Match Reports by John Hutchings

27.4.24. Millbrook 4 Hamworthy Rec 2

A long, hard season for Rec ended with a disappointing defeat at Millbrook. It was another case of the walking wounded, with Rec only able to name three subs, one of whom was coach, Jamie Moore’s. For Millbrook, the win ensured they finish runners-up to Rec. The hosts, sportingly gave Rec a guard of honour onto the pitch, but from there the niceties ended, with the Dockers going at the Rec defence from the start. In the opening seconds Barker delivered a great ball into the Rec area, only for Anders to head wide. Then Barker was denied by Rec keeper, Callum Watson, who did well to push his shot over the bar.

The hosts were in front on 12m. Rec were guilty of giving the ball away and KILLICK latched on and drove a low shot past Watson, for 1-0. But just five minutes later Rec were level. A corner was headed down for OLLIE WILSON to turn and fire in from close-range, 1-1.

Tyler Rudd’s run from the half-way line ended with his shot deflected and saved by Plunkett, in the home goal, before another run saw him brought down on the edge of the area.

Krzysztofowicz’s turn and shot was wide, before Millbrook regained the lead on the half hour. Again, Rec conceded possession and Barker’s cross was poked in at the far post by KRZYSZTOFOWICZ. But back came Rec again, on 33m, with MILES WILCOX thumping in a header from a Brad Hill corner, before the hosts went in front for the third time, on 40m. The dangerous Barker’s corner clipped the bar and was bundled in by AYUBA. HT 3-2.

Rec needed an early goal, to get back in the game, but Rudd’s free-kick was wide, before a good move saw Plunkett beat Lewis McMurdo to the ball, from Rudd’s low cross.

But it was Millbrook looking dangerous going forward, with Barker’s attempt bundled out by Watson, before the Rec keeper saved Krzysztofowicz’s speculative effort. Ash Boyt teed up Alfie Matthews, but Plunkett was equal to his low shot.

The game was settled on 85m, when Stapleton was brought down in the area and KRZYSZTOFOWICZ smashed home the spot-kick. FT 4-2.

A disappointing end can’t diminish what has been a brilliant season for Rec, well done to all involved and good luck to Millbrook in the play-offs.

23.4.24. Alresford Town 0 Hamworthy Recreation 0

Rec returned from their first visit to Alresford with a deserved point - their 100th of the season. Rec put in a battling performance and came under first half pressure from the hosts, but they played better in the second period and comfortably held out for a goalless draw- their first this season.

Rec started well, but soon came under pressure from Alresford. Hine missed for the hosts, heading wide from a cross. Rec were conceding a series of free-kicks, the most dangerous of which saw Sullivan’s shot blocked, before Hills missed another chance for the hosts, firing into the side netting.

Rec keeper, Callum Watson made a great, reaction save, with his legs to deny Hills, before Rec’s best move saw Ash Boyt fire over. But it was the young Rec keeper saving his side again, with a fine save from Hine, before turning away White’s curling shot. HT 0-0.

Rec came out in more confident fashion after the break and a good move between Aaron Roberts and Eddie Hodge created a chance for Will Gage, whose shot was blocked and grabbed by Webb, in the home goal. Hodge was a threat, for Rec and his lay off teed up Ollie Wilson, to drill over the bar.

The Rec defence was coping well with Alresford’s attacks, but their was concern when an inswinging corner was scrambled off the line. Sub, Jake Kelly, was bundled over on the edge of the area, after a run from the half-way line, but Deem’s free-kick was straight at the wall.

At the other end, Doswell drilled a snap-shot inches wide, before Rec, looking for a winner, saw Roberts’ clever run thwarted by the keeper. FT 0-0.

A good, positive result for Rec after a string of defeats, against a strong side, having booked a play-off place and a good, all-round team effort, with defenders Harvey Doe and Miles Wilcox, both back from long-term injuries, catching the eye.

20.4.24. Clanfield 3 Hamworthy Rec 1

A third defeat in five days completed a miserable week for Rec. In the circumstances the players cannot be blamed. Because of wet weather and a great cup run, when the season ends next Saturday, Rec will have played 20 matches since the end of February! The players, to a man, are exhausted, most playing with some sort of injury and others rushed back, too soon, from long-term injuries, to help the cause. They all deserve credit. Surely, next season the league will look to play more mid-week games in August and September, when the pitches are drier (hopefully!) to avoid a season end like this, experienced by many teams this year.

As to the game, Clanfield were excellent. They never let Rec settle and were better in all areas. With better finishing the scoreline would have been higher. It was certainly a hard watch for the travelling supporters. The hosts were in front on 7m, DANNY PENFOLD scoring from close-range, after good work by Cooper. They then missed a chance for two when Fred Penfold scuffed his shot, before Rec equalised. HARVEY DOE hit a hopeful ball into the box, which Perris, in the home goal, came to collect, but fumbled - the ball ending up in the net, for 1-1.

George Deem had a header blocked, before Matty Fredericks made two great saves to deny the hosts. But on the half hour a corner eluded the Rec defence, leaving FRED PENFOLD a simple tap in. HT 2-1.

It was the worse, possible, start to the second period for Rec when Clanfield made it three, on 46m. TOWSE, who had looked dangerous in the first half, received the ball on the left of the area and hit a great strike across Fredericks and in off the far post.

Clanfield missed more chances, before Rec rallied and had a better spell, without causing any real problems for the home defence. Rec’s best move saw Miles Wilcox just fail to get a head on a good cross, before Tyler Rudd hit a dipping shot over the bar, with Ollie Wilson suffering the same fate after good work by Fin West. But it was the impressive TOWSE, on the break, who came close to adding another, placing his shot just wide. FT 3-1.

18.4.24. Hamworthy Rec 0 Downton 1

A night of disappointment and frustration for Rec. After going 35 games undefeated to clinch the title, this was Rec’s second loss in three days. The only goal came from the divisions top scorer, Joe Smith, but the undoubted hero for the Robins was keeper, Will Betts, who had a brilliant game throughout, denying Rec with a host of top saves.

Rec started confidently with some dangerous crosses into the box, from which Ash Boyt fired over the bar and another cleared for a corner. A George Deem free-kick from 25yds brought the first of an impressive string of saves from the Downton keeper, diving to his right to turn the ball away for a corner. He followed that with two saves from Alfie Matthews, the second, a great tip over the bar.

But on 34m Downton broke, with the ball falling for SMITH, inside the area. Three home defenders failed to get in a challenge and the ex Rec striker gleefully thumped a shot past Matty Fredericks, for 0-1.

Back came Rec, with Deem scuffing a chance, before another save from Betts denied Boyt. HT 0-1.

Betts started the second half where he had left off with a great reaction tip-over from Louis McWilliams effort and beating away Brad Hill’s free-kick from under the bar.

Despite being under pressure the Robins had chances to double their lead, with Fredericks saving well and the ever dangerous Smith denied at the expense of a corner. But it was the hosts on the offensive, with Matthews firing a chance over, before Betts was, at last, beaten, only for Deem’s header from the edge of the area to smack against the base of the post.

Betts blocked another Matthews effort, before a neat Rec move saw Deem shoot narrowly wide.

In the closing seconds Fredericks tipped a Smith shot over the bar, before Rec’s final chance was set up by McWlliams, only for Deem to fire a left-footer inches over the bar.

FT 0-1.

16.4.24. Hamworthy Rec 0 Fleetlands 1

This was a case of After the Lord Mayors Show. After the euphoria of Saturday`s title clinching win, Rec were brought down to earth by a very hard working Fleetlands side. Rec had loads of possession, but were frustrated by some dogged defending by the visitors, who had played 24 hours earlier. Rec were missing key players, but still fielded a strong side, but a lack of a cutting edge up front proved their downfall.

Despite Rec having most of the play it was Fleetlands who had the better early chances. Jamie Winter blazed a great chance over, following a corner and Dale Mason`s shot was saved by Matt Fredericks, when a pass would have been better. For Rec Ollie Wilson went close when his drive was deflected over the top and Alfie Matthews shot was also deflected for a corner.

But after Fredericks had saved again from Mason, Fleetlands went ahead two minutes before the break. Following a good move CHRISTIAN BENNETT hit a great strike from 20 yards, which gave the Rec stopper no chance. HT 0-1.

Rec started the second half well, with Aaron Roberts causing problems for the visiting defence, with his trickery, on the left. He set up George Deem, who got the ball stuck under his feet, and Matthews who headed wide, before Roberts got on the end of a cross, but had his shot deflected wide.

It seemed as though a goal must come, but James King was denied by a good tackle and Matthews scuffed his shot wide. But it was Fleetlands who could have doubled their lead with a rasping shot crashing against the Rec post, before, late on, Oli Page missed in a one on one with Fredericks.

Rec`s final push won them a free-kick on the edge o the area, which the battling visiting defence scrambled away. FT 0-1.

Rec will be gutted not to get a point, but take nothing away from Fleetlands for a great defensive performance.

13.4.24. Hamworthy Rec 3 East Cowes Victoria 1

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!

This victory over East Cowes, allied with Downton’s defeat means Rec are Division 1 Champions. A fantastic achievement in only Rec’s second season of Wessex League football. All connected with the club from the management team, the players and the committee deserve praise, especially the players, who have faced playing three games a week with knocks and niggles to make this happen. A brilliant performance.

Rec went in front on 9m when Tyler Rudd was fouled just outside the area. Up stepped GEORGE DEEM to blast the free-kick high into the net, giving Alex Ram, in the Vics goal no chance. It could have been two soon after, but Deem just failed to connect with Long’s cross.

But the lead was doubled on 19m. Good work by Rudd resulted in the ball falling for TOM COOPER, who drilled in a screamer from 35yds, the ball going in off the underside of the bar, to put Rec firmly in control. But there was a problem for the hosts soon after, when top scorer Chris Long was forced off with a hamstring injury, which will, sadly, end his season. Vics best chance saw Nash just fail to connect with a left wing cross. HT 2-0.

Brian Foulger and Ash Boyt both had early second half headers, off target, but it was Vics who were looking impressive. Marsek cut in and shot a decent chance wide, before the visitors pulled a goal back, on 65m. NEALE chased a through-ball, outpaced his marker and clipped a clever shot over Matty Fredericks, to make it 2-1.

Rec were lacking a cutting edge up front and wasting chances. Deem fired a couple of efforts over, before being denied by a great, saving tackle by Wheeler.

But the tension was relieved on 81m, when sub, ALFIE MATTHEWS ran on to a clever ball and hit a delightful chip over Ram for Rec’s third.

Rec were happy to play out the remaining time, to clinch the points, before having to wait on the pitch for the Downton result, before the celebrations began!

FT 3-1.

GREEN ARRRMY!

