to another sub, RAWKINS, who kept his cool and cleverly lobbed King, for 1-2.

It was now backs to the wall for Rec and everyone played their part, getting in tackles and clearances. New Street’s best chance saw the dangerous Williams flash his shot across the face of goal and wide. Tyler Rudd came on as a late sub for Rec, after a lengthy spell out injured and went close when he fooled Fredericks, only for his lob to be just over the bar, as Rec held on for a famous win.

FT 1-2.

1.10.24. Hamworthy Recreation 3 Christchurch 1

An lmpressive first half showing saw Rec run up a three goal lead at the break, for the second game in succession. But the level of intensity dropped in the second half and Christchurch came back into it, pulling a goal back and giving Rec an anxious moment or two. But the home defence, inspired by Tony Rolls, held firm to collect another welcome three points.

Rec started well, with Chris Long twice going close and took the lead, on 12m. The Christchurch defence, under pressure, thumped the ball away, only for it to hit AIDAN SHEPHERD and rebound inside the post, for his first goal for the club. He should have added another, soon after, but blazed over, following good work by Eddie Hodge. But it was two, on 21m. Aaron Roberts slipped in LONG, who cut in from the left and drilled his shot, from a tight angle, low across Rodwell, in the visiting goal, into the far corner.

The visitors tried to get back into it and Neild had a foray into the area thwarted by Rolls, before home stopper Callum Smalley saved well from a free-kick. But Rec made it three on 25m. A flowing move culminated in Ben Cooper’s cross from the right met by the head of LONG, for a thumping header and 3-0 at HT.

Christchurch had an early second half chance, but Joe Freak’s shot was saved by Smalley. The visitors were showing more enterprise and Davis’ long-range attempt was turned away by the home keeper, before Freak’s “goal” was ruled out for offside.

It was no real surprise when Christchurch pulled a goal back, on 79m, when NEILD capitalised on a poor clearance, to make it 3-1 and they nearly added another near the end, the woodwork coming to Rec’s rescue, as they saw the game out. FT3-1.

28.9.24. Blackfield & Langley 0 Hamworthy Recreation 3

Another good win for Rec, which moves them nicely into the top half of the table. Rec scored all three goals in a dominant first half hour. Blackfield rallied and made it a more even second half, but never really threatened a solid Rec defence. In fact, the result could have been more impressive, but Rec squandered some good chances, but will be delighted with this scoreline.

The first chance fell to Chris Long, after good work by Aaron Roberts and Aidan Shepherd, but his close-range attempt was beaten away by Harwood, in the home goal. But on 14m Rec opened the scoring. Shepherd delivered a telling cross from the right and there was LONG to thump in at the far post - 0-1. Just two minutes later the lead was doubled, when Long burst into the area and was brought down. Skipper, Ben Cooper’s spot-kick was low, to the keepers left, to make it two.

After Harwood had saved again from Long, Blackfield ventured forward and Roocroft crossed for Hill, whose header was easily saved by Callum Smalley, in the Rec goal. Eddie Hodge’s good run was thwarted by the busy Harwood, before Rec made it three- in comical fashion! Harwood completely miss-cued a back pass, from a defender and the ball trickled over the line, to put the visitors firmly in control. HT 0-3.

Early second half sub, George Deem set up Long for a one-on-one with Harwood - the keeper doing well to block his shot and minutes later Long was again denied by the busy home keeper. Blackfield’s best chance came when Smalley was beaten in a race to the ball, outside the area, but the shot ended up in the side netting. The hosts were performing better than the first period, but not really troubling Rec and it was the visitors who looked more likely to add to their lead. Deem finished off a classy move by flashing a shot across the face of goal and near the end, Roberts and Max Wilcock played in Deem, whose turn and shot was saved by Harwood. FT 0-3.

24.9.24. League Cup. Hamworthy Rec 2 Amesbury Town

Rec are through to the next round of the League Cup after this win over Amesbury. Rec were dominant in the first half and built up a two goal lead at the break. The visitors came out in a more bouyant mood second half and put Rec under pressure at times, without really creating many clear-cut chances, as Rec saw the game out.

