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27.4.19. League. Ham Rec 2 Parley Sports 2 Rec were crowned champions after another excellent season, but this was, perhaps unsurprisingly, a rather tired performance against a very capable Parley side. It was only the third draw for Rec all season, in a game spoiled by the strong wind throughout, making neat football always difficult. Rec made another good start and were ahead after 5 minutes when Todd Coombs’ cross was controlled by Brad Hill, who in turn, set up JOHN WEBB to fire in a low shot from 25 yards - 1-0. Rec then had a succession of chances to build up an unassailable lead, but Ash Boyt, Sam Carter and Brad Hill were all denied. Parley’s first real attack of note saw Harry Phillips, in the home goal, make a good save at the expense of a corner. But on 32 minutes it was 1-1 when a speculative, wind-assisted shot from distance caught Phillips off his line and ended up in the net for the equaliser. HT 1-1. Rec had more chances in the second period, with Callum Charlton’s dangerous cross headed away and John Webb’s free-kick saved by the keeper. But a 64th minute corner by Webb fell nicely for DAVE WRIXTON to fire in and put Rec back in front. A spirited Parley side were playing some good football and causing problems for Rec and a decent chance ruffled the side-netting, but the hosts nearly added another when Boyt’s shot was blocked, with the rebound falling to Webb, whose shot was turned onto the post by the keeper. Chris Long and Carl Edwards then combined well, but the final shot was wide. Rec were left to rue those misses when, five minutes from time, Parley levelled when the home defence failed to clear and a neat, low shot made it 2-2. The game was almost won, in the dying minutes, when Richie Sands’ free-kick was headed just wide by Chis Bryer-Ash. FT 2-2. Another great season - well done lads! |
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23.4.19. Senior Trophy. Ham Rec 0 Merley Cobham Sports 2 A disappointing evening for Rec as their bid for a league and cup double bit the dust. A very good Merley side, bossed at the back by ex-Rec favourite, Jamie Moore’s, were good value for their win. The game was played at a fast pace throughout and Rec never really settled into their normal game, finding themselves two down at the interval. Despite a better showing in the second half Rec rarely troubled the Merley goalkeeper and a spell of late pressure was to no avail. The game started in lively fashion, with a good break by Merley drifting wide and Ash Boyt’s low shot from a corner, cleared. Merley were slowly getting on top and after a succession of corners went ahead on 19 minutes when Groves, who had scored four times in the last game against Rec, outmuscled the defence, on the edge of the area and looped his shot over Jack Martin, in goal, for 0-1. Rec looked to get back on level terms and Brad Hill’s dangerous cross was thumped clear and then had a free-kick fly over the bar. But there were more scares for Rec when Merley had a header hit the bar and a long throw causing concern. But right on the break it was 0-2 when another long throw failed to get cleared and Groves was in the right place again to get the final touch. HT 0-2. Rec started the second half in livelier mood, forcing two early corners, before Chris Long broke on the left, but was blocked by a defender. Josh Pratt’s powerful drive was saved, before Martin did equally well to deny Merley a third. As time ticked away Rec were desperate for a goal and Hill’s free-kick was punched away and John Webb’s shot deflected for a corner. But the closest they came was a header by Boyt, inches over the bar. In stoppage time Jordan Basing burst down the middle, lobbed the keeper, but again, agonisingly, just over the top, to sum up Rec’s evening. FT 0-2. |
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20.4.19. League. Ham Rec 4 Sherborne Town Res 0 We are the champions! Two goals in each half earned the win which clinched Rec’s second successive league title, with a game to spare. On a baking hot day at Magna Road the first half-hour was a carbon copy of the previous week’s match, with Rec missing a host of chances. But a Dave Wrixton goal settled the nerves and after that the result was never in doubt. Rec showed their intentions from the first minute when Jordan Basing’s shot was tipped over the bar. The same player then had a header hit the bar, before Sam Carter was denied by the keeper. The breakthrough came on 34 minutes when WRIXTON ran onto a pass and his lob hit a post, bounced up and fell nicely for him to head home the rebound for 1-0. Rec were now well on top and four minutes from the interval the industrious Callum Charlton was upended in the box and CARTER fired in his 27th goal of the season, from the spot. HT 2-0. Richie Sands’ low shot flashed across the face of goal and Charlton saw his attempt pushed onto the bar by the keeper, before Sands’ free-kick, on the hour, was perfect for BASING to run onto, control well and fire in for 3-0. Just four minutes later it was four when Basing supplied the through-ball for BRAD HILL to run on and chip a delightful effort over the keeper and into the net. Chris Long saw his angled shot tipped over by the busy Sherborne custodian, before having another attempt deflected away for a corner, as Rec looked to add more. FT 4-0. Congratulations to Kirk, his management team and the players for another great season and well done Sherborne, who showed their class in lining up and applauding Rec off the pitch, at the end - a nice touch. |