11.4.24. New Milton Town 0 Hamworthy Rec 4

In the end this was a comfortable win for Rec, in the mist at Fawcetts Field. Playing three games a week, continually, is obviously having its effect and Rec were not in top form. But at this stage of the season it is all about grinding out positive results and all the squad deserve praise for doing just that so consistently. New Milton are battling relegation and to their credit, played with good spirit throughout. It was not until Rec’s second goal, late on, that the game was safe.

It was almost a dream start, for the hosts, when in the opening minutes Pequare tried his luck from 30yds, his rasping drive clipping the top of the Rec bar. But it was the visitors who went in front, on 18m, Chris Long produced a bit of trickery in the box and was bundled over, for a penalty. Up stepped GEORGE DEEM to thump past Disson-Roberts, in the home goal, for 0-1. It should have been more, soon after, but Alfie Matthews was denied by the keeper and Deem smashed a shot against the bar. Then Long finished off a good move, but curled his shot just wide. But New Milton always looked capable and went close when Morgan produced a neat turn and shot, well saved by Matty Fredericks. HT 0-1.

New Milton started the second half on the front foot and a dangerous free-kick by Matthews forced a corner, which caused problems for the Rec defence, before they managed to clear.

Rec always looked the more likely, but were being denied by some resolute home defending, but on 70m, Long’s low cross was put out for a corner. Micky Hubbard’s kick was flighted perfectly for LONG to head in from close-range, for 0-2 and settle Rec nerves.

Ash Boyt, on as a sub, played a perfect ball for MATTHEWS to fire, low past Disson-Roberts, on 83m, before Long was denied a second goal, having his first shot blocked and then his header tipped over by the busy keeper.

Goal number four came two minutes into stoppage time and was a carbon copy of the second. This time it was WILL GAGE, who had had a fine game at the back, heading in Hubbard’s corner.

FT 0-4.

Keep going lads, six games to go!

9.4.24. Hamworthy Recreation 2 Ringwood Town 1

A Tyler Rudd goal four minutes from time earned Rec a vital win, but this was a very close call. Despite starting well Rec were below par, especially in the second half and Ringwood gave them a real test. They closed down well, were quicker to the ball and defended well. After drawing level in the second half, the visitors looked the more likely side, but Rudd’s determination, near the end, secured the points.

Rec were on the front foot from the off, with George Deem and Chris Long both firing wide. A good save from a Rudd effort by Will Griffin, in the Ringwood goal, forced a corner, from which Rec went. In front, on 17m .Tom Cooper’s kick to the far post was met with a thumping header from BRIAN FOULGER, for 1-0. Lewis McMurdo had a header saved by Griffin, before he tipped over a Deem shot.

But Ringwood were getting back into the game and a long-range attempt from Correa flew just over the Rec bar. HT 1-0. Rec needed a quick second goal, to calm nerves and they went close when Rudd’s cross into the danger area was cleared as far as Ash Boyt, but his shot was over. Long flashed a shot across the face of goal, but then Ringwood had a good spell. A neat move ended with Wintle’s shot saved by home stopper, Matty Fredericks, before Vint was denied by the offside flag.

It was no real surprise when Ringwood drew level, on 68m. The dangerous Lee Vint chased a high ball down the middle and outpaced Fredericks to nod past him and make it 1-1. The visitors sensed they could win it and continued to press forward and Rec chances were few and far between. Long fired another wide of the far post and Rudd’s free-kick was easily saved.

But just when it looked like ending all square, Rudd struck. On 86m he weaved his way in from the left, had his first shot blocked, but slammed the rebound high into the net, to the delight of his team-mates.

Even then Ringwood could have saved it. In a nervy stoppage time Fredericks saved a goalbound header, before another Ringwood attempt clipped the post and went wide.

FT 2-1

6.4.24. Andover Town 0 Hamworthy Rec 5

Another impressive performance from Rec, as they cruised past Andover. If proof was needed as to the strength of the squad, this was it. With several players unavailable the visitors still managed to field a strong side, with a good mix of experience and youth.

Andover made a bright start, but it was Rec who went in front, on 17m. Keeper Matty Fredericks cleared to Alfie Matthews, who in turn, played in ARRON ROBERTS, who cut in from the left and drilled his shot beyond Hoy, in the home goal, for 0-1. Just four minutes later it was two. Micky Hubbard’s free-kick was met by the head of an unchallenged CHRIS LONG, to put Rec firmly in control.

Andover tried to rally, but Diaz-Benethez’s free-kick was easily collected by Fredericks, before the hosts fell three behind, on 34m. Hubbard’s corner to the far post was headed back by George Deem and the ball fell for LONG to score from close-range. There were more problems for Andover before the break, when Johnson was shown red for a needless foul. HT 0-3.

Andover flashed a shot across the face of Fredericks’ goal, before Rec resumed their superiority and on 61m Alfie Matthews burst down the right and crossed low for LONG to tap in, at the far post, for his hat-trick and 47th goal in all competitions. And he almost added another soon after, when he met Deem’s ball on the volley, only for Hoy to save.

Andover were showing plenty of spirit, but never really threatened the well marshalled Rec defence, with Lewis McMurdo in fine form and it was no surprise when Rec made it five, on 81m. Long broke down the left and delivered a telling low cross to the far post for DEEM to stab in his 30th league and cup goal of the season.

Andover’s best chance of the match fell to Okwe-Peters, who fired his shot inches wide. FT 0-5

Troubling times for Andover, but all at Ham Rec wish them well - a good club with excellent hospitality.

3.4.24. Whitchurch United 0 Hamworthy Rec 3

In the end this was a comfortable win for Rec, but not before Whitchurch put the league leaders under pressure early on. The hosts were very lively in the first half and were quicker to the ball, with Rec looking sluggish at times. They still led at the break, courtesy of Chris Long’s 34th league goal, but played much better in the second half, dominating play and scoring two more.

There was a sign of things to come for Rec in the opening minutes, when slack marking presented Denham with a free header, for the hosts, which he put wide. But Rec responded with a neat move, winning a corner, from which LONG put the visitors in front, heading in Micky Hubbard’s corner, despite being under pressure. It could have been two, soon after, but Dallimore denied Ash Boyt with a great tackle.

Whitchurch were showing great spirit and winning several throw-ins, all hurled in long by Dallimore, causing concerns at times for the Rec defence. The Jam Boys looked certain to equalise, following a free-kick, but a close-range shot trickled inches wide. Another good Whitchurch attack was scrambled away for a corner, before Tyler Rudd’s run set up Boyt, whose effort was deflected for a corner. HT 0-1.

It took just four minutes into the second half for Rec to add a much needed second goal. Ash Boyt, catching the eye in midfield, won the ball and burst forward, with the ball falling nicely for GEORGE DEEM to hit a beauty, high into the top corner, giving Nash, in the home goal, no chance - 0-2.

This settled Rec and they got on top. Brad Hill fired a free-kick wide and Long, chasing a through-ball, was denied by Nash, Rec stopper, Matty Fredericks tipped a clever overhead attempt over the bar, but it was Rec looking the more likely side.

Deem had a shot blocked, with sub, Alfie Matthews firing the rebound wide and new signing, Lewis Toms had a decent attempt blocked.

But on 87m it was game over, when, following good work by Long, the ball fell to MATTHEWS, inside the area, to shoot, low, past Nash, for number three. In the closing seconds the tireless Long looked to score his second, after help from Deem and Aaron Roberts, but fired over the bar.

FT 0-3.

A good recovery from an “iffy” first half and another vital three points.

30.3.24. Hamworthy Recreation 4 Verwood Town 2

This was the proverbial “game of two halves”, with Rec superb in the first 45m and building up a four goal lead at the interval - and it could have been more. But sloppiness crept into their play in the second half and Verwood looked much better, taking advantage of two bad defensive errors to make the scoreline more respectable.

Rec started on the front foot, with Verwood keeper, Reece Mitchell denying Tyler Rudd an early chance and George Deem’s shot cleared. But on 7m it was 1-0. Micky Hubbard’s corner caused problems and after the ball had rebounded from the post AARON ROBERTS was on hand to score from close-range.

Just two minutes later the lead was doubled, when Rudd played a perfect forward pass for CHRIS LONG to run onto and clip a clever, first-time shot over Mitchell, from fully 25 yards, to put Rec firmly in control.

After Long and Ben Cooper had narrowly missed chances, it was 3-0 on 29m, when Ben Cooper’s free-kick to the far post was met by the head of LONG -the ball nestling inside the opposite post.

With Rec playing some classy football, it was no surprise when it became 4-0, on 38m, with the goal of the game. Lewis McMurdo played a telling pass to Brad Hill and his delicious cross to the far post was met with a thumping header from LONG - his 33rd league goal of the season.

Verwood at last came to life and Broad screwed a shot wide and McHale’s effort was saved by Rec stopper, Matt Fredericks. HT 4-0.

Verwood made changes at the break and made a bright start. McHale was denied by Fredericks in a one on one and Broad’s curling attempt was also comfortably collected by the Rec keeper. But on 62m Verwood got a goal back. Fredericks completely mis-cued a back pass - the ball ending up in the net, for 4-1.

Rec were struggling to find their first half form, but even so, Long, Ash Boyt and Deem all had chances to add to the lead. But it was the visitors who scored again, courtesy of another defensive error. Ollie Wilson got himself in a mess and gifted the ball to BUGGEY to thump past Fredericks.

Rec were happy to play out the remaining minutes and secure another vital three points. FT 4-2.

Ten games to go!

Match Report by Mike Pomeroy (John Hutchings’s Temporary Understudy)

Hamworthy Recreation v Folland Sports – 28th March 2024

Immediately on kick off heavy rain blew across the pitch from behind the main stand justifying the move of this fixture from the BJM Stadium at Magna Road to the 3G Pitch at the County Ground to guarantee the game.

Within a minute of the kick off Folland Sports had two quick corners, scoring from the second after a scramble in front of goal. One minute in and it was 1-0 to the visitors. And then on four minutes a Folland Sports forward beat our defence high line to go one on one with our keeper, Matty Fredericks, to score their second. Four minutes after kick off and for the first time this season Ham Rec were 2-0 down. And we can’t blame the rain it was just that Follands got into the game from the start with intention of beating the top of the table team.

The Green Army knew what they had to do and on 15 minutes from an assist from our longest serving player, Ash Boyt, Brian Foulger beat the keeper for the score to be 2-1 to the visitors. From a free kick from Ben Cooper, Ash Boyt then got his own goal on 30 minutes via a deflection to beat their keeper to make the scores level at 2-2. And so it stayed until half time.

There was not much to report on from the first 28 minutes of the second half except that it stopped raining. But then, in the 73rd minute a perfect lobbing pass from Louis McWilliams found Ben Cooper who calmly slotted the ball home to make it 3-2 to Ham Rec.

The Folland Sports keeper, Kian Stearman, kept coming a long way towards the half way line to take free kicks and to encourage his forwards. In the 89th minute of the game George Deem watched the keeper do this again and from 40 yards out George kicked the ball high in the air towards their goal and as soon as it left his foot you knew that it was going in. The final score was 4-2 to Hamworthy Recreation to keep us top of the table on 81 points, 5 points ahead of nearest rivals, Millbrook and Downton, with four and two games in hand respectively.

