Match Reviews 2003/04
UPDATE : 9th January 2004
United Drop Points again! Despite a
lacklustre performance Hampsthwaite looked to be cruising at
3-1 in the 85th minute over at Pool 'A'. John Hobbs had
knocked in a brace & Dave Beecroft had capped a fine man
of the match performance with a goal. Then, for the 4th time
this season Hampsthwaite conceeded 2 goals in the last few
minutes as they threw away 2 points. Pool were dead &
buried, yet still managed to come back & draw the game.
Those looking for an excuse could point to the fact United
made a triple substitution in the 60th minute, but that would
just be an excuse as United didn't conceed until 25 minutes
after they made the substitutions. Once again pure
concentration lost Hampsthwaite much needed points and if they
are to achieve promotion next season they must surely rid
themselves of this terrible habit, made all the more
embarrassing by the fact Pool had more than 4 players over the
age of 40! An Awful Result. Pool 'A' 3-3
Hampsthwaite United.
UPDATE : 14th December, 2003.
4 League Games Without Defeat
In reality 2 points Lost. Boroughbridge
came down with a strong side yet Hampsthwaite took total
control of the 1st half and somehow came in 2-2 at half time.
John Hobbs put United on their way before an Okopskyj own goal
saw Boroughbridge level. Conrad Wheal put United back in front
with a hungry goalmouth strike. Okopskyj, on for the injured
Verity nodded home his second own goal of the game to put
Boroughbridge undeservedly level. The second half was a much
more even affair as United once again failed to capitalise on
a game they really should have won. Both of these sides are
the potential wild card entry for the end of season shake up
but time is surely running out for the Promotion push United
are more than capable of as their season reaches the half-way
point. However it's another point in the bag and 4 league
games without defeat. Hampsthwaite must go on to take 3 points
from Pool and aim for 6th place before xmas. Hampsthwaite
United 2-2
Boroughbridge 'A'
UPDATE : 29th November, 2003.
Albert Away
Hampsthwaite made the trip over to
Yeadon to face The Albert on the same marshy pitch they
suffered a 2-9 reverse last season. After testing each other,
Hampsthwaite took the lead with a John Hobbs snap-shot from 30
yards! What a goal! His 24th of the season. Dan Skelton,
revelling in his new midfield free role send United 2-0 up,
but not before a crucial penalty save from Johnson in the
United goal. Hampsthwaite took themselves in 3-0 up at the
break as Chris Hay nodded home a Brennan corner. The second
half saw Albert attempt a fightback 1-3 within 5 minutes.
Brennan finally ended his goal scoring drought putting United
back on track 4-1 before notching a one yard screamer for 5-1.
Albert pushed on, taking it to 5-2 but some outstanding work
from the Hampsthwaite defence and more outrageous saves from
Johnson saw the whites through. The Albert 2-5
Hampsthwaite United.
UPDATE : 23rd November, 2003.
United Beaten Convincingly
The Medal Competition 2nd Round saw the
mighty Sherwood visit Hampsthwaite United. The visitors
obviously expected a tough game as they included Harrogate
Town's Player Of The Year Eamon Elliot and Harrogate Railway
FA Cup Hero Pat McDaid in their side as they crushed the 3rd
Division underdogs 9-0. Try as they might Hampsthwaite could
not compete with players of Unibond Premier Division standard.
Hampsthwaite United 0-9
Sherwood.
UPDATE : 21st November, 2003.
DECEMBER Fixtures
Saturday 13th December Boroughbridge
'A' HOME Division 3 Kick Off
2:15pm
Saturday 20th December Pool 'A' HOME
Division 3 Kick Off 2:00pm
UPDATE : 16th November, 2003.
Squad To Face Grafton 15th November 2003.