There was an early chance for the home side, but Chris Long just failed to connect with Eddie Hodge’s cross, but the same combination paid off on 14m, when LONG connected at the far post, for his 10th goal of the season - 1-0.

Persistence from Aaron Roberts created a chance for Hodge, only for his shot to clip the top of the bar and George Deem was denied by busy Amesbury keeper, Mike Horne. The visitors did have a chance when Owens chased a through ball, but delayed his shot, enabling Rec to clear. But it was the hosts in control, but being denied by some plucky Amesbury defending, until two minutes into stoppage when MILES WILCOX tried his luck from fully 25yds - his low shot beating the diving Horne, for 2-0 at HT.

Whatever the Amesbury manager said at the break seemed to have worked, as his side came out in a more adventurous mood and immediately had a chance, which Owens blasted over the top. Deem, Long and Roberts all went close for Rec, before Ashfield missed another good chance for the visitors, following a neat move and home stopper, Callum Smalley saved at the feet of Owens. Rec wanted a third and Hodge had his shot blocked, following a run and cross from Long and young sub, Will Lippiat had a great 30 yarder tipped away by Horne. Aidan Shepherd then set up Long, who seemed certain to score, only to be denied by a great tackle by Amesbury skipper, Alderman. One final chance for the visitors saw Smalley tip over a free-kick by Deveruex, as Rec made it to the last 16. FT 2-0.

21.9.24. Hamworthy Rec 3 US Portsmouth 0

A good three points for Rec, as they earned their third league win of the season, against US Portsmouth. Despite having the better of the first half, it took until the 44th minute for the hosts to go in front. They added another in first half stoppage and settled the game, with a third, five minutes after the re-start. Rec’s first chance saw Eddie Hodge tee up new signing, Sean Wright, whose low shot was saved by US keeper, O’Donnell, but that was to be the midfielder’s last action, as he limped off soon after, with a knee injury- another one to Rec’s long list!

A good three points for Rec, as they earned their third league win of the season, against US Portsmouth. Despite having the better of the first half, it took until the 44th minute for the hosts to go in front. They added another in first half stoppage and settled the game, with a third, five minutes after the re-start. Rec’s first chance saw Eddie Hodge tee up new signing, Sean Wright, whose low shot was saved by US keeper, O’Donnell, but that was to be the midfielder’s last action, as he limped off soon after, with a knee injury- another one to Rec’s long list!

Rec went close with Aaron Roberts’ shot blocked in front of goal and Chris Long’s follow up wide. Roberts then created a chance for Aidan Shepherd, whose low shot was brilliantly turned away by O’Donnell.

New Rec keeper, Callum Smalley had to be alert to deny Holgate a chance, for US, but the best chances were coming at the other end and on 44m Shepherd outpaced his marker and was hauled down in the box, for a penalty. Up stepped BEN COOPER to drill in the spot-kick and put Rec one up. Before the celebrations were over, the lead was doubled, two minutes into stoppage time. Another classy move saw Ben Cooper deliver a pin-point, low cross and there was LONG, at the near post, to cleverly flick in his ninth goal of the season. HT 2-0. Rec needed a quick goal to make the result safe and it came on 50m. Tony Rolls sent over another low cross, from the right and there was ROBERTS to finish from close-range, for his first goal of the season, to make it three.

US kept plugging away and Quirke headed over from Jones’ cross and the dangerous Clements drew a good save from Smalley. But it was Rec who had chances to add to the lead, with Shepherd, Lewis McMurdo and Harvey Doe all going close. For US, Clements’ free-kick rattled the Rec post - the closest they came, but this was another good, all-round performance from Rec and a welcome three points. FT 3-0.

14.9.24. Brockenhust 2 Hamworthy Recreation 2

A Chris Long goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time salvaged a precious point for Rec on their first league visit to Brockenhurst. Rec started well and deservedly went one up, but the hosts came back strongly and led 2-1 at the interval and largely controlled the second half. But a late equaliser meant Rec were more than happy to settle for a point. There was an early chance for Rec, when Tony Rolls headed on a cross to Lewis McMurdo, but his header was over the top, before the Badgers nearly scored through Moreno, who had his first attempt saved by Rec stopper, Ollie King and the second cleared off the line by McMurdo. Long drew a good save from Butler, in the home goal, before Rec went in front, on 24m. Aidan Shepperd’s low cross was cleverly dummied by Eddie Hodge, the ball falling nicely for BEN COOPER to fire past Butler, for 0-1. The busy keeper then saved another Long attempt, before the Badgers got back in it. From the last of three successive corners CHANNELL’s corner kick eluded everyone and nestled inside the far post, for 1-1.