With thanks to Folland Sports for agreeing to the move to County Ground and an entertaining game, to Hamworthy Utd for hospitality and moving their U18 training and to DFCA for the pitch arrangements.

23.3.24. Frimley Green 0 Hamworthy Rec 3

In the end this was a comfortable win for Rec, but until they claimed their second goal on 69m there was always a chance Frimley could have upset the odds. Louis McWilliams was the Rec hero, notching two fine goals and completing his hat-trick with a late penalty. But it was another good performance from Rec and could have been even better with more accurate finishing.

Rec went in front after just 5m, when McWILLIAMS ran on to a pass, held off a challenge and finished in style, from outside the area, to put the visitors in front.

It was nearly two, soon after, when Ash Boyt played in Chris Long, only for his right foot shot to fly wide. Frimley’s first chance saw Fred Jones curl his shot into the side netting.

Rec were delivering dangerous crosses into the box, but home keeper McKelvie was confidently dealing with them and then turned away Tyler Rudd’s shot. HT 0-1.

Rec needed a second goal to confirm their dominance, but George Deem sliced a chance wide after good work by McWILLIAMS and for Frimley, Smith had a half-chance also sliced wide.

Brad Hill was catching the eye for Rec and his delicious cross into the box saw McKelvie deny Long. But on 69m Rec notched the much needed second goal. Aaron Roberts crossed from the left and McWILLIAMS was on hand to drill the loose ball to the keepers left and put Rec firmly in control.

The third came on 81m when Roberts was needlessly brought down in the area and McWILLIAMS thumped the penalty high to McKelvie’s left. In the closing seconds Frimley were reduced to 10 men, when the impressive McKelvie was unluckily sent off for handling outside the area.

FT 0-3.

21.3.24. Totton & Eling 0 Hamworthy Recreation 9

An impressive performance from Rec in this resounding win at Totton. A goal after 26 seconds set them on their way and two more in the first quarter of an hour meant the result was never in doubt. All credit to Rec, who could have eased up in the second half, but kept up the tempo and played some delightful football at times.

It was a dream start for the visitors when a clearance from keeper Matt Fredericks, in the first minute found CHRIS LONG on the right, who surged forward, cut in and fired a low shot beyond Taylor, in the home goal, for 0-1.

The lead was doubled on 8m when TYLER RUDD burst down the left and beat Taylor with a clever shot, from a tight angle and it was three on 14m when a blocked shot fell nicely for BEN COOPER to slam in, from close-range.

A GEORGE DEEM penalty on 17m made it four, as Rec dominated. Micky Hubbard rattled the bar and Ollie Wilson had a goal ruled out for offside. Totton’s best chance came from a free-kick, over the bar. HT 0-4.

The management’s half-time instructions were certainly not to ease up, as within ten minutes of the re-start Rec had added two more. DEEM scored with a thumping near post header on 49m and the impressive AARON ROBERTS notched his first goal for the club, on 54m, following a link up with Rudd and Deem.

BEN COOPER made it seven, on 65m, scoring direct from a corner, before LOUIS McWLLIAMS showed good skills on the edge of the area and slipped the ball past Taylor, for number eight. CHRIS LONG completed the scoring in the 82nd minute, when he headed in Wilson’s cross, to claim his 40th goal of the season, in all competitions. Rec looked for double figures, but the battered, but spirited home defence rallied and kept them at bay. FT 0-9.

An excellent effort from the entire Rec squad - now only 13 games to go in 5 weeks!

16.3.24. AFC Aldermaston 0 Hamworthy Rec 3

Another important win for Rec on their first visit to Aldermaston’s shared ground at Thatcham. A sticky, bobbly pitch suggested this was never going to be a game for the purists and that’s how it turned out. Rec were seldom able to play their usual, free-flowing, passing game and they had to knuckle down and grind out the win, against a spirited Aldermaston side.

Two early goals put Rec in the driving seat and after that, the result was never, really in doubt.

On 7m Chris Long was fouled on the edge of the area. Ben Cooper fired the free-kick low to the far post, where Knight, in the home goal, parried the shot, with the rebound falling nicely for ASH BOYT to bundle in, from close-range and put Rec one up.

The lead was doubled on 18m. Brad Hill played a clever through ball to LONG, who ran on and clipped a first-timer over Knight, for his 28th league goal of the season.

Aldermaston looked for a way back and Weekes tried a shot from the edge of the area, easily collected by Rec stopper, Matt Fredericks. The hosts also had chances when Hussein headed over and Appiah saw his effort well tipped away by Fredericks.

HT 0-2.

Just six minutes into the second half the game was wrapped up, when OLLIE WILSON collected the ball, drove forward and hit a beauty past Knight, to make it 0-3. It was nearly four when Alfie Matthews’ low shot was inches wide.

Fredericks saved again, from a dangerous free-kick, before George Deem’s attempt from 25yds hit the side netting.

Near the end Fredericks did well to save Weekes’ effort, with his legs, before a quick Rec break saw Tyler Rudd’s low shot pushed away by Knight. FT 0-3.

A scrappy game, but all credit to Rec for grinding out a positive result.

12.3.24. Hamworthy Rec 4 New Milton Town 0

After dropping points in their last game Rec returned to winning ways with this emphatic win. New Milton are a much improved side in recent weeks and made things difficult for Rec in a goalless first half. But an early goal after the break set the hosts on their way. To rub salt into New Milton wounds all the goals were scored by players who plyed their trade for them last season.

The first half was a case of Rec dominating possession, but being denied by a resolute New Milton defence, who closed the hosts down and got in vital blocks. George Deem fired over after a neat one-two with Ben Cooper and a dangerous low cross from Tyler Rudd was parried by James, in the visiting goal, with no one able to follow up. New Melton’s best chance came from an inswinging corner, grabbed by Rec stopper, Matt Fredericks, at the near post. HT 0-0.

The deadlock was broken on 49m. Deem took a free-kick from fully 30yds, which James did well to tip onto the bar and there was OLLIE WOOLLEY, following up, to nod in from close-range - 1-0.

This gave Rec the confidence they needed and after Brian Foulger’s header was tipped over by James, Rec made it two. Aaron Roberts initiated the move, on 56m, near the left corner flag and Ben Cooper’s cross was met with a thumping header from DEEM. Within three minutes it was three, when the tireless RUDD tried his luck from 25yds, the ball taking a deflection and nestling inside James’ right hand post.

Having lost a three goal lead last time Rec didn’t want to ease up and it was four, on 65m. RUDD burst into the box, skipping past challenges and unleashed a beauty, from a tight angle, across James and int the far corner of the net to complete a good night for Rec. FT 4-0.

Thanks again, to our friends at Ham United for the hire of the County Ground, to ensure the game went ahead.

8.3.24. Hamworthy Recreation 3 Alresford Town 3

This was the first ever meeting between these two sides and what an event it turned out to be! Rec eased into a three goal lead at the start of the second half, against an impressive Alresford side. But late in the game they rang the changes and brought on all outfield subs. This seemed to affect the balance of the team and they sat back, gifted possession to the visitors and hoped they could keep them out. They succeeded until the last 15 minutes, when Alresford, incredibly, scored three times to earn a point, in a thrilling finale.

The visitors started on the front foot and gave the home defence a severe test. But on 7m and against the run of play Rec went in front. TYLER RUDD picked up the ball near the half-way line, sped down the left, shrugging off challenges and drilled a beauty across Webb, in the visiting goal, for 1-0.

Alresford were very quick on the break and put a decent chance wide, before Rec doubled their lead, on 18m. The ball was slipped to RUDD, near the centre circle and off he went again, holding off defenders, rounding the keeper and turning the ball in from a tight angle - 2-0.

Even then you sensed the visitors were not out of it and Rec were grateful to Lewis McMurdo for a powerful, headed clearance from a free-kick, before a half-volley flew just wide of the Rec goal. For Alresford, Ryan was a tricky customer on the left, one such run and cross eluding all the visiting forwards. HT 2-0.

Rec needed an early goal to, hopefully, settle the game and they got it after 5m. A quick throw sent Rudd away and his low cross was slammed in, first time, by CHRIS LONG.

Players from both sides were then involved in a scuffle, after Long had been fouled. This seemed to fire up Alresford, but even then Rec could have added more. George Deem’s header drew a great save from Webb and Long’s 25 yarder shaved the post.

But with Alresford now having most possession something had to give and sure enough, goals in the 82nd and 85th minutes set up a nervy finale and deep into stoppage time Rec failed to clear properly and the ball fell for McLEAN to thump in and grab a point to the delight of the visitors.

FT 3-3.

6.3.24. Fawley AFC 1 Hamworthy Rec 3

Two late goals from new signing Sonny Pike secured a vital win for Rec. The defender gave an impressive all round performance, on his debut and was anything but a “stupid boy” with his late double. Injuries and unavailability meant Rec were forced into changes and Fawley’s competitive spirit made this a tough one for Rec.

A clever turn and shot from Chris Long, in the opening minutes, was blocked by Harwood, in the home goal, with the rebound falling for Ben Cooper, whose effort was beaten away by the keeper, who was in action again, saving Long’s free-kick.

Rec should have gone in front on 14m, when Louis McWlliams won a penalty, but Long’s straight down the middle attempt was easily blocked by the home keeper. But the opening goal followed, on 26m, when a great run and low cross from Tyler Rudd teed up BEN COOPER to convert from close-range.

Rec looked to add to their lead, but McWilliams clever run and shot was saved by Harwood, before Ben Cooper’s speculative attempt clipped the goal frame. HT 0-1.

There were more chances for Rec to make the game safe, but a combination of good defending and poor finishing denied them and Fawley settled and had a good spell, with Griffin delivering a dangerous ball into the box, which Tom Cooper cleared with a great tackle.

The hosts pressure paid off on 73m, when Clifton, who had been impressive all game, crossed from the left for KNIGHT to stab the ball past Matt Fredericks, in the Rec goal, for 1-1.

Rec could not afford to drop points and went in search of a winner. Long’s cross was cleared for a corner, on 79m. Ben Cooper delivered to the near post and there was SONNY PIKE to nod in and put Rec back in front.

Just three minutes later the game was wrapped up. Another Cooper corner resulted in a scramble and there was PIKE again, up from the back, to thump in from close-range, to the delight of his team-mates and travelling supporters.

FT 1-3.

27.2.24. Dorset Senior Cup - Semi-Final

Hamworthy Recreation 2 Bridport 1

Rec are through to their first Senior Cup final in 29 years, after this entertaining game with Bridport. The Bees played two thirds of the match with 10 men, but defended gallantly and restricted Rec to very few clear-cut chances. The winning goal came in stoppage time, courtesy of a great strike from Brad Hill, who capped his best performance with his first goal of the season.