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17.4.19. League. Blandford United 0 Ham Rec 6 One of their best performances of the season from Rec, in an emphatic victory at Blandford. The hosts are difficult to beat on their own pitch, but they simply couldn’t live with Rec who played neat, classy football, with pace and power throughout. A two goal lead was doubled in a superb second half showing, which included a “Goal of the Season”. Rec were ahead on 8 minutes when Max Wilcock broke on the left and delivered a pinpoint, low cross for ASH BOYT to sweep in, first-time, for the opener and the lead was doubled on 21 minutes with a “Collectors Item”. Callum Charlton’s corner was powered home, with his head, by skipper RIKKI WALDEN, for a rare goal - 0-2. Rec were playing some impressive football and nearly added another when a good move ended with Josh Pratt’s low cross just eluding Wilcock. HT 0-2. Just two minutes into the re-start came a magnificent goal. WILCOCK collected the ball, with his back to goal, turned and fired in a tremendous drive from around 40 yards out, which flew past the bewildered keeper to make it three. Blandford then had their only real chance of note when they hit the bar, with the rebound headed wide, before normal service was resumed. A great ball into the box from Dave Wrixton saw Chris Long’s header go just wide, before Rec scored again, on 65 minutes. Long went on a great run, on the left and supplied a perfect cross for BOYT to side-foot the fourth. Four minutes later Rec went nap hand. JORDAN BASING went on a clever solo run and his low shot from just inside the area beat the diving keeper. The tireless Long sent over another fine cross to the head of Wilcock, only for the keeper to make a good save. But ten minutes from time PRATT instigated and finished the move which made it six, with a powerful header from Wilcock’s cross. It was so nearly seven, but Wilcock’s 30 yard drive was brilliantly tipped over the bar. FT 0-6. Another excellent all-round performance. One more win needed! |
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13.4.19. League. Ham Rec 2 Swanage Town & Herston 0 Another three points for Rec, but what a frustrating match! The hosts were always in control of the game, but missed a hatful of chances and had to settle for two second half goals to clinch the win. Rec now need to win two of their remaining games to retain the championship. From the start Rec were on the front foot, with Ash Boyt firing over and Brad Hill clipping the bar. Sam Carter then had the ball in the net, only to be ruled offside - the first of many to befall the home forwards. Chris Long’s dash down the middle brought a good save from the keeper, before Richie Sands set up another chance for Long, with the keeper doing well to turn the ball away for a corner. A great cross from Hill found the head of Carter, only for the ball to go inches wide and Sands’ shot was saved by the busy Swanage custodian. All the play, but no goals. HT 0-0. The second half followed the same pattern, with Rec pushing forward, but Swanage’s best move ended with a shot narrowly wide. But on 61 minutes the breakthrough came. HILL attcked down the left, burst into the box and his shot took a slight deflection, but beat the keeper and into the net - Long’s last touch deemed to be after the ball had crossed the line, to put Rec one up. They almost added a second when Callum Charlton’s pass found Carter, only for the keeper to make another block. Then Carter produced a clever turn and shot, with the keeper again, palming the ball away. Charlton and Long both had further chances, before, in the 89th minute Rec added a second when Sands’ cross was powerfully headed in by LONG, for his 30th goal of the campaign. FT 2-0. |
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10.4.19. League. Wareham Rangers 1 Ham Rec 2 In this bottom v top clash Rec had young goalkeeper Harry Phillips to thank for taking all three points. He made a series of fine saves to keep Wareham at bay. The hosts looked anything but a team struggling at the bottom of the table and defended stubbornly to frustrate Rec and looked very capable at set-pieces. An early goal put Rec in the ascendency, but Wareham refuses to lie down and despite a second Rec goal they grabbed a late goal to ensure a tense finish. On 6 minutes Rec were in front. John Webb and SAM CARTER combined with the latter providing a neat, low finish for 0-1 and the same player nearly doubled the lead soon after, but his turn and shot was just wide. Wareham wasted a couple of chances by blazing a shot well over and another inches wide, before Richie Sands burst through the middle and set up Callum Charlton, whose shot was headed off the line. Phillips then produced a great, diving save to turn the ball away for a corner, before Chris Long’s volley clipped the bar. HT 0-1. The hosts had further chances at the start of the second half, with Phillips, again, tipping a shot round the post and another shot just wide. But on 65 minutes the game seemed to be wrapped up when great work by John Webb created a chance for LONG, who showed good composure to hold off the defender and fire in the second. Immediately after John Webb was denied by a late challenge and from the resulting corner Long headed wide, before Brad Hill saw his low shot pushed onto the post. Phillips produced another fine tip-over, from a header, before Wareham pulled one back, on 75 minutes, from a corner. The final fifteen minutes were a tense affair with Wareham still looking capable of getting a point and they would have, but for another great Phillips save, turning a low, goal bound shot round the post, in the dying minutes. Phew! FT 1-2. |