Hampsthwaite United 4-0
Marton cum Grafton. United
gleaned their first competitive clean sheet since history can
recall via what this, non-attendee, reporter is reliably
informed was an awesome performance. John Hobbs slotted home
twice with a couple of left foot screamers, Dan Skelton put in
a Man Of The Match performance, polished with a goal and
defensive dinamo Mark 'Beany' Broadley rewarded his
undoubtable commitment and drive with his 2nd strike of the
season. Jim Farrar took on the United hot-seat for today's
game and surely proved everything he touches turns to goals as
Hampsthwaite's improving form finally culminated in a win,
leaving them unbeaten over 90 for the past 3 weeks.
UPDATE : 9th November, 2003.
United Take Points From Top Spot
Had they been offered a point from their
clash with top placed Red Arrows before the game, Hampsthwaite
would have taken it. After a slowish Hampsthwaite start,
United gained the advantage when Red Arrows were reduced to
ten men after a red card. What followed was a classic 10 Vs 11
encounter, try as they might, Hampsthwaite could not break the
deadlock before half-time. Finally Skelton, back in the side
on a gamble, slotted home 1-0. Seconds later Arrows were
level, the United defence had fallen asleep immediately after
the goal and that's how it ended, in what turned out to be a
relatively disappointing draw. However, at least the losing
streak has been ended, although United have not been beaten
over 90 for two weeks now. Hampsthwaite United
1-1 Red Arrows.
UPDATE : 4th November, 2003.
Hampsthwaite's Cup exploits see them slip to 8th
A small turnout of two games in the 3rd
Division, but crucial ones at that saw White Swan & The
Albert play out a 3-3
draw. The shock of the week was ever-improving Boroughbridge,
after taking the scalp of Hampshwaite last week they stunned
Ripon City Magnets 2-1
dropping Hampsthwaite down to an embarrasing 8th place in the
table.
UPDATE : 1st November, 2003.
United Stunned In The Final Seconds
Another change of selection and a brand
new formation seemed to have worked wonders against 1st
Division opponents Dalton Athletic in the Medal Competition
1st Round when Hampsthwaite Danger Man John Hobbs put the side
ahead inside 5 minutes! Nothing could stop Hobbs, even the
team momentarily down to 10 men could not quench his thirst
for goals as he put the 3rd Division side 2-0 up after half an
hour. Hampsthwaite conceeded an unlucky goal just before the
break but went in 2-1 up at half-time. Dalton upped their
game, but the new formation was looking much steadier than
previous weeks and Brennan, just back from injury and playing
just behind the front two in a free role was having a blinder.
Hobbs sent the United faithful into raptures when he smashed
his 3rd hat-trick of the season on the 70 minute mark in what
would surely see United's losing streak end. All looked well
in the United camp until Dalton grabbed an 85th minute
consolotion and quickly followed that with a devastating
equaliser that saw the game go into extra time. Farrar smashed
the ball against the cross-bar in the 1st period watching his
moment of glory fly up into the sky. Chances at both ends
culminated in Hampsthwaite's utterly dismal luck continuing as
Dalton took the lead in the 118th minute of play! In the final
seconds United piled everyone forward and centre-half Dave
Beecroft launched a header against the crossbar and over, he
claims, the line! It was not to be and Hampsthwaite were
dumped out of the competition. Hampsthwaite United 3-4
Dalton Athletic.
UPDATE : 25th October, 2003. A
Bitter Pill to swallow...
Jono Way went back to basics this week
and selected his best possible XI for the trip to
Boroughbridge. Leading from the front, the Player-Manager
looked to have got things right when he nodded only his second
ever header for the club to put United in front. A late
equaliser saw the teams tied 1-1 at the break. A ding-dong
second half followed with Hampsthwaite looking like the had
the upper hand as Hobbs put them 2-1 up after a missed
Boroughbridge penalty scare. Pushing for the 3rd United had a
couple cleared off the line & were unlucky to conceed an
80th minute equaliser 2-2. Hampsthwaite went for the winner,
putting constant pressure on their opponents in the final
minutes only to be caught with a hammer-blow of an 89th minute
winner that they truly didn't deserve. However it's always the
result that counts, Boroghbridge 'A' 3-2
Hampsthwaite United.
UPDATE : 22nd October, 2003.