Aaron Roberts capitalised on a mistake, but had his shot blocked, before Rec fell behind on 42m, when the dangerous Moreno was given too much time to deliver to the far side of the area, where TAYLOR found space to smash a brilliant first-timer high into the net, for 2-1 at the break. Rec struggled to get going in the second half, giving the ball away too often and were fortunate when CHANNELL’s shot clipped the bar. Rec had a rare chance when Roberts played in Ben Cooper, only for Butler to save, at the expense of a corner.

For the hosts McCarthy-Gardiner was proving a handful, having a chance saved by King and then being denied by a combination of King and McMurdo. A goalkeeping error by Butler presented the ball to Shepperd, only for his cross into the danger area to be cleared, before Hodge’s cross-cum-shot went wide. With the Badgers seemingly in control, Rec salvaged a point right at the death. 8m into stoppage time the tireless LONG chased a ball down the middle, outpaced his marker and smashed a beauty past Butler, for his eighth goal of the season, to send Rec followers home happy. FT 2-2.

10.9.24. Laverstock & Ford 0 Hamworthy Rec 3

These teams shipped fourteen goals between them last Saturday, so both would be looking for big improvements this time. It was Rec who prevailed, with an emphatic three goal win, which would have delighted the management team. From the start Rec were “up for it” and were comfortably the better team first half, building up a two goal lead. Laverstock came back into it much more in a competitive second period, but a third Rec goal mid-way through secured the points and their first league clean sheet of the season. Rec started well, with Chris Long’s attempt from Ollie Woolley’s cross pushed away by home stopper, Gunstone-Grey and Eddie Hodge’s low cross winning a corner. For the hosts, Lovegrove had a shot saved by Rec keeper, Ollie King, but it was the visitors looking the more likely, with Hodge at the heart of most attacks, with a constant stream of crosses into the box. On 26m Rec went in front. TOM COOPER won a free-kick just outside the area. He picked himself up and drilled the kick around the wall and into the left-hand side of goal, for 0-1. Just three minutes later the lead was doubled. Good work from Long set up HODGE, who cut in from the right and fired a great, low shot across goal and into the far corner, to put Rec firmly in control. HT 0-2.

Hodge was at it again, from the re-start, cutting in, with his cross-cum-shot drifting wide. But Laverstock were looking dangerous, with King claiming a dangerous ball into the area and Sykes having his shot deflected for a corner, before Lovegrove headed over, from a corner. Rec were holding firm and still looking dangerous on the break and on 69m the game was settled, when Ben Cooper capitalised on an error to tee up LONG, who cooly lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper, to make it 0-3. The hosts looked for a way back, but their best effort was thwarted by a great save on the goalline, from King, to preserve his clean sheet. FT 0-3.

An excellent, all-round, performance, with the team applauded off at the end by the travelling supporters.

7.9.24. Hamworthy Rec 1 Hamble Club 5

This performance from Rec matched the weather at the BJM - dismal! Hamble arrived as league leaders and it was easy to see why. They were quicker, stronger and very well organised, not allowing Rec to have any impact on the game. Both sides had early chances, with Roach, for Hamble chipping one just over the bar and George Deem having a curling free-kick well saved by Henry Newman, in the visiting goal. Roach then missed another chance, before Hamble went in front, on 25m. Will Gange headed down a free-kick into the path of NICK YEOMANS to bundle in, on the goalline, for 0-1. Eddie Hodge saw his cross-cum-shot flash across the face of goal and Chris Long had a shot saved. But that was as close as Rec came and it was no surprise when Hamble doubled their lead, on 42m. The home defence was static as a free-kick came into the box, allowing JAMES JOHNSON the simplest of headers to make it 0-2 at the break. Rec desperately needed an early goal, but instead it was the visitors who made the game safe, on 49m. ROACH won the ball near the half-way line and drove forward, slamming the ball past home stopper, Callum Watson, from close-range. Rec pulled one back, on 57m, with a neat move. Deem cleverly flicked on a long ball into the path of LONG to charge into the area and drill past Newman, for 1-3. But any hopes of a Bournemouth style comeback were soon dented on 64m, when, following a corner the ball was cleared to Hamble skipper, MATT CASEY to hit a cracker through a ruck of players. Miles Wilcox, who had easily been Rec’s best player, delivered to the far post, only for sub, Will Lippiatt to shoot over, before Hodge curled an effort wide. But it was not to be Rec’s day and five minutes from time HONEYSETT tapped in the fifth, to make Hamble worthy winners. FT 1-5.

