Report by Jon Green

Goals from Kye Simpson and Corey Rawlings were enough to defeat Hamworthy Recreation as the hosts made a late surge to try and grab a draw and a replay.

Coming into this one, Hamworthy Recreation had gained somewhat of as reputation; the club having progressed up the leagues in style. There was some trepidation that this was going to be a tough game especially with a depleted squad. But the signs from the off were good. The front three of Dan McBeam, Kitan Jaiyeoba and Kye Simpson linked well and were instantly causing issues for the Hamworthy backline. The first chance came in the third minute as Jaiyeoba worked his way in from the right and laid the ball to McBeam on the edge of the box. The resulting shot was a little weak and easy for the keeper. But it had been a warning for Hamworthy.

Just three minutes later and it was McBeam that worked his magic on the right, playing a perfect through ball for Kye Simpson who took his chance with precision. It was just the start the team needed but the game settled and Hamworthy began to make some inroads. However, the Rovers defence remained solid.

Although the visitors remained the more likely to score, they didn't really trouble the Hamworthy keeper until the final moments of the half when more good work from Dan McBeam freed up Dan Cottle for a looping shot on goal but the keeper was equal to it.

The second half continued in much the same vein with Rovers doing the majority of the pressing. Both Kye Simpson and Kitan Jaiyeoba had early chances and in the 55th minute Dan McBeam fired over the bar. Kye Simpson remained a worry to the Hamworthy backline all afternoon and several last minute interceptions stopped him getting in on goal again.

Corey Rawlings replaced Milo Murgatroyd in the 61st minute and was soon in on the action shooting wide in the 66th minute. Sooner or later Rovers were going to need to grab another to make the game safe. As time ticked on, Hamworthy began to grow more into the game as they realised they were still well in the tie with the opposition not putting away their chances.

But in the 71st minute, the second did finally arrive. Jack Farion carried the ball down the right, twisting and turning around on the edge of the box, before crossing it to Kye Simpson who was in close. Simpson's shot struck the post but the ball rebounded out to Rawlings who smashed the ball home.

That should have been that, but in the 83rd minute Hamworthy were awarded a penalty for what seemed to be a very harsh handball decision against Jack Dancey. George Deem stepped up and made no mistake. What should have been a comfortable final few minutes now became a back to the wall scramble. The ref added on nine minutes of added time which gave Hamworthy even more hope. They could count themselves unlucky not to grab a draw as a beautifully struck overhead kick crashed off the post, followed by a shot striking the crossbar and a shot put wide from yards out when it seemed easier to hit target, all came in the final moments. But Rovers held on and now progress into the next round!

Next up, we are back to league matters at The Winterfield Stadium where Wellington AFC will be the visitors - Saturday 24th August. 3pm kick-off.

Next three:
Saturday 24th August - Wellington AFC (H) 3pm
Tuesday 27th August - Shepton Mallet (H) 7.30pm
Saturday 31st August - FA CUP TBC