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6.4.19. League. Westland Sports 1 Ham Rec 2 A goal four minutes from time earned Rec a priceless win in their table-topping clash at Westlands. As expected, it was a tense game throughout, with both sides having spells of pressure and then having to defend well. The hosts started the day five points behind Rec, with a game in hand. This meant Rec would be happy with a point and as a result lined up in a 4-5-1 formation. Westlands flashed an early free-kick across the face of goal, before Rec settled and Callum Charlton’s cross was pushed away, before he tried a long-range effort over the bar. Another neat move ended with Brad Hill trying his luck, but again, over the top. But then Westlands replied and nearly went in front, following a free-kick, but lucky for Rec the shot hit the bar. But on 27minutes it was 1-0. A defensive error gifted Westlands the ball on their left and as the cross came in the resulting low drive deflected off a defender and into the net to put the hosts in the driving seat. Westlands were dealt a blow soon after when their keeper was forced off with a serious knee injury. As Rec looked to find a way back Hill’s cross found the head of Charlton, only for the stand-in keeper to save easily. But right on half-time Rec got the break they were looking for. Hill supplied a fine ball down the middle for CHRIS LONG to run onto and calmly place a low shot past the advancing keeper, for his 28th goal of the season ( and surely his most important). HT 1-1. Ash Boyt had a headed attempt go wide and Westlands had a free-kick which caused anxiety in the Rec defence, before it was cleared for a corner, but generally, play became scrappy and clear-cut chances were few and far between. Rec were defending well, with Wrixton, Walden and Co. solid at the back. On the break both sides looked capable of pinching a goal and Hill fired two attempts wide before John Webb’s shot was deflected away for a corner. But on 86 minutes Rec secured the points. John Webb crosses from the left and the keeper seemed to gather the ball, but it fell from his grasp and CHARLTON was in the right place to stab the ball over the line, to the delight of his teammates and travelling supporters. The remaining minutes were calmly played out to secure a vital win. FT 1-2. An excellent all-round team performance and all 14 players can feel proud of their efforts. |
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3.4.19. League. Bridport Res 0 Ham Rec 1 This was one of Rec’s toughest games of the season, but another precious three points were clinched, late on, thanks to a brilliant Brad Hill free-kick. In the reverse fixture Rec ran in seven goals, but there was never a chance of that happening again as Bridport defended for their lives and continually thwarted Rec’s attempts. As you would expect Rec had more of the ball and played some neat football, but too many moves broke down in the final third, thanks to some excellent defending by the hosts. An early Brad Hill cross eluded Callum Charlton, before Bridport saw a speculative shot fly over. Ash Boyt’s free-kick found Carl Edwards, but his shot was wide and Richie Sands’ long-range attempt was saved by the keeper. But the closest Rec came to a goal was when Edwards charged down the middle and lobbed the on-rushing keeper, only for the ball to bounce and hit the bar. Bridport finished the half strongly and a free-kick was headed only inches wide, before another good move was also off target. HT 0-0. Rec continued to press forward in search of the elusive first goal and Sam Carter showed great control to bring down Hill’s cross, only for the shot to fly over the bar. Hill was involved in most of Rec’s best moves and he set up another chance, this time for John Webb, but again, the shot was too high. But on 75 minutes came the decisive moment. John Webb was fouled just outside the area and up stepped HILL to send a “Beckham-esque” free-kick brilliantly beyond the diving keeper and into the net - cue best goal-celebration of the season! Bridport were dealt another blow soon after when they were reduced to ten men, for a bad lunge on Todd Coombs and Rec took control in the remaining minutes to see out the game. But there was still time for the hosts the launch a dangerous ball into the box, cleared by the excellent Dave Wrixton. With Bridport down to nine men ( a sin bin in the last couple of minutes ) Rec nearly made it two when Chris Long’s great run and cross found Hill, whose first-time shot was inches off-target. FT 0-1. |
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30.3.19. League. Ham Rec 9 Portland United Res 0 After two weeks of inactivity Rec returned with a thumping win over Portland Res. After taking an early lead the result was never in doubt, with returning goalkeeper Andy Knights a virtual spectator, barely having to make a save of note. With George Webb out injured manager Kirk Grice shuffled the pack and returned Callum Charlton to his normal wide midfield role - to telling effect, as after only five minutes his low cross was neatly touched in by CARL EDWARDS to put Rec one up. And on 18 minutes the lead was doubled when Charlton chased the ball and delivered a high cross which was beautifully volleyed home by BRAD HILL. Rec were well on top and Hill instigated a good move that saw Ash Boyt’s long-range effort fly just over, before Portland had a half-chance go wide. The industrious Charlton then set up Chris Long, only for the keeper to produce a good tip-over. But on 41 minutes Charlton’s corner arrived at the feet of HILL to slam in the third. HT 3-0 Three goals in five minutes early in the second-half put Rec in an unbeatable position. On 50 minutes Hill’s corner was powerfully headed in at the far post by LONG, before Charlton crossed for JOHN WEBB to head the fifth and on 55 minutes Long chased and won the ball and slipped a low pass for ASH BOYT to stab in his first goal of the season. A triple substitution had immediate effect when, on the hour, Josh Pratt supplied a through-ball for SAM CARTER to run onto and make it seven. Rec were looking likely to score in virtually every attack and it was soon eight when , on 64 minutes, Carter teed up JOHN WEBB for his second goal, before five minutes later LONG ran down the middle and slotted in the ninth. It seemed certain that it would be double figures, but some dogged defending kept them at bay and in the three-player chase for a hat-trick Chris Long went closest, right at the end, when his clever volley from a Webb corner flew just over. FT 9-0. |