2.9.24. League Cup. Hamworthy Rec 4 Clanfield 1

In the end this was comfortable win for Rec, but Clanfield played their part in an entertaining game. The visitors took an early lead and should have added to it soon after, with Rec grateful to keeper, Ollie King, for two vital saves. But Rec came storming back and led 3-1 at the break, adding a fourth near the final whistle.

Clanfield led after just 6m, when HENRY SEARLE won the ball and shrugged off challenges to unleash a glorious shot beyond King, for 0-1. Eddie Hodge fired a Rec chance over the bar, before Clanfield had chances to increase their lead, with Fred Penfold having his close-range effort saved by King and brother Dan’s shot tipped over by the busy home stopper.

Back came Rec, with Alfie Matthews creating a couple of chances for Chris Long, both narrowly wide. But it was Clanfield who went close again, with Dan Penfold’s shot crashing against the post.

Rec finally got the equaliser on 30m, when Ollie Woolley’s cross found Long, who set up MARCELLO ROSSI to smash past Wiseman, in the visiting goal. Five minutes later Rec were in front. Long set Hodge away on the right and his neat, low cross was swept in by SONNY PIKE.

Rec were now in control and added a third, right on the break, when another classy move saw Hodge set up LONG, for a tap-in - his fifth goal of the season. HT 3-1.

Clanfield had a good chance in the opening seconds of the second half, but Cooper’s goalbound shot was palmed away by King. Rec had numerous chances, with Matthews, Long and Rossi all denied by either keeper or woodwork. Aaron Roberts produced some trickery to tee up Tom Cooper, but his shot flashed across goal and beyond the far post.

Rec had to wait until the 83m to add the fourth - and what a beauty it was. Young Will Lippiatt, on as a sub, finished off another neat move in style, smashing his shot past Wseman and high into the net.

Clanfield, who had looked a very capable side all night, kept plugging away and were unlucky when Smalley fired his shot inches wide. FT 4-1.

31.8.24. Fareham Town 1 Hamworthy Rec 0

A goal in the second minute of stoppage time condemned Rec to their second league defeat of the season - and they will be gutted! This was a close, even game throughout and looked a nailed on goalless draw. Fareham had the better chances, but Rec had the better approach play. It was just the final ball that let them down. Despite the lack of goals both sides attacked and it was a good watch, but Rec switched off in the final minutes and it cost them. Fareham had an early free-kick, easily collected by Callum Watson, in the Rec goal. Chris Long chased a long clearance, but fell after a tangle with a defender and Eddie Hodge fired inches wide, before the hosts almost scored, following a corner. Harvey Doe was the Rec saviour, with a header off the goalline.

Aaron Roberts was impressive in midfield, for Rec and a clever move ended with a Long turn and shot wide. But the Creeksiders were having the better chances, with Jewell heading over a great cross from Cooper and the speedy Underhill setting up Woodward to fire over.

Rec forced a succession of corners, to no avail, before, right on the break,Jewell beat the Rec defence, but shot wide. HT 0-0.

Rec’s best chance came at the start of the second half, when Roberts teed up Tom Cooper, who drilled his shot goalwards, only for home stopper, McCarthy to palm the ball over the bar. Hodge then produced some trickery on the left, but failed to find a blue shirt, before Underhill delivered a dangerous ball, only for Doe to come to Rec’s rescue again.