The early stages saw Rec have most of the play, but never really threatening a very well organised Bridport side, for whom, Gape, in midfield, took the eye. Tyler Rudd was the main threat for Rec, but again, good defending and goalkeeping were denying the hosts.

Bridport looked dangerous on the break and took the lead on 35m. A telling cross from the left was cleverly headed in by WEEDON, to the delight of the travelling Bees fans. But within minutes the visitors were down to 10 men. Ollie Wilson tugged the shirt of Calverley, who reacted by kicking out at the Rec man. Result- yellow for Wilson, red for Calverley. HT 0-1.

Rec started the second half on the front foot. Hill tried a first-timer, wide and Rudd’s run and shot was pushed out by Scaddng in the Bees goal, who was in action again, saving well from Mickey Hubbard’s free-kick.

But on 65m Rec were level. Rudd, again, burst down the left and delivered a dangerous, low cross and in attempting to clear, Gall diverted the ball past his own keeper - 1-1.

Rec were now looking for the winner, but Scadding was in great form, saving at the feet of Rudd and tipping a classy turn and shot from Ash Boyt around the post. Indeed, the Bees still caused concerns for the home defence, who were grateful to clear a goalmouth scramble and then Aylunga blazed a half-chance way over, for the visitors.

Just as everyone was preparing for penalties Rec snatched the winner. Hill probed forward again, looked up, saw an opportunity and hit a beauty which dipped over the diving Scadding, into the top of the net, to put Rec in the final. FT 2-1.

A very entertaining game and all credit to 10 man Bridport for a battling performance.

24.2.24. Hamworthy Rec 4 Cove 1

With the BJM pitch still very wet the decision was taken early in the week to switch this game to the artificial surface at the County Ground. Our thanks, once again, to our friends at Ham United for their help in getting the game on.

Back in August Rec were held to a draw at Cove, so this was never going to be an easy game. Indeed, the visitors worked their socks off and made things difficult for Rec, without really troubling the home defence too much, but two late goals put a gloss on the scoreline for the hosts.

Rec had a couple of half chances, when George Deem’s header was just wide and Tyler Rudd’s low shot tested Wilson, in the Cove goal. But on 13m Rec went in front. Following a corner, Ben Cooper’s ball in from the right found CHRIS LONG to bury a header past Wilson.

A great saving tackle by Ollie Wilson thwarted a Cove break, but on 17m it was 1-1. A slick Cove move started on the left, was switched to the right and when the cross arrived there was NATHAN CONNOLLY to nod in at the far post.

Cove were playing a high press and not allowing Rec any time on the ball, but on 25m Rec edged in front. Long nodded the ball on for DEEM to poke in from close-range, with Cove appealing in vain for offside..

Long and Rudd both had chances to add to the scoreline and Cove caused problems from Woolliscroft’s long throw-ins. HT 2-1.

The second half started in a scrappy fashion, with Rec having plenty of the ball, but wasting too much. Cove’s best chance saw Woolliscroft power his header just over, following a corner.

Rec were winning plenty of free-kicks. From one of them Deem’s header drew a great save from Wilson, before Rec made the game safe on 83m. Rudd took another free-kick, from fully 35yds. His low effort arrowed towards goal and took a wicked deflection off a defender, to nestle inside the post, for 3-1.

Louis McWilliams’ goalbound shot was deflected over, before Rec put the icing on the cake on 88m, when OLLIE WILSON capped a fine individual performance by drilling in the fourth, following yet another free-kick.

FT 4-1.

6.2.24. Hamworthy Rec 3 Ash United 2

For the most part this was a frustrating night for Rec. The visitors from Surrey may be in the bottom five, but they put in a gutsy performance to prevent Rec playing their usual free-flowing game. The weather didn’t help. A strong, blustery wind and rain meant conditions were tricky throughout.

All five goals came in a crazy, final fifteen minutes, when Rec took the lead twice, only to be immediately pulled back and it took Chris Long’s 25th league goal, with virtually the last kick, to clinch the win and break Ash hearts.

It was a sign of things to come, when Ben Cooper’s early free-kick was pushed away by Dease Kerrison, in the Ash goal - he went on to have a fine game. He also denied George Deem, saving two free-kicks, one from 30 yards.

Despite having most of the play, Rec couldn’t find the breakthrough. They came close when Long’s shot was saved, Frank Rosenwald’s follow up blocked and Will Gage’s attempt flash across the face of goal. One more save by Kerrison ensured it was goalless at the interval. HT 0-0.

Rec chances continued into the second half, with Ollie Woolley’s shot clipping the bar and Deem’s clever chip into the box setting up Cooper, whose effort was just over.

Rec brought on subs, Tyler Rudd and Eddie Hodge and both made an Impact. Good work by Hodge set up Long, only for him to fire wide.

But just when it seemed the game was destined to be goalless Rec made the breakthrough, on 76m. Harvey Doe ventured down the right, with his pass finding DEEM, who cleverly clipped a first timer into the roof of the net. Surely the floodgates would open now? Oh no! Straight from the re-start the home defence dithered and KAREEM FOSTER won the ball, held off his marker and dribbled past keeper Matt Fredericks, to tap in the equaliser- 1-1.

Back came Rec, looking for a winner and on 88m Gage delivered a perfect ball in for LONG to power a header past Kerrison, for 2-1. Surely it was all over? Oh no! Incredibly, again, straight from the re-start Ash won a corner. It was curled into the goalmouth with pace and there was FOSTER to force the ball in, on the goalline for 2-2.

Was there time for another twist? Deep into stoppage time Rec mounted one last charge, with LONG gathering the ball just inside the area, finding space and thumping a winner past the diving Kerrison, to secure the points, to the delight of the home supporters.

FT 3-2.

3.2.24. Hamworthy Recreation 2 Newport 0

Another vital three points for Rec, but as expected, it was not easy. Newport are surely on their way back to better times and are a much improved side from early season. Until Rec went in front on the half hour there was nothing between the sides, but Rec then got on top and added another before the break to look comfortable. Although the hosts dominated second half possession Newport worked hard and defended well. In fact, it took two great saves from home stopper, Matt Fredericks, near the end, to ensure the points in a game of few real chances.

Ash Boyt initiated a chance for Chris Long to try his luck from distance, pushed away. Y Leon Pitman in the visitors goal. Newport rallied, with Jordan Browne’s shot deflected for a corner.

Rec rattled the bar, following a Ben Cooper free-kick and then his cross found Brian Foulger, whose header was saved by Pitman. For Newport, Browne’s turn and shot was saved, before Rec took the lead, on 28m. A neat move saw Boyt deliver a perfect low cross for LONG to finish, clinically at the near post, for 1-0.

For the first time Rec were now on top and doubled the lead on 36m. Another classy move set up BEN COOPER to smash a beauty past Pitman, from just inside the area. HT 2-0. An early second half run and cross from Ollie Woolley produced a half-chance for Long and for Newport, Thompsett tried a long ranger, comfortably saved by Fredericks. But the second half never really sprang to life until the latter stages, when the ever dangerous Browne tried a snap-shot, brilliantly tipped over by Fredericks, before the home keeper denied Newport again, with a great save from a free-kick. FT 2-0.

Special mention to Rec favourite, Ash Boyt, in his 18th season with the club, for a Man of the Match performance, in midfield. Like a fine wine....

27.1.24. Hamworthy Recreation 8 AFC Aldermaston 2

An emphatic win for Rec against Aldermaston, on their first visit to the BJM. Rec took an early lead and never looked back, at times overpowering their Berkshire based opponents, who, to their credit never gave up and pulled back a couple of goals. Chris Long helped himself to another hat-trick, taking his tally to 22 league goals, plus 10 in cups and there was a double for George Deem, but this was an impressive, all round performance, in front of a healthy crowd.

Rec were in front on 7m when LONG’s persistence paid off. Despite having defenders in front of him he forced his shot past Allen, in the visiting goal, from close in and just five minutes later he was at it again, picking up the ball just inside his opponents half and breaking down the left, finishing with a clinical, low shot, from a tight angle past Allen, for 2-0.

Matt Fredericks, in the home goal needed to be alert, saving in a one-on-one with Aldermaston skipper, Liam Springer, before Rec made it three on 20m. Rosenwald darted down the right and delivered a low cross for ASH BOYT to drill in his first goal of the season.

Zamia went close for the visitors, before it was four, when a clearance from the keeper fell nicely for LOUIS McWILLIAMS to hit a clever first time shot beyond Allen. Aldermaston had a glimmer of hope, three minutes before the break when RILEY DENNY hit a glorious free-kick, from the edge of the area, high into the roof of the net. HT 4-1.

Five minutes after the re-start Rec made it five when a defensive slip allowed ROSENWALD to turn and shoot past Allen. But on 65m the visitors claimed their second when SIMEON WEEKES was fouled in the box. The big striker picked himself up and thumped the penalty beyond Fredericks, for 5-2.

But the closing stages belonged to Rec. LONG completed his treble on 74m, charging through the middle and slotting past the keeper, before DEEM took his league tally to 18, drilling in a shot from the edge of the area on 85m and finishing with a thumping header from Long’s cross, in the last minute. FT 8-2.

23.1.24. Romsey Town 0 Hamworthy Recreation 3

In the end this was a comfortable win for Rec, but until they went in front on 21m via an own goal Romsey, for the second time this season, were proving difficult opponents. Another goal soon after meant Rec went into the break two up - Romsey would have felt aggrieved at that, but Rec took control in the second half, scored another and had the luxury of a penalty miss, to run out worthy winners.

Tyler Rudd’s early cross teed up Ben Cooper to shoot, which Chris Long fired over, but Romsey were confident on the ball, with Hawes causing problems down the right flank. Rec keeper, Matt Fredericks was also alert, beating Moreno in a race to a through-ball.

But after George Deem had struck the post Rec went in front when Brian Foulger’s shot from outside the area took a big deflection and looped over Sam White, in the home goal, for 0-1 and just four minutes later it was two. LONG picked up the ball on the half-way line and outpaced his marker and drilled a low shot into the corner, for his 19th league goal of the season. HT 0-2.

Ben Cooper’s early second half free-kick flew high over the bar, before Romsey were denied by Fredericks’ save from close-range, following a corner. That proved to be their best chance, because Rec took control from there and made it three on the hour. Deem’s free-kick on the edge of the area was parried by White and there was TOM COOPER to thump in the rebound, from close-range.

It should have been four, but Ben Cooper fired over from a penalty, on 65m, following a handball.

Rudd was proving a handful for the home defence, having two goalbound attempts saved by White and then setting up Long, whose shot was inches over. Rec did have the ball in the net again, near the end, but Lewis McMurdo’s header, from a corner, was ruled out for a foul.

FT 0-3.