November doesn't get any easier!!
After Saturday's trip to Bouroughbridge,
United return to cup action with the visit of 1st Division
Dalton Athletic in the Medal Competition 1st Round. Two Home
League games follow with the visit of must-win Red Arrows
followed by a repeat of last year's basement battle in the
shape of Grafton. United's reward for beating 1st Division
Bramham is the visit of another 1st Division side in the
mighty Sherwood and the 2nd 'easy' month in a row finishes
with a vital away trip to The Albert! If October was make or
break, November is win or bust! - The Full Fixtures:
Saturday 25th October
Boroughbridge 'A' AWAY
Division 3 Kick Off 2:30pm
Saturday 1st November
Dalton Athletic HOME
Medal Competition 1st Round
Kick Off 2:00pm
Saturday 8th November
Ripon Red Arrows HOME
Division 3 Kick Off 2:15pm
Saturday 15th November
Marton 'cum' Grafton HOME
Division 3 Kick Off 2:15pm
Saturday 22nd November
Sherwood HOME
League Cup 2nd Round
Kick Off 2:00pm
Saturday 29th October
The Albert AWAY
Division 3 Kick Off 2:15pm
UPDATE : 20th October, 2003.
Hampsthwaite DROP To Lowly 7th
The League Table tells it's own story,
leaving Hampsthwaite in a badly placed 7th, slipping away from
the leading pack, this week's only consolation is Ripon City
Magnets 2-1
Pannal Sports, blowing the championship race wide-open... the
only question now is are United good enough to drag themselves
back into it?
UPDATE : 18th October, United Hit
For SIX!!!
The Hulme Cup threw United up against
another 1st Division opponent in Kirk Deighton Rangers in a
replica repeat of last season's 1st Round draw, only this time
Jono Way had an improved quality side to take there.
Hampsthwaite looked like giving them a game with a relatively
spirited first 45 marred by the injuries of Coates, followed
from the field of play at half-time by Brennan. The second
half didn't go well and United soon found themselves 0-2 down.
Another Hampsthwaite capitulation continued as Deighton
smashed a further 4 goals past a bewildered United, who look a
mere shadow of the side that started the season, having failed
to achieve a result to match the 1-6 drubbing Hampsthwaite's
defunct Reserve team managed there last year!!! Kirk Deighton
Rangers 6-0
Hampsthwaite United.
UPDATE : 12th October, 2003.
Magnets Beat United
Hampsthwaite's awful dip in form
continued as they were beaten 1-3
despite a spirited performance against bogey side Ripon City
Magnets. 0-0 at the break things looked relatively promising,
United slipped 0-1 behind, a tactical change to 3-4-3 failed
to work as Magnets took a 2 goal margin. Farrar closed the gap
to 1-2 but United ran out of steam and the gamble failed.
UPDATE : 10th October, 2003. Milo Quits!
United Utility Man Steve Higham
announced his Hampsthwaite United retirement earlier today.
United Supremo Jono Way had this to say: "Milo was a
great addition to the squad last season, he came from nowhere
to play an important part in my building process.
Unfortunately as we strive to improve the team, competition
for places increases and the ability level raises
expectations. Sadly to get success some people fall by the
wayside, as much as it disappoints me not to be able to offer
everyone a place in the team, I'm only allowed to put eleven
men on the pitch and some people have to face the axe. I'm
very grateful for what Milo has given my team over the past 12
months."
Milo has decided to withdraw his
availability for Selection on a Saturday, due to work
commitments & hot HOT competition for places he doesn't
feel he'd be able to hold down a regular spot in the team.
"I'm sure you'll all join me in thanking him for his
contribution to the club over the past year, he was there
during our darkest days and played a huge part in helping us
through them."
UPDATE : 7th October, 2003.
Hampsthwaite Go 6 Adrift Of Promotion
Although Cup games are a nice
distraction at times, Pannal Sports' 3-0 win over Pool saw
Hampsthwaite go 6 points adrift of the top two leaving nothing
short of a victory essential when they entertain Ripon City
Magnets on Saturday, otherwise the week that began with United
tumbling out of their Divisional Cup could end seeing them 9
points behind the leaders after just 6 games!