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9.3.19. League. Ham Rec 1 Gillingham Town 1 A late penalty salvaged a point for Rec in this crucial battle with Gillingham. It looked as if the recent Gill hoodoo was to strike again ( Rec have lost their last three games against them ) when the visitors took the lead early in the second half and seemingly in control. But a good last twenty minutes earned Rec a vital point. Gillingham never let Rec settle and too often the final ball from the hosts was not accurate enough, in a game of few clear-cut chances. Gillingham started the stronger and a good attempt from distance was saved by Harry Phillips, in the home goal, before they put Rec under pressure with a succession of corners. Rec’s first venture forward saw Brad Hill deliver a perfect cross, but neither Sam Carter or John Webb could make decent contact and the ball ran wide. Carter then produced a classy turn and shot, but again, wide of target, before another Hill cross caused panic in the Gill defence, before the managed to clear. George Webb had half a chance, running on to a through-ball, only to be thwarted by the keeper. HT 0-0. Just seven minutes into the second half Gill went in front. A high ball down the middle was not dealt with by the home defence and a good low finish made it 0-1. Rec responded and George Webb saw his shot tipped over and from the resulting corner Carl Edwards flashed his shot wide. Rec were now having a better spell, but a combination of good defending and inaccurate finishing looked like they were to be denied until the 85th minute when the Gill keeper was deemed to have picked up the ball for a second time, incurring an indirect free-kick. Gill protested strongly and the incident took around five minutes to clarify. When the shot from the kick eventually came in a defender handled on the line, giving Rec a penalty. CARTER kept his cool and slotted in the equaliser. There was still time for either side to win it as the referee played around ten minutes of additional time, but Carter fired wide and Chris Long’s header looped over the bar. FT 1-1. |
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2.3.19. Senior Trophy. Ham Rec 4 Wimborne Town Development 1 Rec booked their place in the final of the Senior Trophy with this win over a very accomplished Wimborne Development team. It was an entertaining game throughout, with the young visitors taking an early lead and Rec bouncing back to lead 2-1 at the break. Two goals in the last fifteen minutes made it comfortable, in the end, for Rec. From the start the young Wimborne team, managed by ex-Rec star Darren Shepherd, got the ball down and played some neat football and on 8 minutes they were in front with a good finish from a through-ball. They then had a reasonable shout for a penalty turned down before, on 11 minutes, Rec were level. Sam Carter and GEORGE WEBB combined, with the latter providing a neat, low finish, past the keeper, for 1-1. Harry Phillips, in the home goal, was called on to make a good block, before Wimborne saw a shot go inches past the post. But Rec also had chances with Brad Hill’s drive going just wide and George Webb denied by the keeper. But three minutes from the interval Rec went in front when Callum Charlton’s cross was met by the head of SAM CARTER, with the ball bouncing off both posts before crossing the line. HT 2-1. Rec needed a third goal to kill off the game and Carter, twice, Chris Bryer-Ash and George Webb all went close, but Wimborne missed a great chance to equalise when a telling ball into the box eluded everyone. Rec were now on top and the clinching third goal came on 76 minutes with Chris Long neatly heading down for JOHN WEBB to fire low into the net. But still the spirited youngsters were not finished and Josh Pratt made a vital block during a goalmouth scramble, to prevent them getting another. Jordan Basing crashed a fine effort against the bar and put another wide before BRAD HILL notched the fourth in the final minutes. FT 4-1. Rec now meet old friends and rivals Merley Cobham in the final. |
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23.2.19. League. Ham Rec 4 Balti Sports 2 Sweet revenge for Rec as they beat a good Balti side who they had lost to only two weeks earlier. They were made to fight all the way however. Having raced into a two goal lead and playing some delightful football, Rec gave away a sloppy goal and then saw Balti draw level early in the second period. But two more goals clinched it for the hosts, in an entertaining game. Rec should have been ahead in the first minute, but Sam Carter crashed his shot against the bar, but just five minutes later it was 1-0 when Carter worked the ball to John Webb whose cross was met by GEORGE WEBB, who, despite slipping, kept his cool, jinked his way round the keeper and tapped in. Balti responded and forced a good save out of Jack Martin, in the home goal, before Rec doubled their lead on 15 minutes