Long was fouled by Kershaw, earning the home defender a yellow card, but Ben Cooper’s free-kick was no problem for McCarthy. At the other end Watson produced a great tip over from Pates’ effort, before the hosts missed a good chance, following a corner. With Rec seemingly settling for a deserved point it all went wrong in stoppage time. A Kershaw free-kick from near the half-way line almost caught out Watson, with the Rec keeper managing to push the ball onto the bar, but a mistake gifted the ball back to Fareham and a cross from the right was bundled in from close-range by KESSACK, to clinch it for the hosts, on 90+2. FT 1-0.

27.8.24. Portland United 3 Hamworthy Recreation 4

Rec were on the right end of this seven goal thriller at Portland, to record their first league win of the season. It was an entertaining game throughout, with Rec racing into a two goal lead in the first ten minutes, then being pegged back to 2-2 at the break. The two goal lead was re-Instated on the hour, before the Blues completed the scoring in stoppage time. Rec went in front on 7m, when Ben Cooper’s free-kick to the far post found CHRIS LONG, who finished in style with a low shot across home keeper, Bruton. From the re-start Portland went close with a header from Borthwick just over. But on 9m Eddie Hodge initiated the move which saw Marcelo Rossi deliver a perfect cross from the right for LONG to power in a far post header, to give Rec a dream start. Portland came back strongly and on 18m JENKINS drilled a low shot past Callum Watson, in the Rec goal, after the defence had failed to clear.

It was end to end action and George Deem headed a chance over, before home skipper Williams fired a long distance effort just wide. But Portland pressure paid off on 29m, when Rec gave the ball away, allowing BORTHWICK to race through and fire, low past Watson, for the equaliser. HT 2-2.

The action resumed two minutes into the re-start, when the tireless Long was brought down by the keeper, just inside the area. Up stepped skipper BEN COOPER to smash the spot-kick high into the roof of the net, for 2-3. Rec were now on top, playing some impressive football and added a fourth, on 61m. Hodge sent over a pin-point cross from the right for DEEM to power in a header, from close-range. Long was then denied a hat-trick when Bruton brilliantly tipped his right-footer over the bar. But the Blues always looked dangerous, on the break and Stuttle went narrowly wide, before his long throw produced a brave, diving save from Watson.

The Rec defence were putting on an heroic showing and held out until the fourth minute of stoppage time, when STUTTLE smashed a terrific, dipping shot over Watson, for a final score of 3-4.

An excellent all-round performance from Rec, with Man of the Match award going to Chris Long - two goals, won a penalty and worked his socks off for the team.

24.8.24. AFC Stoneham 4 Hamworthy Rec 0

A disappointing day for Rec as they fell to their first league defeat, at Stoneham. Rec, still hit hard by injuries, showed plenty of spirit in the first half and were only one down at the break. But an early second half goal was decisive and the “Purps” rubbed salt in the wounds by adding two more in the last ten minutes.

There were early concerns for Rec, when a dangerous cross hit Tom Cooper, with the ball bouncing towards goal, drawing a save from Callum Watson, in the Rec goal. Miles Wilcox set up Rec’s first move when he found Ben Cooper, who played in Chris Long, only for his shot to be saved by home stopper, Callum Lee.

Stoneham were looking dangerous and almost scored when Sampson missed from close-in. But after keeping the hosts at bay Rec cracked, on 37m. Another classy move saw Bainbridge set up SAMPSON to pick his spot, for 1-0. Rec replied with Long’s free-kick saved by Lee, before the same players cross was, again, saved by the home keeper. HT 1-0. Sampson had an early second half chance to add another, but was denied by a great tackle by Wilcox.

But a decisive moment came on 55m. Rec thought they had won a corner, but the ref awarded a goalkick instead, from which Stoneham went straight down the other end and doubled their lead. Welch did well to create the chance for BAINBRIDGE, who finished clinically at the near post - 2-0.

Rec tried to get back in it and new addition, Marcelo Rossi fired wide and Lewis McMurdo headed past the post, from a free-kick. A mistake by Watson gifted the ball to Bainbridge, only for his attempt to fly over the bar.