UPDATE : 4th October, 2003. United
Tumble Out of Spa Cup
A dismal performance saw United 0-1 down
to Red Arrows at the break. United pushed forward at the start
of the second half and fell behind 0-2. Eventually Hobbs
clawed one back for Hampsthwaite, was he about to launch a
United comeback? No. Hampsthwaite crashed to a
1-4 defeat and out of the Spa
Cup - not the best way to prepare for the crucial Ripon City
Magnets League Game next week.
UPDATE : 28th September, 2003. 3rd
Division United STUN 1st Division Bramham!
Dateline 27th Sept 2003, Venue Home,
Competition League Cup 1st Round
High flying 1st Division Clifford
& Bramham came to Hampsthwaite United in what would surely
be a walk in the park for the side with Premier Division
ambitions...
United withstood wave after wave of
pressure, with more than a little help from Goalkeeping
talisman Johnson, before the 1st Division side took the
lead on the half hour mark. Finally Hampsthwaite clicked into
action launching their first real attack of the game and
against the run of play, master marksman John Hobbs slotted
home the equaliser to jolt the 1st Division side & bring
United level. The half-time whistle saw 3rd Division United
inbelievably level with their much higher ranked counterparts.
The game resumed after the break, which had offered the United
contingent a much needed breather, they weren't used to this
kind of pace and despite heavy resistance United conceeded
again 30 minutes before the end. Hampsthwaite were dealt a
double injury blow as Player-Manager Way was replaced by his
younger brother and inspirational Captain Okopskyj became the
second injury victim almost immediately afterwards. Farrar
came into the central defence and immediately displayed his
superb defensive qualities in Okopskyj's place. Jono Way made
his final change, taking Skelton off and throwing
ever-dependant Layfield inro the fray, Hampsthwaite United
bounced back from this tripple whammy almost immediately
through pure character as Hobbs once again saved the day with
a clinical finish sending the United faithful into raptures!
2-2 after 90 minutes against a 1st Division side. An
incredible result, Way immediately commended his players on a
fantastic 90 minute result - but there was more to come, extra
time! "You've got to dig deep now boys, we've come this
far, let's give it a good 30 minutes and take these boys to
penalties!" Way urged.
"Fuck that!" Stated Coates,
playing the best game of his United career, like many others
wearing the Nike shirt, "We can beat these..."
Extra time restarted and once again
United withstood more pressure from their competitors, taking
it into the final 15 minutes at 2-2. "This is where the
hard work begins guys." Warned the manager as United made
their way towards 2 hours of football playing up the dreaded
hill!
The Hampsthwaite woodwork was hit for
the 3rd time in the game and once again Johnson produced the
most immaculate of saves to keep the home side in the game.
Then it happened... less than 5
minutes of the 120 on the clock to play... Hampsthwaite
launched their last devastating attack, Brennan from midfield
launched the ball forward, Verity, tired legs made a final
last-gasp stretch for the ball, flicked it on, Danger Man
Hobbs brought it down 10 yards from goal, turned his man
superbly... the United fans rose from their seats in pure hope
and watched in awe as the newly crowned Hampsthwaite United
super-hero smashed the ball into the bottom left hand corner
and sent the United supporters and players absolutely
delerious with a wonder-strike of a goal that will send
shockwaves throughout the Football League as Hampsthwaite
astonishingly proceeded into the 2nd Round of the League Cup
on the same day that the Football League Champions Pannal
Sports did not! Hampsthwaite United 3-2
Clifford & Bramham
A truly incredible result, a
fantastic battling team performance, easily the best
under Way's management and possibly one that will not be
surpassed for many years. 27/9/03 A great day that will live
long in the memory.
John Hobbs, take a bow, you are a
hero!
UPDATE : 20th September, 2003.