when a classy move saw CARTER head in George Webb’s cross for 2-0. Rec were now looking good and Brad Hill was unlucky when his effort flew just over. But on 20 minutes a rare mistake by Rikki Walden gifted Balti a goal and this lifted the visitors who then enjoyed a better spell. A long-range shot was deflected away for a corner, before Rec managed to clear another decent chance. HT 2-1. The second-half started with Rec having more chances, but they were rocked on 57 minutes when Balti were awarded a penalty, for a foul. It seemed a harsh decision, but home appeals went unheeded and the visitors made it 2-2 Rec regained the lead ten minutes later with another debatable decision, this time going in their favour, when John Webb tussled with the keeper and the ref pointed to the spot, despite Balti protests. CARTER fired his spot-kick low into the net for 3-2. There was nearly another when Dave Wrixton threaded a great ball to George Webb, but his shot was inches wide, before the goal of the game came ten minutes from time when CHRIS LONG met George Webb’s corner at the near post to fire in a beauty. In the dying moments Rec nearly made it five when Carl Edwards’ run and cross was flicked on by George Webb, only for the keeper to make a brilliant tip-over. FT 4-2. |
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16.2.19. League. Ham Rec 2. Sturminster Newton United 0 Another three points for Rec, but it was a far from impressive performance. In a battle of top versus bottom Rec raced into a two goal lead after 20 minutes and were in complete control, but failed to add further goals, despite having chances. The second-half however, was a scrappy affair, with Rec thwarted by a plucky Stur defence and some inaccurate finishing. Sixteen year old Harry Phillips made his debut in goal and became Rec’s seventh keeper, so far, this season. Playing a 3-5-2 formation allowed Lewis Proudley at left wing-back to get forward as much as possible and it was he who had the first chance, getting on the end of a good cross, but having his shot blocked by the keeper. But it was soon 1-0 when Chris Long’s shot was parried by the keeper, with the ball running nicely for GEORGE WEBB to fire in the rebound for his 21st of the season. The young Stur keeper was in action again, soon after, saving from John Webb and Lewis Proudley, but could not prevent a second after 20 minutes when PROUDLEY slammed in his first goal of the season, following a free-kick into the area. In a rare venture forward Stur forced new keeper Phillips into a good block, before Proudley’s cross was headed over by Callum Charlton. HT 2-0 The second-half became a bit lack-lustre, but Rec still had chances. George Webb raced into the area, rounded the keeper and fired against the bar and Long headed narrowly over from Webb’s cross. Sam Carter, on as a sub, had an early chance, showing good control in the box, but shooting wide and Charlton’s speculative effort was also off target. Stur were playing some neat football at times, but rarely threatened Rikki Walden, Dave Wrixton and Co. at the back, but they did have a good chance when a free-kick was headed narrowly past the post. But Rec were content to see out the closing minutes and bank another three points. FT 2-0. |
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9.2.19. League. Balti Sports 2 Ham Rec 1 Two goals in five minutes early in the second half condemned Rec to their third league defeat of the season, against a good Balti side. The hosts never let Rec settle into their normal passing game and were first to the ball in many situations. Injury and illness meant manager Kirk Grice had to bring in defender Phill Staples to play in goal and he put in a capable performance, making a couple of good saves and having no chance with either of the goals. It was nearly a dream start for Rec when, in the first minute, George Webb and Jordan Basing combined to set up Chris Long, only for him to be flagged offside. Dave Wrixton headed clear a dangerous Balti corner, before George Webb supplied a great pass to Long, whose attempt was cleared for a corner. But midway through the half Rec went in front. An impressive move saw Basing head the ball down for GEORGE WEBB to fire low past the diving keeper and into the corner for 0-1. Back came Balti and Staples produced a good save to a long-range shot, before a dangerous ball into the box eluded everyone. HT 0-1. Rec had two chances right at the start of the second period, with Basing chasing a through-ball and unluckily placing his shot just wide and George Webb then just beaten to the ball by the keeper. But the game turned on 55 minutes when Balti scored an equaliser with a good low finish after a neat move and with the hosts now having a good spell they notched, what was to be the winning goal, on the hour. Rec switched off at a corner and when a shot eventually came in the ball cannoned off the bar and was headed in from close-range for 2-1. Rec made some changes and were unlucky when they had a Brad Hill goal ruled out for offside, after their best move of the match. But Balti were still dangerous on the break and Staples made another smart save to deny them a third, before Hill’s telling cross into the box was headed away by a defender. In the dying minutes Rec nearly snatched an equaliser, but Dave Wrixton blazed his first-time shot over the bar. FT 2-1. |