Rec had a shout for a penalty turned down, when Eddie Hodge was flattened by Lee, but it was the hosts who turned the screw and on 79m, with Rec pushing forward and short at the back JOHNSTON finished off another incisive move and five minutes from time another breakaway saw POPE add the fourth. FT 4-0.

Disappointing for Rec, but there were positives - all the back four played well and there was a good debut for Rossi, in midfield. They will take heart knowing that they won’t play many better teams than Stoneham - surely one of the title favourites.

18.8.24. FA Cup. Hamworthy Rec 1 Paulton Rovers 2

Rec bowed out of the FA Cup with this defeat to a very capable Paulton side. Rec were hit by injuries and suspension and made a sluggish start, after the visitors had taken an early lead, which was doubled mid-way through the second half. Rec pulled one back and put Paulton under late pressure, having three good chances in the last 15 minutes, but the visitors held on to make it to the next round.

Paulton made the better start and took the lead on 7m. KYE SIMPSON ran onto a through ball and finished clinically, past Callum Watson, in the home goal. The visitors then rattled the post from a corner, before almost doubling the lead. Again, it was Simpson, showing good skills in the box, but this time Watson made a great save - getting a whack in the face for his efforts.

Reece were finding it difficult to create chances, but George Deem and Brad Hill initiated a chance for Long, only for the offside flag to be raised.

McBeam was looking dangerous for the visitors, cutting in and drawing a good save from Watson, before Eddie Hodge’s shot from the edge of the area flew over.

HT 0-1.

Paulton had an early second half chance, but Simpson delayed his shot, enabling Watson to save. But Rec had a spell of pressure, with Hodge’s shot winning a corner and his low cross just eluding Deem, before the latter’s shot was saved by Paulton keeper, Dan Jackson.

Mid-way through the second half Paulton got their second goal. The home defence failed to clear a cross and COREY RAWLINGS was on hand to stab in, from close range.

Rec were back in it on 73m, when Hodge’s shot was handled in the box and GEORGE DEEM stepped up to drill the spot-kick low to Jackson’s right, for 1-2.

Rec were now pressing and the tireless Deem’s clever head down set up Long for a spectacular overhead shot, only for the ball to crash against the post. The woodwork saved Paulton again, soon after, when Ollie Woolley’s effort rattled the bar. But the best chance came in the closing minutes, when Hodge’s mis-hit shot fell to Long, only for him to blaze his shot inches wide.

FT 1-2.

13.8.24 Hamworthy Rec v Christchurch

Unfortunately, our new keeper, Callum Smalley, was injured badly, after just 15m. He took a knock on the head and was concussed, but the main concern was pain in his neck and they thought he should not be moved. The ambulance was called and the game was abandoned.

After a night in hospital Callum was released with the cut glued and monitored for concussion.

10.8.24. Cowes Sports 1 Hamworthy Rec 1

After an “eventful” trip to the Island, Rec made their first visit to Cowes Sports. A midweek injury to striker, Max Wilcock forced the management team into changes and George Deem made his first start of the season, up front. Rec looked good in the first half and went in front, but then spurned a chance to double the lead when they missed a penalty. Cowes came back stronger in the second half and equalised. Both teams looked for a winner, but had to settle for a point each.

There was an early scare for Rec when good work by The Yachtsmen’s McFarlane set up Carter-Knight, whose dipping shot clipped the top of the bar. Rec responded with Miles Wilcox and Tyler Rudd combining, with the latter’s shot deflected for a corner. Rec keeper, Callum Watson, did well to deny Bridi, before Ed Hatt, in the home goal, made a good save to turn away Deem’s header and then saved well from Rudd. The Cowes keeper was a busy man, saving another Deem effort, with Chris Long blazing the rebound over.

But on 37m Rec went in front. Deem played a clever pass to LONG, who tried his luck from 30yds, the ball nestling inside the post, beyond the diving Hatt, to give Rec the lead. Just before the break Rec were awarded a penalty when Long was brought down, after another fine pass from Deem, but Long’s spot-kick was easily saved by Hatt, diving low to his right. HT 0-1.

Cowes started the second half brightly, with Bridi bursting into the box, on 57m and winning a corner, from which they equalised. Rec failed to clear and the ball fell for BRIDI to score from close in - 1-1.