United Come Unstuck
A competitive, hard fought fixture
against Otley Town B dimmed only by the lack of a referee
featured a see-saw first half that saw United go a goal ahead,
a goal behind, a goal ahead again before eventually reaching
the half-time interval at 3 apiece thanks to goals from
Skelton, Farrar & Wheal. It soon became apparent the next
team to score would go on and win, United created a couple of
great chances, expertly saved by the Otley keeper. Otley's
spritely young side eventually took the upper hand with 20
minutes to play, United pushed up looking for the equaliser
and conceeded the 5th decisive goal in a 3-5
defeat that will surely see them re-evaluate their
championship hopes for the season.
UPDATE : 19th September, 2003.
October just became the defining
month of the football season!
Sept 27th Bramham HOME League Cup 1st
Round
Oct 4th Red Arrows HOME Spa Cup 1st Round
Oct 11th Ripon City Magnets HOME Division 3
Oct 18th Kirk Deighton AWAY Hulme Cup 1st Round
Oct 25th Boroughbridge 'A' AWAY Division 3
UPDATE : 16th September, 2003. United
Go SECOND
Latest League tables have just been
published and Saturday's emphatic win has pushed Hampsthwaite
United into their highest
position under Jono Way
and more imprortantly, that 2nd place automatic promotion spot
3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. An early
trend shows Albert, United & Red Arrows as the
pace-setters, FC White Swan are sneaking up on the outside and
Ripon City Magnets with their massive strength in depth
certainly can't be underestimated. Pannal Sports were dealt a
heavy blow with defeat to Boroughbridge that will surely
massively harm their promotion hopes.
UPDATE : 13th September, 2003.
Lucky 7! On a very hot afternoon
Hampsthwaite United laboured through the heat to get their
championship challenge back on track with a 7-2
win over Kirkby Malzeard 'A' to somewhat atone for their 2-14
reverse last year! John Hobbs returned from his luxury self
catering holiday and pre-match promised the players a
hat-trick. Hobbs delivered in style, smashing 3 within the
hour. Wheal added a 20 yard screamer, Way notched his 7th of
the season, Renton broke his United duck with his first touch
of the game and Farrar added the 7th! To cap it all the team
are capable of playing much better. Not a bad result when you
aren't on form!
UPDATE : 10th September, 2003.
Harrogate & District FA Hulme Cup
1st Round Draw, To Be Played 18th October 2003
Kirk Deighton Rangers Reserves (Division 1) Vs. Hampsthwaite
United (Division 3)
Exactly the same draw and venue as last season!
UPDATE : 6th September, 2003.
Having beaten top of the league last
week, United took a 'scratch' side missing numerous
individuals to bottom-of-the-table Ripon City Magnets.
A first half performance that saw
various individuals act like spoilt, bickering Under-14 school
boys saw a toiling under-par United go in a mere 0-1 down at
the break. The team enjoying a new lease of life and up
against it for the FIRST time this year seemed to have already
forgotten their progression from the previous year, where they
trailed 0-9 at the break. They also seemed to forget they were
ONLY losing 0-1. Already heavily compromised with missing
players, it went from bad to worse as Brennan and Higham had
to be substituted via injuries, both sure to miss at least the
following week's game. Jono Way, United's number 8, looked to
have savlvaged an unlikely point and what would have
been an 8 game unbeaten record as he equalised with a
70th minute strike. It was not to be, however, as the
Excellent central defensive partnership of Okopskyj and
Beecroft was breached and the superb Johnson, who had single
handedly kept United in reach of the unlikely point was beaten
twice as United's title hopes took a heavy dent in a 1-3
loss.
UPDATE : 30th August, 2003.
Hampsthwaite United 6-2
Ripon Red Arrows. Jono Way grabbed a
hat-trick, but not before Farrar put United 2-1 ahead. Way won
the penalty for Skelton to notch United's 3rd and squared for
Broadley to smash home as United announced their 3rd Division
promotion hopes!
UPDATE : 29th August, 2003.
Hampsthwaite United 3-2
Pannal Sports Res. A Hobbs Brace and
another Bowdler strike saw United fight their way to their
first 3 points of the season!