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19.1.19. League. Ham Rec 5 Merley Cobham Sports 6 A bad day for Rec as they slipped to their first home defeat of the season against local rivals Merley Cobham. The game was in doubt because of the heavy overnight and mornings rain, but was perfectly playable, but very heavy and certainly, the visitors adapted to the conditions better than Rec and were better in all departments. Rec tried to play their usual neat, passing game, which simply didn’t work on this type of pitch, especially in the first half. The second period saw Rec grow stronger in the last twenty minutes, but two late goals were not enough to salvage a point. The game started well for Rec when, on 7 minutes CHRIS LONG collected the ball, beat a defender and sent his low shot into the corner for a fine goal, to give Rec the lead. But it only lasted three minutes when Merley equalised from a free-kick by player -manager Matt Groves and on 15 minutes the same player put the visitors ahead, following a scramble in the area. Merley were on top and had other chances before Groves was at it again on the half-hour, scoring twice in two minutes, to make an unlikely score line of 1-4. Rec, desperately needed to get back in the game and just before the break JOHN WEBB was set up by brother George and lashed in a 25 yarder to give Rec a glimmer of hope. HT 2-4. The next goal was crucial and it was the visitors who claimed it on 55 minutes when Buck, who had been a threat to the home defence all afternoon, broke down the left and thumped a beauty high into the net for 2-5. Back came Rec and on the hour Sam Carter sent GEORGE WEBB away down the middle and his neat finish made it 3-5. Rec were now having their best spell and Carter’s shot was tipped over by the keeper, before Rec had a penalty shout ignored. But the killer blow came on 70 minutes when Merley got their sixth, when Wilkins finished off a good move. Rec were now pushing forward and Long went close with a header saved and a shot just wide before, in the 87th minute Long’s shot was parried and JORDAN BASING followed up for 4-6. Dave Wrixton’s attempt from a corner was wide, before, in the last minute LONG headed in his second, at the far post. FT 5-6. If only the game could have gone on for another five minutes.......! |
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12.1.19. League. Holt United 0 Ham Rec 7 Another excellent result for Rec against old rivals Holt, at Petersham Lane. Rec brought their fine form from the previous week into this game, building up a three goal lead at the interval and adding four more in the second half. It was another good, all-round performance, with Chris Long notching his second successive hat-trick. There was an early scare when, following a Holt free-kick, keeper Aaron Robertson was forced into a fine save from his own defender. But Rec settled and went in front on 13 minutes. A George Webb corner was fumbled by the home keeper at the near post and the linesman was on hand to spot the ball had crossed the line, to give Rec the lead. And it was soon 0-2 when, on 17 minutes, George Webb drilled over a low cross, from the left, for LONG to fire in at the far post. Rec were playing some impressive football and just three minutes later a Brad Hill free-kick found its way to SAM CARTER to tap in the third. Long and Carter both had chances to add more, but on half-time Rec were grateful to Dave Wrixton for a good defensive challenge as Holt looked to get a goal back. HT 0-3. Three goals in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half put Rec in complete command. On 52 minutes Ash Boyt sent Carter away, who set up LONG for the fourth and two minutes later George Webb was the provider as LONG completed his treble. Ex-Rec favourite Ali Gerard was easily Holt’s most impressive player and he had a good attempt saved by Robertson and was then thwarted by a fine challenge from Richie Sands. But on 59 minutes it was six when Carter teed up GEORGE WEBB to round the keeper and score. Robertson produced another fine save from Saxby before, on 83 minutes, a great pass from Sands found Carter who supplied his third assist of the game for JORDAN BASING to thump in a beauty at the far post. George Webb missed out on a double when his late penalty was well saved by the home keeper, diving to his right. A very good day at the office. FT 0-7. |
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5.1.19. League. Dorchester Sports 1 Ham Rec 8 It was certainly a Happy New Year for Rec as they ran riot at Dorchester Sports in a very impressive performance. Rec bounced back from last weeks cup defeat in the best possible way. Right from the first whistle Rec were on the front foot against a good side who rarely surrender points at home. With skipper Rikki Walden our injured Ash Boyt returned to the side, as captain. Also back was keeper Aaron Robertson. Chris Buyer-Ash kept his place in defence and it was he who had the first chance, early on, when his close-range shot, following a corner, was blocked. Rec were piling on the pressure and Sam Carter, John Webb and brother George all went close, before the first goal came, in the 14th minute. Carl Edwards chased a through-ball and crashed his shot against a post, but BRAD HILL, following up, calmly netted the rebound. But the lead only lasted a minute, as in their first venture forward, Sports equalised with a 30 yard beauty, over Robertson and into the top corner. Back came Rec and Edwards went close, before, on 21 minutes, GEORGE WEBB cleverly hooked the ball in to restore the lead and ten minutes later it was three when Edwards was pushed over in the box, with CARTER striking his spot-kick low to the keepers right. HT 1-3. It was important Rec got the next goal and Carter, twice, and George Webb nearly obliged. Rec were still dominating and the only surprise was that it took until the 71 st minute to get the fourth goal. Ash Boyt played a delightful pass to CHRIS LONG, on as a sub, to collect and his trusty left foot did the rest.