6.1.24. Hamworthy Recreation 2 Clanfield 1

Rec battled back from a one goal deficit at the interval to earn a vital three points, to stay in second place. But this was a tough game, with Clanfield putting in an impressive showing, especially in the first half, but Rec got an early second half equaliser and looked much better, clinching the win with a late goal from recent signing Louis McWilliams - his second goal in two games.

Both sides started confidently, with Frank Rosenwald and Tyler Rudd going close for Rec, but it was the visitors who spurned the best chance when the tricky Towie set up Reeves, who blazed over the bar.

Rec were having plenty of the ball, but Clanfield were defending well and restricting the host’s chances. In fact, it was the visitors who had the best chance, with Dan Penfold’s turn and shot wide, before Fred Penfold was denied by a save, with his legs, by Matt Fredericks, in the home goal.

But on 39m Clanfield were in front. Towie, again, was involved and from a throw in the ball fell for REEVES the fire home. HT 0-1

A good half time talking to worked for Rec and they were level within five minutes of the restart. The ever dangerous Rudd controlled the ball near the corner flag, cut in along the by-line and drilled a low shot into the danger area, the ball deflecting off a defender for an own goal - 1-1.

Rec were now getting on top and Rudd was narrowly wide, as was a left footer from McWilliams, before Rosenwald cut in and drilled a shot across goal and just past the far post.

Just when it looked as though Clanfield had ridden the storm Rec struck the winner, on 75m. McWILLIAMS controlled well on the edge of the area and hit a beauty past the keeper, to make it 2-1.

George Deem almost made it three, but his drive hit the bar, before Towie, again, caused problems for the home defence, setting up Reeves, whose effort was deflected away for a corner. Bu it was Rec Man of the Match, Rudd, who had the last say with another driving run through the middle, only for his chip to fly over the bar.

FT 2-1.

23.12.23. Verwood Town 1 Hamworthy Rec 5

A combination of cup ties and postponements meant this was Rec’s first league game for a month. In the end it was a comfortable win, but Verwood battled well, especially in the first half, but two goals in the closing stages added extra gloss to the scoreline.

Rec took the lead on 12m. A long clearance from keeper Matt Fredericks found TYLER RUDD, who controlled well and slid the ball under Mitchell, in the home goal, for 0-1. But within two minutes Verwood were level. A dangerous break was thwarted by a good block from Fredericks, with Rec eventually conceding a needless free-kick, from which SMITH hit a screamer, direct from 25yds, into the top corner - 1-1.

Chris Long had a header saved, from Ben Cooper’s free-kick and was then denied by a last gasp tackle. But on 36m Rec regained the lead. Long’s effort was blocked by the keeper, with the ball falling for COOPER to slam in from close-range. HT 1-2.

Rec could have added another straight from the re-start, but George Deem’s clever shot was well tipped over by Mitchell, before Rec scored their third, on 53m. Ollie Woolley broke down the right and crossed for LONG to score with a glancing header. Rec were now well in control and Ash Boyt, Long and new signing Louis McWilliams all went close, before it was four, on 85m, when Cooper played his corner deep for RUDD to control and drill a beautiful low drive through a ruck of players, giving Mitchell no chance. With the last kick of the game, deep into stoppage time, McWILLIAMS added the icing on the Xmas cake, scoring on his debut, following an assist from Long.

FT 1-5.

A result that takes Rec back into top spot.

16.12.23. Isuzu FA Vase. Wells City 1 Hamworthy Rec 2

Rec are through to the last 32 of the Vase after this battling performance at Wells City. As in the previous round this was a gritty, all-round team effort. The bobbly, heavy pitch meant this was never going to be a game for the purists - indeed, there were long periods when play became scrappy, but Rec dug in, scored in both halves and withstood a late spell of pressure from the hosts to book their place in the next round.

Both sides were sizing up each other in the opening stages and there were no real chances. Wells had a good move thwarted at the expense of a corner and then blazed a half-chance over the bar, before Rec’s best move saw George Deem head wide from Chris Long’s cross.

But on 25m Rec went in front. Ben Cooper’s free-kick caused a scramble in the Wellls area and the ball fell to LEWIS McMURDO to slam in from close-range,to the delight of the travelling fans.

Back came Wells and Rec were grateful to Harvey Doe for a great tackle to deny a chance. After Murrell had headed over for Wells, Rec had a neat move, with Frank Rosenwald’s cross met by Deem, only to be denied by a brilliant tip-over from Wilkinson in the home goal. HT 0-1.

Wells came out all guns blazing and put Rec under pressure with a series of corners, culminating in a great save by Rec stopper, Matt Fredericks, from a goalbound shot from the edge of the area.

But on 57m the lead was doubled. Again, it all started from a Cooper free-kick into the area, which deflected off the head of a defender and fell for BRIAN FOULGER to sweep a first-time shot across Wilkinson and inside the far post, for 0-2.

Wells were not out of it yet and Fredericks had to make another vital tip-over, before Wells missed with a header from close-range. But they were rewarded on 80m, when HARRY WARWICK, who had been a threat all game, broke down the left and unleashed a glorious, low drive beyond Fredericks and into the far corner.

The final 10m ( plus an additional 10! ) were hectic, with Wells having a penalty shout turned down and a player sin binned, but the Rec defence were heroes to a man and held firm - indeed, it was Rec who could have added a third in the closing seconds, with Long’s shot blocked by the keeper and another effort crashing against the bar.

FT 1-2.

GREEN ARRRRRRRRRMY!

12.12.23. Dorset Senior Cup. Hamworthy Rec 3 Gillingham 2

This game was eventually played at the fifth attempt, after postponements for floods and floodlight failure. With the BJM pitch still soggy the game was switched to the artificial surface at our good friends, Ham United. Our sincere thanks to them.

After dominating the game for long periods and going 2-0 up, Rec were hanging on at the end, after Gill sprang to life in the final twenty minutes and scored twice. But the home defence with Harvey Doe in fine form held firm.

Rec started in lively fashion with Tyler Rudd catching the eye. His early cross just eluded Frank Rosenwald, before another dangerous cross was cleared. But on 25m Rec were in front. A glorious ball through the middle from George Deem set RUDD away to cooly round Jones, in the Gill goal, and slot in for 1-0.

Rec were playing some neat football, but Gill were getting men behind the ball and defending well. Ben Cooper’s free-kick just missed the head of Lewis McMurdo and Ollie Woolley’s low cross eluded a green shirt. Gill’s best foray forward saw a free-kick headed clear by McMurdo. HT 1-0.

Rec had a great chance to double the lead right from the re-start, but Rosenwald’s one on one with the keeper saw Jones make an easy block.

On 67m it was 2-0, with a good move. Chris Long set Rudd away on the right and his low cross was tapped in at the far post by DEEM.

Gill had a chance from a defensive error, but Josh Haskett fired across the face of goal. But this encouraged Gill and a spell of pressure brought a goal on 85m, HASKETT neatly tucking the ball in from close-range, before Rec scored their third. Rosenwald controlled well in the area and squared for COOPER to fire a deflected shot through a ruck of players and into the net for 3-1.

Still Rec could not rest easy, as back came Gill and in the 89m HARRY LOCK drilled in a low drive, following a clearance from a free-kick. Five minutes of stoppage time followed, but Rec held firm to book their place in the next round.

FT 3-2.

25.11..23. East Cowes Victoria 2 Hamworthy Rec 2

A traffic problem and missed ferry meant the Rec entourage rolled into Beatrice Avenue an hour later than hoped. Vics kindly agreed to delay kick off until 3.30 to allow the visitors a decent warm-up. Rec knew this would be a tough game and so it turned out. Vics were a very well organised side who attacked well and showed great resilience in defence. In the end a draw was a fair result.

Vics were lively from the off and both Nash and Snow had decent chances, but it was Rec who went in front on 11m. Ben Cooper’s free-kick found George Deem, whose attempt was parried by home stopper, Ram, with the rebound falling for HARVEY DOE to slam in his sixth goal of the season, from close-range.

Vics were dangerous on the break and gave the Rec defence plenty to think about, but it was the visitors who should have doubled the lead when Tyler Rudd’s pass into the box saw Ben Cooper dummy the ball when a shot would surely have been better.

HT 0-1.

Vics were level within five minutes of the restart, when REYNOLDS shrugged off defenders and skilfully planted his shot wide of Matt Fredericks, for 1-1. But it was Rec who regained the lead on 55m. Deem cleverly headed on for EDDIE HODGE, who beat the offside trap and cooly slotted past the advancing Ram, for his first goal for Rec. Rudd’s effort was just wide, before Vics were dealt a blow when Snow was sent off for a second yellow, which seemed a bit harsh.

Vics never let their heads drop and were back level on 67m. Skipper CAL CHASE, up from the back, hit a snap-shot from 15 yards, which flew beyond Fredericks and into the top corner, for 2-2.

With the man advantage Rec went for a winner and Long, Deem and Rudd all had half-chances, but Vics defended gallantly, with Ram making a great, diving save in stoppage time to ensure a share of the spoils.

FT 2-2.

18.11.23. Hamworthy Recreation 11 Whitchurch United 1

Another classy performance from Rec, as they notched the biggest win in the division so far this season. With Rec’s BJM ground falling victim to the weather the match was switched to the excellent artificial pitch at Shaftesbury. Credit must go to Rec officers for hastily arranging all this, on Friday, with Whitchurch kindly agreeing.

Rec went in front on 8m when Ben Cooper’s free-kick was headed in at the far post by HARVEY DOE. There then followed a six minute hat-trick by GEORGE DEEM, with goals in the 10th minute after good work by Tyler Rudd and Ollie Woolley, 11m following another great run by Rudd and a penalty on 16m, after Rudd had been fouled.

After this opening blitz Whitchurch, to their credit, settled and pulled a goal back on 29m. A neat move on the left saw the ball nicely for CHARLIE MUMFORD to drill a beauty past Matt Fredericks, in the home goal. HT 4-1.

In the first minute of the second half RUDD made it five, when he ran at the defence and drilled his shot beyond Nash. DEEM scored his fourth on 57m, slamming in from close-range after Frank Rosenwald had hit the bar.

The plucky Jam Boys never gave up and went close when a low cross flashed across the face of goal, but it was Rec who finished with a flurry of goals. On 70m CHRIS LONG headed in after Rudd’s shot had been blocked and five minutes later ROSENWALD was on the scoresheet, cutting in from the left and firing a beauty across Nash. OLLIE WILSON went marauding down the left and hit a screamer, for number nine and double figures followed on 86m with a great, diving header by LONG from Rosenwald’s cross.

In the final minute it was eleven when Tom Cooper’s pinpoint cross was touched in by LONG, to claim his treble.

FT 11-1.

Many thanks to Shaftesbury FC for agreeing to all this and for their excellent hospitality.