The Yachtsmen were having a good spell, with Bridi the dangerman. He set up Wright, whose shot was pushed away by Watson, before McFarlane beat the offside trap and was stopped by a great Wilcox tackle.

Rec then had chances. Aaron Roberts and Deem played in Long, who saw his shot saved and Tony Rolls’ goalbound header, from a corner, was blocked, before Deem’s header was saved by Hatt.

A disappointing end for Rec, when, in the closing seconds Aaron Roberts was sent off after a clash with a defender.

FT 1-1.

6.8.24. Wincanton Town 1 Hamworthy Rec 1

Rec started their league campaign with a midweek trip to Wessex newcomers Wincanton. Despite taking an early lead Rec never reached the level of Saturday’s FA Cup win and the hosts levelled before the break and with both sides failing to take their chances when they came along a draw was a fair result.

It was a dream start for Rec, with a goal after just 2m. A scramble in the Wincanton goalmouth resulted in the ball falling nicely for last season’s top scorer, CHRIS LONG to stab past home stopper, Dave Rigby. It was almost two, when Ben Cooper played in Tyler Rudd, who rounded the keeper, only for his shot to be deflected away by Jordan.

But it was then the hosts turn to look dangerous, with Williams testing Callum Watson, in the Rec goal and then heading a chance wide. On 39m Rec thought they had won a penalty when Long went down in the box, with the ref pointing to the spot, but after consulting with his assistant it was ruled out. That was to prove decisive, as just a minute later Wincanton were level. The Rec defence switched off and a cross from the right was easily headed in by JAMIE IRWIN, to make it 1-1 at the break. Ollie Wlson set up Tom Cooper, whose shot from dstance was over the bar. Then home dangerman, Mack burst down the left and fired a shot wide, before setting up Foster, but this time, over the top.

At the other end Long headed wide from Tom Cooper’s cross and then created a chance for Max Wilcock, who drew a good save from Rigby. For the hosts, Jamie Irwin’s header from Dickie’s cross was over the bar.

In the closing minutes both sides looked for a winner, with Tom Cooper’s long-range shot parried by Rigby and Louis Irwin’s low cross-cum-shot flying across the face of the goal with no one in yellow able to get a touch, to the relief of the Rec defence.

FT 1-1.

3.8.24. FA Cup. Portland United 0 Hamworthy Recreation 2

An historic day for Rec, as they played their first ever game in the FA Cup and what a great result! A 2-0 win against a very capable Portland team, who will surely not suffer too many defeats this season at the Grove.

The hosts started the brighter and Rec had to defend a succession of corners. But they then settled and started to threaten. Lewis McMurdo had a header from a free-kick blocked and Max Wilcock’s run and cross was cleared at the expense of a corner, before Louie Kellaway’s cross was diverted away by home defender, Bessant. But Rec pressure paid off on 27m, when Tom Cooper’s corner was cleverly headed in by the dangerous WILCOCK, for 0-1.

Rec were now on top and a classy move saw Tyler Rudd denied at the expense of a corner, before Tony Rolls saw his header hit the bar. But Portland were still looking dangerous and Scott’s effort from distance was wide, followed by Bessant heading over from a corner.

Right on the break Rec keeper, Callum Watson showed his skills, saving well from Jenkins and then denying Toms from close-range. HT 0-1. Rec came within a whisker of doubling the lead right from the re-start, when Eddie Hodge set up Rudd, who cut in and hit a right-footer which smacked against the post. But then came another spell of home pressure, with Watson saving from Borthwick and Jenkins again, before the impressive Jenkins saw his cross flash across the face of goal, with no one in blue able to apply a touch.

But on 66m Rec settled matters with a glorious goal. Tom Cooper, having a fine game at right-back hit a long cross into the box and WILCOCK rose to plant a great header past Bruton, in the home goal, for 0-2.

Rec controlled the remaining minutes well and nearly added another via the Cooper/Wilcock pairing, with Portland going close with a header, just over. FT 0-2.

Rec controlled the remaining minutes well and nearly added another via the Cooper/Wilcock pairing, with Portland going close with a header, just over. FT 0-2.

A great result for Rec and a happy coach trip back for players and supporters.