Sports had their second attempt with a free-kick, fielded by Robertson, before Rec ran riot in the last ten minutes. Another classy move on 80 minutes ended with Hill, unselfishly, setting up GEORGE WEBB to make it 1-5 and two minutes later LONG scored a fine individual goal for the sixth. He then completed his hat-trick two minutes from time, rounding the keeper and slotting in from a tight angle, before GEORGE WEBB completed his treble in the last minute, converting a penalty after the tireless Edwards had been clattered by the keeper. FT 1-8. An excellent all-round team performance, with everyone putting in a shift and it was great to see Ash Boyt back to his best, but special mention to Carl Edwards for an unselfish display, instrumental in two of the goals and winning both penalties - the Boreham Wood legend at his best! |
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29.12.18. League Cup. Westland Sports 1 Ham Rec 0 Rec bowed out of the League Cup at the hands of the holders Westlands, in an entertaining game at Alvington Lane. Rec had the best of the first half, but failed to turn that into goals. The hosts edged the second period and a goal ten minutes from time saw them through to the Semi-finals. Rec settled quickly, with Carl Edwards lively up front. He ran onto a through-ball from Sam Carter, but put his shot wide and then a good move saw him, again, narrowly off target. Brad Hill’s cross from the left caused panic in the home defence, before the hosts had their first real chances, firing wide from a good through-ball and then a speculative attempt well over the bar. Rec went close when Edwards got on the end of another Hill cross and saw his shot hit the bar, with the rebound scrambled away, before Andy Knights, in the Rec goal, made a great save following a defensive slip. George Webb was dominant in midfield and his rasping shot was tipped over, before he set up brother, John, whose shot was blocked by the keeper. So it was 0-0 at the interval and Rec would have been pleased with their performance, but disappointed not to be in front. Rec started the second half well with Hill’s run and cross beaten away by the keeper and Carter hooking the ball over. But then they were dealt a blow when skipper Rikki Walden was forced off with a foot injury, sustained in the first half. Westlands were now, ominously, coming more into the game and had a dangerous free-kick into the box headed away. Good chances were at a premium at both ends and it became clear one goal was likely to settle it. George Webb’s volleyed attempt was narrowly wide, before the only goal came, on 80 minutes. Dave Wrixton put in a great tackle to win the ball in a dangerous position, but the ball trickled into the path of a home player whose shot beat the diving Knights and nestled just inside the post. Westlands were content to defend for the final minutes, but still Rec could have equalised, but Chris Long’s header from Webb’s cross went agonisingly wide. FT 1-0. An entertaining game between two good sides and a great advert for the league. Good luck to Westlands in the next round. |
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22.12.18. League. Ham Rec 4 Corfe Castle 2 Rec played their first league game for over a month, picking up another vital three points with this victory over league newcomers Corfe Castle. Rec played some good football in the first half, leading comfortably at the interval. An early second half goal should have opened the floodgates, but the tempo suddenly dropped and play became scrappy and a late Corfe goal gave the score line an air of respectability. The visitors were grateful to their keeper for a string of fine saves to restrict Rec to just the four. Rec had half-chances early on, but some brave defending frustrated them. But on 20 minutes Rec were awarded a penalty when Chris Long was pushed over in the box, but the Corfe keeper produced a good save, diving to his right. It was JOHN WEBB who broke the deadlock just four minutes later when he ran on to a through-ball by Ash Boyt and cooly slotted in for 1-0. With Rec now on top there followed a bizarre moment. George Webb headed home a cross at the near-post, but the referee noticed the linesman’s flag and after discussions ruled out the goal and awarded Rec a free-kick for a foul! It mattered not, because on 28 minutes Jordan Basing’s low shot fell nicely for LONG to tap in from close-range and the young Rec hot-shot was at it again on 38 minutes when Brad Hill set him up for his 9th league goal of the season, to make it 3-0. Some clumsy defending presented Corfe with a penalty, just before the break, which was duly dispatched, despite keeper Andy Knights’ brave attempt. HT 3-1. The second half started with GEORGE WEBB scoring the goal of the game, showing good control in the box before working a shooting opportunity and firing a beauty into the roof of the net and he almost added a fifth minutes later, flicking Richie Sands’ cross inches over the bar. Rec seemed to ease off after that, but would still have added more but for the Corfe keeper who produced some great saves to deny Callum Charlton and Jordan Basing from close-range and then saving what seemed a certain third goal for Chris Long. Corfe kept plugging away and scored a second on 87 minutes to make the final score 4-2. |
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8.12.18. Senior Trophy. Ham Rec 5 Bridport Res 0 Rec take their place in the semi-finals of the Senior Trophy after another convincing victory over Bridport Res. As in the league meeting a couple of weeks ago, Rec played some classy football at times and scored some impressive goals against a more than capable Bridport side. A decision was taken early to play the game on the artificial pitch at the County Ground, which proved a wise move, given the weather, especially in the second half. Both sides started in lively fashion, with Chris Long just failing to make decent contact with George Webb’s cross and Bridport heading just over, from a corner. But on 11 minutes a terrible mix-up by the visiting keeper allowed George Webb to steal the ball and tee up LONG to fire in from close-range for the first. Brad Hill came close to doubling the lead when his free-kick rattled the crossbar and Sam Carter was unlucky to have his headed “goal” ruled out for offside, following a fine move. But it was 2-0 on 31 minutes when the impressive George Webb crossed from the right for CARTER to convert at the far post. Bridport were then thrown a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty, but Aaron Robertson, in the home goal, dived to his left to make a great save. Rec were now looking positive and made it three when George Webb broke down the middle and slipped in CARTER for a neat, low finish. HT 3-0. Ash Boyt almost made it four, but his shot was well saved and Long’s effort was just wide, but, to their credit, Bridport were still playing some good football and were unlucky when they hit a post and then drew another fine save from Robertson. As the rain lashed down Rec made it four on 68 minutes when John Webb set up LONG, who drilled his left-footer across goal and into the far corner. He then missed out on a treble when he headed wide from Richie Sands’ cross, but the scoring was complete in the last minute when John Webb’s low cross was thumped in by DAVE WRIXTON to complete a good day for Rec. FT 5-0. |