UPDATE : 21st August, 2003.
An indifferent performance saw United go
past Hampsthwaite's Sunday 2nd XI with a 4-1
win in an enjoyable, light-hearted game.
A terrible start saw us go behind but we clawed our way back
into it and Hobbs grabbed an equaliser. United started the 2nd
half strongly and pushed themselves into an unassailable lead.
Brennan and Skelton added to a second from Hobbs.
UPDATE : 19th August, 2003.
United chalk fourth straight victory
with 3-1 victory
over Sunday Select XI. A Poor start to the first half was
improved as Bowdler nodded United's opener. Hobbs knocked in
the other two and the Sunday XI scored a late consolation.
UPDATE : 16th August, 2003.
Hampsthwaite United
5-0 Harold
Styans, Yep you read it right, United chalked up their 3rd
consecutive win and their first clean sheet in 3 years with a
resounding win! Brennan was unlucky not to finish with a
hat-trick as he bagged 2, Hobbs scored clinically from 40
yards and Skelton notched his first of the season. There is a
genuine belief in the camp for the new season.
UPDATE : 08th August, 2003.
United Battle to 5-4
Victory Over new look 2nd Division
Wellington. A shoddy first-half performance was salvaged with
character as United went in 2-3 down at the break. A spirited
second half fightback saw United drive themselves into a 5-3
lead... the usual nervy last 10 minutes followed, but this
year we're winning to the end instead of losing it!
UPDATE : 07th August, 2003.
United 2003/04 Unavailability list in
full flow... Told you we'd need a squad, rather than a team
this year guys... Logger: Broken Thumb, Layf: Concussion,
Shaun, Chris V & Beeky unavailable... chances to secure
your place appear every week as i expected, so all positions
are always up for grabs!
UPDATE : 02nd
August, 2003.
United confirmed their intentions with a
4-2 win
over 1st Division Spa Athletic. Dave Beecroft nodded United
ahead, Spa were kind enough to gift us a goal via Skelton
pressure and player-manager Jono Way bagged a brace!
UPDATE : NEW KIT!
Nike Strip Kindly Sponsored By Thompson's
Auctioneers
UPDATE : 29th November, 2003.
Albert Away
Hampsthwaite made the trip over to
Yeadon to face The Albert on the same marshy pitch they
suffered a 2-9 reverse last season. After testing each other,
Hampsthwaite took the lead with a John Hobbs snap-shot from 30
yards! What a goal! His 24th of the season. Dan Skelton,
revelling in his new midfield free role send United 2-0 up,
but not before a crucial penalty save from Johnson in the
United goal. Hampsthwaite took themselves in 3-0 up at the
break as Chris Hay nodded home a Brennan corner. The second
half saw Albert attempt a fightback 1-3 within 5 minutes.
Brennan finally ended his goal scoring drought putting United
back on track 4-1 before notching a one yard screamer for 5-1.
Albert pushed on, taking it to 5-2 but some outstanding work
from the Hampsthwaite defence and more outrageous saves from
Johnson saw the whites through. The Albert 2-5
Hampsthwaite United.
UPDATE : 23rd November, 2003.
United Beaten Convincingly
The Medal Competition 2nd Round saw the
mighty Sherwood visit Hampsthwaite United. The visitors
obviously expected a tough game as they included Harrogate
Town's Player Of The Year Eamon Elliot and Harrogate Railway
FA Cup Hero Pat McDaid in their side as they crushed the 3rd
Division underdogs 9-0. Try as they might Hampsthwaite could
not compete with players of Unibond Premier Division standard.
Hampsthwaite United 0-9
Sherwood.
UPDATE : 16th November, 2003.
Grafton 15th November 2003.
