Hamworthy United v Eastleigh
1ST TEAM MATCH REPORTS
Hamworthy United v Eastleigh
SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2007
FA Cup 2nd Q/F Round
Eastleigh progressed into the Third Qualifying Round of the F A Cup for only the fourth time in their history following a close victory at Wessex League side Hamworthy United.
Hamworthy started strongly, forcing a corner in the first minute, from which skipper Nathan Walker headed Micky Hubbard's kick wide, Eastleigh returned with their own attacks and Andy Forbes forced a save from home goalkeeper Mark Peters. Chris Piper's effort from the edge of the box was off target as the midfielder tryed to steady his footing.
A shock seemed on the cards when the home side took the lead on twenty-three minutes, when CARL MUTCH headed home a free kick from Hubbard to give their opponents from three levels higher an uphill struggle.
However the lead only lasted four minutes. A thirty yard drive from CRAIG O'CONNOR was pushed onto the post by Peters but the keeper's effort was not enough to stop the equaliser giving O’Connor the opportunity to produce an exuberant goalscoring celebration somersault.
Paul Sales shot just wide from outside the area, then on the stroke of half time Sales' downward header was headed wide by O’Connor from inside the six-yard box. O’Connor saw another long range effort saved by Peters in first half stoppage time.
HALF TIME – Hamworthy United 1-1 Eastleigh
Eastleigh held the majority of possession in the second half but the home side also created a couple of opportunities of their own. The introduction of Eastleigh substitute Adam Roberts on sixty-six minutes, switched the play in Eastleigh’s favour. The winger created the second Eastleigh goal just five minutes after his arrival. His cross to the far post from the left flank was headed back by Forbes and although Paul Sales was unable to connect with an overhead kick, player manager DAVID HUGHES was on hand to rifle home his first goal of the season.
Seven minutes later another left wing cross from Roberts was met by the head of SALES to give Eastleigh a two-goal cushion.
Dani Rodrigues was introduced for his Eastleigh debut and one skilful piece of play produced an opening for Forbes, but the striker’s shot was wide. In the closing stages Walker had another attempt for the home side but again just off target.
Eastleigh have never progressed beyond the Third Qualifying Round.
Star Rating 3 MOM Adam Roberts (Eastleigh)
FULL TIME – Hamworthy United 1-3 Eastleigh
RAY MURPHY