17.11.18. League. Ham Rec 7 Bridport Res 1Another sparkling performance by Rec as they ran in seven goals against a very capable Bridport side who had some good spells during the game, but who simply couldn’t cope with Rec’s attacking prowess. Rec got under way after only five minutes when Lewis Proudley’s cross found George Webb and eventually CHRIS LONG, who fired in for 1-0. Rec were playing some classy football and were denied a possible second when a penalty shout was ignored by the ref. But Bridport settled and had a good chance themselves, but were denied by a great double save by Jack Martin, in the home goal. On 20 minutes the lead was doubled when Carl Edwards broke on the left and found GEORGE WEBB who finished clinically and six minutes later Rec produced a goal Manchester City would have been proud of. A string of passes found George Webb on the right flank and his pinpoint cross was brilliantly volleyed in by LONG for 3-0. As in the previous home game Rec made it four by half-time, when on 32 minutes George Webb’s corner was headed back by Long for DAVE WRIXTON to drive in. To their credit Bridport started the second period the more lively side, but rarely threatened the home goal and on 55 minutes Rec scored again with a goal that challenged the third goal in its technique and finishing. Another classy move saw Brad Hill deliver a cross from the left for GEORGE WEBB to volley in a beauty at the far post. The young Bees side pulled a goal back on 57 minutes, but Rec were not finished and on 75 minutes LONG notched a deserved hat-trick, converting a penalty after having been brought down in the box and two minutes later SAM CARTER rounded the keeper and fired in the seventh. It could have been more, but Phil Staples’ header from a corner went just over and Long and Carter combined well, only for the latters low shot to go wide. Another excellent all-round performance. FT 7-1. |
10.11.18. League. Parley Sports 0 Ham Rec 3Another fine win for Rec in an entertaining game at old rivals Parley. The hosts had run in six goals the previous week, but Rec managed the game well throughout in a really good all-round team performance. Both sides started confidently and Sam Carter was unlucky to have his header from Brad Hill’s cross ruled out because of offside. But Parley were looking dangerous going forward and Jack Martin, in the Rec goal, had to make a couple of smart saves to keep them out. George Webb was having a fine game for Rec and went close with a free-kick that hit the angle of bar and post, but on 39 minutes he played a delightful through-ball to CARL EDWARDS, who showed strength to hold off a challenge and smashed a beauty into the top corner to put Rec one up. HT 0-1. Parley started the second half the better side and Rec had to be resolute for fifteen minutes or so, but gradually got back into it. A good two minute spell saw Chris Long have a couple of attempts well saved, before George Webb’s header was cleared off the line. Back came the hosts and a dipping shot flew just over the Rec bar, before they had a good shout for a penalty waved away, to Rec’s relief. But on 73 minutes another classy move saw George Webb set up LONG, who fired in the second. Rec were now playing some impressive football and the home keeper made two great saves to deny Long and George Webb, before, on 77 minutes, he was beaten when LONG powered in his header from Hill’s corner, for the third. It was nearly another when, in the closing minutes, Jordan Basing put his header wide. FT 0-3. |
27.10.18. League. Ham Rec 5 Dorchester Sports 1A classy first-half showing, in which they scored four times, earned Rec another win against one of their main rivals. Sports had been on a good run, but could’nt live with Rec in the first period, with the hosts playing their best football of the season so far. The second-half standard dropped a little as a competent Sports side came into the game more, but this was a fine win for Rec. After two near misses Rec went in front on 4 minutes when CARL EDWARDS was on hand to convert a shot coming back off the post for 1-0. Rec were playing some delightful football and nearly added another when George Webb’s shot was pushed away for a corner. Sports first real threat saw home keeper Aaron Robertson tip a long-range shot over the bar. But on 24 minutes the lead was doubled when a great move ended with SAM CARTER tucking in after the keeper had parried and four minutes later John Webb’s run and cross fell nicely for CARTER to make it three. Robertson was forced into another tip over and a fine save as Sports looked to get back in the game, but their hopes were dashed, right on half-time, when another classy move involving George Webb and Ash Boyt saw JOHN WEBB drill his low shot through the keepers legs to make it 4-0 at half-time. Sports came out after the interval determined to put Rec under more pressure and they went close with a header from a free-kick just over the bar. But their efforts paid off on 64 minutes when they pulled a goal back, direct from a free-kick across a crowded penalty area. They nearly added another, but Robertson made a brave save at the feet of an attacker. But Rec settled again and scored a fifth on 73 minutes when Rec Man-of-the-Match GEORGE WEBB struck his low drive beyond the keeper and into the far corner for 5-1. To their credit Sports kept battling away and nearly added another, but so too, did Rec when Jordan Basing’s close-range attempt was beaten away for a corner. FT 5-1. |