11.11.23. Isuzu FA Vase. Round 2.

Fairford Town 0 Hamworthy Rec 1

A 7th minute goal from top scorer Chris Long booked Rec a place in Round 3 of the Vase in their first year in the competition. The Rec hot-shot has now scored nine times in the four matches played, but this was a battling, all-round, team performance against a very capable side who play one step above Rec in the pyramid and whose quality showed throughout. It says much for the Rec defence that they restricted Fairford to very few clear-cut chances, with keeper Matt Fredericks only having to make comfortable saves and it was Rec who had the better opportunities to add to their lead.

It was a typical “blood and guts” cup tie, with Fairford not allowing Rec to get the ball down and play their normal flowing game. But equally, Rec battled impressively to deny the hosts.

Rec had plenty of support in the crowd at the homely Cinder Lane ground and the “Green Army” had plenty to cheer about on 7m, when Brad Hill delivered a great cross to the far post where LONG’s header looped across the face of goal and nestled inside the far post, for a dream start for Rec - 0-1.

Fairford responded immediately and had, what turned out, to be their best chance, when the Impressive Jamal Lawrence burst into the box and drilled a low shot across Fredericks, only to smack the base of the post and be cleared. Lawrence was proving a handful and tried his luck with a cross-cum-shot into the side netting, before George Deem’s header was wide, at the other end. For the hosts, Mahon had a turn and shot saved by Fredericks, before Rec missed a great chance of a second, right on the break, when Tyler Rudd set up Long who rolled his shot inches wide of the post. HT 0-1.

There was another chance for Rec right at the start of the second half, when Ben Cooper narrowly missed target after good work by Deem, before Long went close with a spectacular over head attempt from Hill’s cross.

For the hosts, Lawrence saw his snap-shot saved by the Rec stopper, before an ugly confrontation between Rudd and Edwards which brought play to a halt and enabled referee Mr Celik to flash a few yellow cards. Yellow was replaced by red on 65m, when McSharry, for the hosts was shown a second yellow, for a foul. To their credit, Fairford did’nt let their heads drop and the one man difference was not really obvious.

Cooper drilled a shot over, from a corner and the reliable Fredericks fisted away a Fairford free-kick as Rec held out for a famous win.

At the final whistle the players ran over to celebrate with the “Green Army” to complete a memorable day and a great team performance.

FT 0-1

21.10.23. Hamworthy Recreation 4 Bovey Tracey 0

Another impressive performance from Rec to make it through to the second round of the Isuzu FA Vase. A penalty after ten minutes put them on their way against their opponents from Devon. It was a good, all-round showing from Rec, with top scorer, Chris Long notching his second hat-trick of the competition to give him 22goals in all competitions this season. Rec played some delightful football at times and could have added to the scoreline with more precise finishing.

There were early chances for Rec, with George Deem denied by Dom Aplin, in the Bovey goal and Ben Cooper’s free-kick hitting the bar. But on 10m it was 1-0, with Long bundled over in the area by O’Callaghan and DEEM firing the penalty low to the keeper’s right.

Bovey had a chance when Walters made a clever run into the area, but rolled his shot wide. That was to prove costly, because on 28m Rec doubled the lead. Rudd played a telling pass to LONG, who beat Aplin from close-range.

Rudd then saw his low drive pushed away, before Rec made it three, on 43m. Ben Cooper initiated the move to Eddie Hodge, whose low ball across the face of goal was tapped in at the far post by LONG. HT 3-0.

Rec were looking for an early second half goal to put the game to bed and nearly got it when Long’s cross fell for Deem, only for him to mis-kick. A telling ball from Cooper found Deem, again, whose shot was blocked, with Rudd firing the rebound wide.

But on 55m it was four. Hodge played a great ball inside the defence to Frank Rosenwald. His shot was blocked by Aplin, but the ball ran nicely for LONG to tap in and complete his treble.

Bovey were playing some neat, slick football, but rarely troubled the home defence, for whom Harvey Doe was in outstanding form. The closest the Devonians came was a goalbound shot from Joseph, cleverly tipped over by Matt Fredericks in the home goal.

Long almost claimed another when his cross from the byline was pushed away by the busy Aplin.

FT 4-0.

14.10.23. Hamworthy Recreation 6 Frimley Green 0

A superb first half showing from Rec, where they ran in five goals, meant this game was effectively over by the interval. Frimley were hit by an early blitz as Rec played some impressive football. The hosts eased off in the second half and to their credit, Frimley never gave up and looked much better, restricting Rec to only one more goal.

It was a sign of things to come when Rec top scorer, Chris Long rattled the woodwork with a spectacular overhead effort, in the opening minutes, but on 6m the hosts were on their way. New signing, Eddie Hodge, drilled in a low cross for LONG to tap in at the far post.

The visitors responded and home keeper, Callum Watson, produced a great save from Jones, tipping the ball over, despite being wrong-footed.

And the other end Frimley keeper, Chris Harris, was a busy man, tipping over two inswinging corners from Brad Hill, but he was unable to prevent Rec doubling the lead on 20m, when Ben Cooper’s free-kick found WILL GAGE, to turn in from close-range. Two minutes later it was 3-0 when LONG’s header nestled inside the post, to put Rec firmly in control.

It was four on 28m, with a brilliant solo goal from TYLER RUDD, shrugging off defenders, rounding Harris and slotting in. George Deem saw his goalbound shot well saved by Harris, before it was five on the half-hour when Ollie Woolley’s pinpoint cross was headed firmly into the top corner by DEEM.

Frimley tried to get back into it and Joint fired an attempt across the face of the Rec goal, before another probing run by Rudd set up Cooper, only to be denied by a fine save from Harris. HT 5-0.

With the game won, Rec eased off and Frimley saw more of the ball, restricting Rec to much fewer chances. But on 66m James King was fouled in the area, for a penalty. Long stepped up, but was denied a hat-trick by a great save from Harris, the rebound falling nicely for KING to stab in from close-range.

FT 6-0.

10.10.23. Hamworthy Recreation 2 Romsey Town 0

A George Deem double clinched a precious three points for Rec - but it was not easy! Romsey were a very impressive side and could count themselves unlucky to be trailing at the interval - Rec taking the lead minutes before the break. An exciting second half saw both teams having chances and defending well in equal measure, with Rec claiming a second goal right at the end.

There was an early chance for the visitors, with Jeffrey picking up a loose ball and firing just wide of Matt Fredericks goal. Tyler Rudd and Ash Boyt combined to set up Chris Long, but his shot was over the top. But it was Romsey who were playing neat, slick football, stretching the home defence to the limit. They had the ball in the net, only to be ruled out for a foul on Fredericks. Then Jeffrey blazed wide, before Dotse beat the keeper to the ball, only to find the side netting.

Rec settled and finished the half strongly. Long hooked a shot wide, before they took the lead on 42m. Long supplied the pass, which Ben Cooper cleverly dummied, to allow DEEM to crash his shot past Bartram, in the Romsey goal, for 1-0 at HT.

Rec had an early second half chance when Cooper’s shot was blocked, with James Guthrie unable to reach the rebound. Back came Romsey, with Fredericks making a great reaction save from Hawks and Will Gage producing a vital, saving tackle.

Rudd then showed his class, slipping in Long, only to be denied by the linesman’s offside flag (looked harsh to us unbiased supporters!) before the Rec midfielder’s solo run was blocked at the expense of a corner.

Fredericks made another brave save and picked up a painful injury, but was able to continue and promptly made a great block on the line, to frustrate Romsey again, before, on 87m, Rec scored their second. The tireless Rudd delivered a perfect ball into the danger zone, for DEEM to pounce and clinch the points. There was still time for Rec to add a third, but Cooper sliced his shot wide, after good work by Long.

FT 2-0.

7.10.23. Hamworthy Rec 10 Andover Town 2

It was a goal-fest at the BJM, with Rec rattling in double figures. In this fixture last season Rec scored five, with Chris Long claiming a hat-trick. Both those figures were doubled here, with Long scoring six in the first half, the take his tally in all competitions to 17.

It was a dream start for the hosts, with a goal after just 41 seconds. Tyler Rudd surged down the left and his low cross was tapped in at the far post by the unmarked LONG. On 8m the lead was doubled when James Guthrie was brought down by Andover keeper Bufton. LONG’s trusty left foot converted the spot kick, for number two.

The visiting defence was in disarray and this was highlighted on 16m when a Ben Cooper corner found LONG at the far post, completely unmarked, to head in for a very speedy hat-trick. Number four soon followed, on 24m, when the impressive Rudd found LONG, on the right, who cut in and drilled past Bufton, into the far corner and just five minutes later LONG, again, found space on the right and his low shot made it 5-0.

On 34m it was six, when LONG showed good control on the edge of the area, with his deflected shot looping over Bufton and into the net.

Things then got even worse for Andover when Wheeler was harshly sent off for an innocuous foul on Deem. HT 6-0.

Within two minutes of the re-start it was seven, when Guthrie pulled back for GEORGE DEEM to fire home. Ash Boyt then headed against the post and keeper Bufton made two great saves, before Rec made it eight, on 57m, with RUDD rounding the keeper and rolling in and the midfielder’s second arrived on 75m, after good work by Deem.

An 80th minute penalty for handball gave RUDD the chance to claim his hat-trick, which he did, thumping his kick high into the top corner, for 10-0.

To Andover’s credit they kept going and looked much better in the closing stages, pulling a couple of goals back in the 82nd and 84th minutes. The impressive GAY notched the first, before SAMUDA scored the goal of the game, from distance.

FT 10-2.

3.10.23. League Cup. Hamworthy Rec 1 Moneyfields 1 (Moneys win 8-7 on pens)

Rec bowed out of the League Cup on penalties, after this entertaining game at the BJM finished level at 90 minutes. Rec edged the first half, but their Premier League opponents were stronger in the second and a draw at full-time was fair. After a poor previous shoot-out Rec performed much better here, scoring 7 from 9, only to be pipped by their opponents going one better.

Rec won an early free-kick, when Chris Long was fouled, only for Ben Cooper’s effort to be blocked by the wall. Then Tyler Rudd played in Long, only for Kramer in the visiting goal, to save comfortably.

Money’s responded well, with a snapshot from Bridgman, well saved by Callum Watson, soon to be followed by another good save from the home keeper, this time to deny Dellaud.

But it was Rec looking the more likely and they went in front on 34m, when George Deem broke and played in LONG, who ran on and thumped a beauty high into the top corner for his 11th goal in all competitions, giving Kramer no chance.

Moneys then had a good spell and Rec were grateful to Ollie Wilson for a timely block, to deny them an equaliser. But it was Rec who nearly doubled the lead right on half-time when Long’s header was deflected over the bar. HT 1-0.

Moneys were level four minutes into the re-start, when an incisive move saw MAX ALLEN dart into the area and drill a low shot beyond Watson, for 1-1.

The visitors were now getting on top and Allen was proving a handful to the home defence. Watson made another fine save, tipping a goalbound shot over the bar, before Moneys hit the post in a goalmouth scramble.

Rec steadied the ship and Rudd saw two good efforts pushed away by Kramer, followed by another vital save, to deny Long.

