Home

News

This was the team's most difficult assignment so far, but they came through to record an excellent victory. Hamworthy were an impressive, hard-working team. At times the proceedings became a bit of a "scrap", but the Borough showed that they were up for the battle when required.

There were two forced changes to the Borough line-up, with Paul Morrell starting a suspension carried over from last season and Winston Buckfield unavailable, both influential players in the first two games.

After an even opening exchange a fine run by Gary Fooks caused havoc in the home defence and allowed Alan Fooks to stroke the loose ball into the net on 14 minutes. Fooks then blasted over when clean through before creating enough pressure in the opposition box for a defender to handle and provide the third penalty in first three games. Russell stepped up but his well struck kick was superbly diverted over the bar by the full-stretch keeper.

Even without Paul Morrell in defence the team coped admirably. Tony Whitfield and Peter Morrell excelled, whilst Lee Atkins starting his first game, made a vital headed clearance to prevent an equaliser before the break.

HT - 1-0

The second-half was keenly contested. Hamworthy started the brighter and Dan Burton was forced to make some fine saves. Gradually however the Borough gained the upper hand. Peter Morrell had a shot cleared off the line and both Denty and Russell had goals disallowed for alleged fouls on the keeper.

Unfortunately Gary Fooks, making his debut for the club, was sent off on 73 minutes for a second bookable offence, but this merely acted to spur the team on. In descending gloom the second goal finally arrived when with 10 minutes left Peter Morrell exercised some quick thinking at a free kick, planting the ball in the centre of the goal with the Hamworthy players still organising their defensive wall.

The final whistle came in light conditions similar to when the eclipse was at its gloomiest splendour, with the Borough maintaining their unbeaten record and having yet to concede a goal in front of a crowd well in excess of 100.

Poole Borough: Burton, Denty, Whitfield, Pete Morrell, Gary Fooks, Holdroyd, Atkins (Freeman 85), Russell , Smith, Alan Fooks, Thompson . Used subs : Holman, Bancroft