Both sides looked for a winner in the closing minutes, to prevent the dreaded penalty shoot-out, but Long’s attempt was cleared off the line and Allen’s chance was blocked at the other end.

FT 1-1. ( 7-8 on pens) A very entertaining game, good luck to Moneyfields in the next round.

Match Report – Hamworthy Recreation v Bournemouth – 23 September 2023 – IZUSU FA Vase

Hamworthy Recreation welcomed local club, Bournemouth (Poppies), to the BJM Stadium for the second qualifying round of the ISUZU FA Vase.

This was a much-anticipated game against Poppies who are with us in the Velocity Wessex League but being in the Premier League are one League above Ham Rec.

Things didn’t start well for Rec who were 1-0 down after only 4 minutes. Keeper Matty Fredericks brought down a Bournemouth player in the penalty box and Poppies player Jaden Medcraff stepped up to score from the spot, 1-0 to Poppies. Rec didn’t seem to get into the game and Poppies second goal came on 14 minutes when James Stocker found himself one on one with Matty to score Bournemouth’s second.

The Rec then got a grip on the game with a few good chances with Brad Cherrett getting the ball into the Poppies net from a corner on 34 minutes to make it 2-1 to Poppies. The score was evened up on 40 minutes when Brad Cherrett got his second goal of the game to make the score 2-2 at the half time break.

The second half started better for Poppies with Joe Freak blasting a shot which Matty Fredericks managed to tip over the bar. On 60 minutes Rec went ahead to make it 3-2 when Tyler Rudd scored. Rec began to make the next round look secure when two minutes last George Deem make it 4-2 straight from a free kick just outside the Poppies box to beat Jakub Lewiarz in the Poppies goal

The final goal of the game came on 80 minutes when Chris Long rose high to meet the ball from a cross to make a strong header into the back of the Poppies net.

This was an entertaining match in front of the largest crowd of the season at 164.

Full time 5-2

Report by temporary stand in reporter, Mike Pomeroy, whilst John is away on holiday
Thankfully John will be back for the next report

19.9.23 - Hamworthy Rec 4 Fawley AFC 0

This was Fawley’s second trip to the BJM Stadium at Magna Road this season after their visit in August for round one of the ISUZU FA Vase where the hosts came out 5–1 winner to progress to the second round.

On a very wet Tuesday evening FAWLEY no doubt wanted to make amends for their previous loss and are a good team and Committee to host. Fawley started the game strongly and within the first five minutes had an appeal for a penalty turned down by the referee, Macaulay Antell. Both teams had good chances in an end-to-end game with shots going wide or over the bar.

However, the hosts went ahead on 40 minutes when a Ben Cooper corner found George Deem whose glancing header found the back of the net. Half Time 1 -0 to the Rec.

The second half saw Chris Long continuing to cause problems for Fawley with a couple of runs with shots at the Fawley keeper, Jamie Bruce, one of which he spilled but Chris was not able to get to the rebound. On 70 minutes Rec scored from another corner when Chris Long rose high to score with a firm header making the score 2-0.

On 77 minutes Fawley were reduced to 10 men for a ten-minute sin bin period and three minutes later the hosts pushed forward and were awarded a penalty which Chris Long took to beat keeper Bruce for his second of the game.

Rec’s fourth goal and Chris Longs hat trick came on 88 minutes when Tyler Rudd was brought down in the penalty area for Chris Long to step up for his second penalty and third of the game with a firm shot into the roof of the net to make the final score 4-0.

Both teams played well in challenging conditions and Fawley kept trying to the end of the game.

Report by temporary stand in reporter, Mike Pomeroy, whilst John is away on holiday

16.9.23. Newport 0 Hamworthy Rec 3

Rec earned their first “overseas” victory with this win over Newport. It was not a vintage performance from the visitors, but they were always the better side and should have had more than a solitary goal lead at the break. But an early second half strike put Rec firmly in control. The hosts defended well, especially in the first half, but lacked a cutting edge up front and only really threatened towards the closing stages, by which time the points were virtually ensured.

Rec were in front on 6m. Chris Long’s low cross was cleared, at the expense of a corner, from which LEWIS McMURDO rose at the far post to plant his header just inside the post. Frank Rosenwald and Long then combined to set up George Deem, whose attempt was cleared off the line, before Rosenwald’s low shot was the wrong side of the post.

Rec were playing some impressive football, but several moves broke down in the final third, mainly because of some dogged defending by the hosts. As Rec looked to add to their lead Rosenwald’s cross just eluded Deem, before Rec’s top scorer blazed over following good work by Ollie Woolley. HT 0-1.

The lead was doubled within five minutes of the re-start, with a classy goal. Long nodded on to Deem, who played in ROSENWALD to cleverly hook the ball over the advancing Pitman, in the home goal, for 0-2. The home stopper was in action again, saving from Deem and denying Rec following a series of corners, with his confident handling.

Newport tried to find a way back and Butcher tried a rare attempt, but over the bar and the outcome was the same with Browne’s header from a corner. Younie showed good control, but again, shot over, before Butcher produced Ports first shot on target - well tipped over by Matt Fredericks, in the Rec goal.

But the game was over on 86m when the impressive Ben Cooper combined with Long to tee up TYLER RUDD, whose firm, low shot evaded Pitman, for number three.

9.9.23. Hamworthy Rec 3 Totton & Eling 1

Given the sweltering conditions, this was never going to be a classic, but credit to both teams for producing a good, competitive game. The kick off was delayed to 3.30 as Totton were held up in traffic, coming down to the newly named BJM stadium.

It was a dream start for Rec with a goal after 6m. Tom Cooper delivered a perfect cross from the right, to FRANK ROSENWALD at the far post, to control and rifle a shot across the face of goal and into the far corner, for 1-0.

Totton then took advantage of a defensive error, with Mott firing just over, before a dangerous free-kick saw Batley’s header go inches wide. The visitors were having a good spell, with Mott’s shot saved by Rec stopper, Matt Fredericks and Hurst’s attempt go wide.

Back came Rec and Chris Long, Rosenwald and Tyler Rudd all combined, before the latter fired over and right on the interval Ben Cooper’s effort from Long’s cross was also off target. HT 1-0.

The Millers started the second half brightly and deservedly equalised on 55m, when a fine attempt from DANNY CLARKE gave Fredericks no chance, 1-1. The same player then missed a chance to put his side in front, firing wide from a dangerous cross.

But Rec settled and were back in front on the hour. LONG had seen a previous shot go wide, but made no mistake with a 25 yarder, low beyond Taylor, in the visiting goal, to put Rec 2-1 up.

It was nearly three immediately after, but Ben Cooper’s lob was saved by Taylor, before a Rec defensive slip gifted Totton a chance, with Rec grateful to see the ball run out of play.

The Millers were certainly not out of it and Magookin’s dipping free-kick was only inches over the bar. But it was Rec who finished strongly, with George Deem and Long combining well, with the latter smacking the post, before Rec settled matters on 83m, when James King fed Ben Cooper, whose cross was touched in by DEEM, to claim his 7th league goal of the season.

FT 3-1,

2.9.23. Hamworthy Rec 4 Millbrook 2

Millbrook came to Magna Road as the division’s top scorers and it was easy to see why. They were impressive in attack, especially in the first half and gave the home defence plenty of anxious moments. But a good second half showing clinched the points for Rec. Hero of the day was George Deem, with a classy hat-trick, who took his tally to 7 in 8 games.

The opening goal for Rec came on 11m, when Chris Long played in DEEM who lashed his shot high into the top corner, beyond Plunkett, in the Millbrook goal. But the lead was short-lived and the visitors were level on 15m when a cross from the right was neatly tucked away at the far post by MARLON MASON. Millbrook were playing some fast, direct football and giving the home defenders plenty of problems. They rattled the bar from a corner and Stapleton shot just wide, before Borher hooked a chance over. Then they had a goal ruled out for offside, before Rec had a decent spell, with Long heading over. But on 42m Rec were back in front. After a scramble in the area the ball fell for DEEM to thump a first-timer into the other corner, for 2-1.

Back came Millbrook just a minute later and it was MASON again, doing the damage, shrugging off a challenge, running through and cooly lobbing Matt Fredericks, in the home goal, for 2-2 at HT.

A lively opening to the second half saw Rec re-take the lead, on the hour. A clever home attack saw James King deliver a perfect ball in and there was DEEM to power in a header, to claim his treble - 3-2.

Tyler Rudd, having another fine game for Rec, won the ball on the half-way line and charged forward, shrugging off challenges, only for his shot to cannon against the post, denying him what would have been a wonderful goal.

Millbrook were still dangerous on the break and Fredericks made a great block to deny Drake, before Mason missed his chance for a treble by firing wide. Then Fredericks was in action again, saving a chance right on the goalline.

But the Rec defence did their job well and the icing on the cake came deep into stoppage time when TOM COOPER burst into the box and smashed his shot beyond Plunkett. FT 4-2.

Another entertaining game- a credit to both teams.

29.8.23. Downton 1 Hamworthy Rec 2

This was a great advert for the league. Both sides served up a thrilling game, with plenty of action and some classy goals. Surely, both will be pushing for a play-off place come May. Previously unbeaten Downton put Rec under intense pressure during the second half, but the visiting defence defended heroically, protecting their first half lead, built up after dominating the opening half-hour.

It was the perfect start for Rec, with a great goal after only 3m. A neat team move saw Frank Rosenwald bear down on goal and unselfishly lay off for BEN COOPER to drill a first-time low shot into the far corner, for 0-1.

The Robins responded with Krysztofowicz setting up a chance for Jamie Smith, who fired wide, before Krystofowicz delivered another dangerous cross which Rec keeper Matt Fredericks palmed away.

Rec were playing some impressive football and Tyler Rudd saw his effort saved by home keeper, Will Betts, before Rec doubled the lead on 21m. Another good move allowed Rudd to slip in CHRIS LONG, who shrugged off a challenge and fired inside the left-hand post, beyond Betts.

For Downton, ex Rec favourite, Joe Smith was looking dangerous, being brought down on the edge of the area on two occasions - both free-kicks wasted. HT 0-2.

Rec braced themselves for a second half onslaught, but it was George Deem, for Rec, with a chance when his cross-cum-shot was cleared. The Robins kept pressing and Krysztofowicz beat the offside flag, with a burst down the right, but firing wide, before the arrears were reduced on 73m, when CLARKE shot past Fredericks through a crowded penalty area, to make it 1-2.

Joe Smith then produced a smart turn and shot - saved well by Fredericks. But it was Rec who nearly scored again when the tireless Deem created a chance for Long, only for Betts to save well and then Ben Cooper’s corner rattling the post.

Rec central defenders, Harvey Doe and Lewis McMurdo did their jobs admirably to keep the hosts at bay and it was Rec who nearly added a third, right at the end, when Betts saved well to deny Deem. FT 1-2.

A very entertaining game - well done both sides.

25.8.23. FA Vase. Hamworthy Rec 5 Fawley AFC 1

Rec’s first ever appearance in the FA Vase was a big success with this emphatic win over Fawley. Friday night, under the lights at Magna Road drew a decent crowd, who were well entertained all game. Chris Long was among the goals, with a hat-trick, but this was an Impressive, all round showing.

Rec started on the front foot, but it was Fawley who posed a problem for the hosts with a free-kick on the edge of the area by Watkins, which brought a good save from Matt Fredericks, in the home goal. But it was Rec who were showing the most promise, with Frank Rosenwald’s cross-cum shot pushed over by The Oiler’s custodian, Jamie Bruce, with the resulting corner scrambled clear.

Long, Harvey Doe and George Deem all went close, but the Fawley defence were repelling all chances, so it was ironic that Rec went ahead with a soft goal. LONG’s shot on 36m was saved by Bruce, but the ball squirmed from his grasp and his desperate attempts couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line, for 1-0 at HT.

Rec needed a quick second half goal to confirm their superiority and they got two within the opening five minutes. On 48m Ben Cooper’s free-kick was cleared, but only as far as DEEM, who smashed in his fourth goal of the season, to double the lead and two minutes later Rosenwald’s mazy run into the area saw him upended, for a penalty. Up strode LONG to convert and put Rec into a commanding lead, 3-0.

To their credit Fawley looked for a way back into the game and they did have the ball in the Rec net, only to be ruled out for a foul on Fredericks. But their persistence paid off on 69m, when they won a penalty, duly converted by skipper, DECLAN HARTIGAN.

Rec came back strongly and on 80m Rosenwald ran on to a through-ball and unselfishly laid off to LONG, whose trusty left foot swept the ball in, to clam his treble and 4-1.

The scoring was complete a minute from time, when Doe’s powerful, clearing header set up ROSENWALD to run on and cooly plant his shot beyond Bruce, for number five.

FT 5-1.

An excellent result for Rec and all credit to The Oiler’s for a spirited showing.

19.8.23. Cove 3 Hamworthy Rec 3

A headed goal from Harvey Doe, four minutes from time, rescued a precious point for Rec on their first visit to Cove. It was Rec’s least impressive showing of the season and after being 3-1 down at one point, a draw seemed unlikely, but with the hosts going down to ten men at the start of the second half, Rec were happy to settle for a point.

Rec had five regulars out and their cause was not helped when Ash Boyt was injured in the warm-up and had to withdraw.

It was a perfect start for Cove, with a goal after just 17 seconds. From the kick off the ball was played to Hampson, whose cross from the right was neatly touched in at the near post by CONNOLLY.

But Rec were level within two minutes, when Ben Cooper delivered a perfect free-kick into the area for GEORGE DEEM to head past Szepreti in the home goal.

Deem had another chance saved by the keeper and for Cove, Stepney’s attempt was deflected over. But midway through the half Cove went in front again. A free-kick caused problems in the Rec defence and CONNOLLY produced a clever turn and shot to beat Matt Fredericks, in the Rec goal. Riley fired a good chance over the top, as Cove looked to increase their lead, before Cooper’s free-kick brought a brave save from Szepreti. HT 2-1.

There was a big blow to Cove at the start of the second period, when Stepney was shown a second yellow, reducing the hosts to 10 men, but it didn’t deter them as they added to their lead on 58m, when EDMUNDSON controlled well in the area and curled a speculative beyond Fredericks, for 3-1.

Rec were looking down and out, but pulled themselves back into contention on 70m, when Brad Cherrett, easily Rec’s best player on the day, set up James King, whose low cross was stabbed in by BEN COOPER, for his first goal for the club.

Rec were now in the ascendency and rattled the bar with another chance, before, on 86m, following a corner, Deem saw his shot strike the bar and there was DOE to nod in the rebound from close-range to earn a very grateful point for Rec.

FT 3-3.

15.8.23. Fleetlands 2 Hamworthy Rec 3

A battling, all-round team performance saw Rec earn a precious three points at much-fancied Fleetlands. The game was a good advert for the league and on this showing, surely, both teams will be aiming for lofty positions come next May.

Both sides started well, playing good, attacking football, with Rec taking a deserved lead, then conceding two goals in a minute, before equalising just before the break. A goal from sub, James King midway through the second half clinched the points for the visitors.

After a confident opening Rec went in front on 12m, when a Ben Cooper corner on the right was powerfully headed home by GEORGE DEEM, giving home keeper Carroll no chance. Martin, for the hosts, tried his luck from distance, but was wide, before Frank Rosenwald’s trickery set up Aaron Rodriguez, only for Carroll to block with his feet.

Harvey Doe saw his glancing header clear the far post as Rec looked to extend their lead, but it was the hosts who then took the upper hand, with two quick goals. On 36m Rec failed to clear and WRAPSON took full advantage, burying his shot past Matt Fredericks, in the Rec goal and straight from the kick off Rec gifted the ball to Fleetlands and WRAPSON was on the spot again to put his side in front.

Undeterred, Rec battled back and equalised three minutes before the break. Cooper’s corner caused problems in the home defence, with the ball falling for ROSENWALD to smash in for 2-2 at HT.

Fleetlands started the second half with O’Brien forcing Fredericks into a save, before Ollie Woolley’s free-kick found Deem who set up Cooper, only for his shot to be blocked.

But on 68m Rec scored the winning goal. KING came on as a sub and his first action saw him collect Woolley’s pass and weave his way into the area, shrugging off a challenge and squeezing the ball past Carroll, for 2-3.

Fleetlands came back strongly, but the confident Fredericks and his defence coped with all the hosts could muster, as Rec held out for a vital win. FT 2-3.

Thanks to all at Fleetlands for their usual kind hospitality.

12.8.23. Follands Sports 0 Hamworthy Rec 4

An emphatic first half showing made it three wins from three for Rec on their visit to Follands. Heavy traffic meant the kick off was delayed, but it didn’t deter Rec who stormed into a four goal lead after just 38 minutes. The tempo, not surprisingly, dropped in the second half and play became scrappy at times as the hosts looked for a way back, but the Rec defence, well lead by the impressive Harvey Doe, held firm.

Rec started well, with Brad Cherrett instrumental in midfield and went in front on 18m. A cross was headed back across goal by George Deem and there was DOE to get his head to the ball, from close range, to make it 0-1. Just three minutes later it was two, when Frank Rosenwald crossed for Deem to shoot and home keeper Juskelis to block, with the ball falling nicely for ROSENWALD to volley a beauty, for his first goal of the season.

Rec were in control and on 25m another classy move saw CHERRETT slam a low shot from the edge of the area, for number three.

Follands first hint of danger saw Marcinkoshi’s shot well saved by Matt Fredericks, in the Rec goal. As the hosts had a spell of pressure Fredericks saved again from Haylor, before Hooper saw his effort trickle wide of the post.

But it was Rec who stamped their authority on the game on 38m, when BEN COOPER’s corner on the left flew directly into the net, to make it 0-4 at HT.

Follands started the second period brightly and Hooper was denied by a great tackle by Doe, but it was Rec who almost added another when Fredericks’ long clearance found Tyler Rudd, only for his shot to be straight at the keeper.

Follands were denied a goal from a corner, ruled out for a foul on Fredericks and the speedy Nyakumbi was a constant threat to the Rec defence. But as play became scrappy Rec were happy to settle for the scoreline and secure the points.

FT 0-4.

8.8.23. Ringwood Town 1 Hamworthy Rec 3

Rec made it two wins from two after this encounter at Long Lane. Rec never reached top gear, but were always in control of the game. They were guilty of some poor finishing in the first half and only led by one goal at the break, but after the hosts had levelled in the second half they secured the points with two quick goals.

Rec were in front after only 8m when Tyler Rudd broke down the middle and set up CHRIS LONG to notch his first goal of the season. Rec’s top scorer from last season then had a good chance to double the lead, but his turn and shot from Frank Rosenwald’s cross was wide.

Ringwood’s first chance of note saw Smith fire well wide, before Fishlock’s shot across goal was deflected for a corner.

But it was Rec creating the better chances and Rosenwald’s run set up Ben Cooper, whose shot was deflected over and Long spurned another chance following Rosenwald’s cross. HT 0-1.

Ringwood were level on 53m when Correira found space in the Rec area and his goalbound shot took a big deflection to beat Matt Fredericks in the Rec goal, to make it 1-1. But within a minute the visitors were back in front with a well worked goal. Rosenwald was instrumental in the move which teed up GEORGE DEEM to fire in and restore Rec’s lead.

It was soon three when, on 59m, Rudd’s clever flick set up Long, whose shot was blocked, with the ball falling nicely for RUDD to shoot, low into the corner, for 1-3.

Rosenwald missed a great chance for number four, before Ringwood rallied and forced a good save by Fredericks from Smith’s attempt, following up with Crumpler’s curling effort also well saved by the keeper, before Brad Hill capped off a fine performance with a vital clearance off the line.

There was just time for another incisive Rec move which saw Aaron Rodriguez denied by Griffin in the home goal.

FT 1-3.

5.8.23. League. Ash United 0 Hamworthy Recreation 3

Rec got the new season off to a winning start with this victory at Ash. It was not a vintage performance, but given the number of new signings joint managers Kirk Grice and Wayne Smith will be well satisfied. Hosts, Ash looked a very capable side, but had to play the last 35 minutes with 10 men following a red card, which, to their credit, seemed to spur them on, but the Rec defence held firm.

Ash had a great chance in the first minute, following a mistake in the Rec defence, but the ball trickled wide of the post. Then Taylor got on the end of a dangerous cross, but put the ball wide.

Rec settled and Ash Boyt’s cross was headed wide by Chris Long, before the visitors went in front, on 20m. New signing Ben Cooper was instrumental in setting up HARVEY DOE to fire in low from the edge of the area, past the diving Woolley in the home goal.

Ash responded and Balham fired a good chance wide of the far post and then Rec were grateful to Tom Cooper for a timely clearance from a dangerous cross, before Barham headed another chance over, from a corner.

The lead was doubled on 32m when Rec won a free-kick on the edge of the area. Ben Cooper played the ball to TYLER RUDD to fire low into the net. HT 0-2.

The second half started with Rec’s George Deem blasting over the bar, before a third goal for Rec, on 53m. From another free-kick Long headed across goal to Boyt at the far post, whose header back was bundled over the line by DOE to claim his second.

Immediately after Ash were reduced to 10 men when McCormick saw red for a late challenge. The hosts re-jigged and still looked capable of getting a goal, with Hilton’s long range effort well tipped over by Matt Fredericks, in the Rec goal and then the same player saw his shot cleared off the line by Elliot Lines.

But it was Rec who could have added to their lead, but Deem’s shot was deflected away for a corner, before Aaron Rodriguez was denied by a good save from Woodley.

FT 0-3.