Hampsthwaite United 4-0
Marton cum Grafton. United
gleaned their first competitive clean sheet since history can
recall via what this, non-attendee, reporter is reliably
informed was an awesome performance. John Hobbs slotted home
twice with a couple of left foot screamers, Dan Skelton put in
a Man Of The Match performance, polished with a goal and
defensive dinamo Mark 'Beany' Broadley rewarded his
undoubtable commitment and drive with his 2nd strike of the
season. Jim Farrar took on the United hot-seat for today's
game and surely proved everything he touches turns to goals as
Hampsthwaite's improving form finally culminated in a win,
leaving them unbeaten over 90 for the past 3 weeks.
UPDATE : 9th November, 2003.
United Take Points From Top Spot
Had they been offered a point from their
clash with top placed Red Arrows before the game, Hampsthwaite
would have taken it. After a slowish Hampsthwaite start,
United gained the advantage when Red Arrows were reduced to
ten men after a red card. What followed was a classic 10 Vs 11
encounter, try as they might, Hampsthwaite could not break the
deadlock before half-time. Finally Skelton, back in the side
on a gamble, slotted home 1-0. Seconds later Arrows were
level, the United defence had fallen asleep immediately after
the goal and that's how it ended, in what turned out to be a
relatively disappointing draw. However, at least the losing
streak has been ended, although United have not been beaten
over 90 for two weeks now. Hampsthwaite United
1-1 Red Arrows.
UPDATE : 4th November, 2003.
Hampsthwaite's Cup exploits see them slip to 8th
A small turnout of two games in the 3rd
Division, but crucial ones at that saw White Swan & The
Albert play out a 3-3
draw. The shock of the week was ever-improving Boroughbridge,
after taking the scalp of Hampshwaite last week they stunned
Ripon City Magnets 2-1
dropping Hampsthwaite down to an embarrasing 8th place in the
table.
UPDATE : 1st November, 2003.
United Stunned In The Final Seconds
Another change of selection and a brand
new formation seemed to have worked wonders against 1st
Division opponents Dalton Athletic in the Medal Competition
1st Round when Hampsthwaite Danger Man John Hobbs put the side
ahead inside 5 minutes! Nothing could stop Hobbs, even the
team momentarily down to 10 men could not quench his thirst
for goals as he put the 3rd Division side 2-0 up after half an
hour. Hampsthwaite conceeded an unlucky goal just before the
break but went in 2-1 up at half-time. Dalton upped their
game, but the new formation was looking much steadier than
previous weeks and Brennan, just back from injury and playing
just behind the front two in a free role was having a blinder.
Hobbs sent the United faithful into raptures when he smashed
his 3rd hat-trick of the season on the 70 minute mark in what
would surely see United's losing streak end. All looked well
in the United camp until Dalton grabbed an 85th minute
consolotion and quickly followed that with a devastating
equaliser that saw the game go into extra time. Farrar smashed
the ball against the cross-bar in the 1st period watching his
moment of glory fly up into the sky. Chances at both ends
culminated in Hampsthwaite's utterly dismal luck continuing as
Dalton took the lead in the 118th minute of play! In the final
seconds United piled everyone forward and centre-half Dave
Beecroft launched a header against the crossbar and over, he
claims, the line! It was not to be and Hampsthwaite were
dumped out of the competition. Hampsthwaite United 3-4
Dalton Athletic.
Team: 2.Broadley,
5.Okopskyj, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs, 10.Brennan, 16.Wheal, 19.Farrar,
20.Verity, 22.Armstrong, 23.Broadley
Subs: 4.Beecroft, 6.Layfield, 11.Bowdler
UPDATE : 25th October, 2003. A
Bitter Pill to swallow...
Jono Way went back to basics this week
and selected his best possible XI for the trip to
Boroughbridge. Leading from the front, the Player-Manager
looked to have got things right when he nodded only his second
ever header for the club to put United in front. A late
equaliser saw the teams tied 1-1 at the break. A ding-dong
second half followed with Hampsthwaite looking like the had
the upper hand as Hobbs put them 2-1 up after a missed
Boroughbridge penalty scare. Pushing for the 3rd United had a
couple cleared off the line & were unlucky to conceed an
80th minute equaliser 2-2. Hampsthwaite went for the winner,
putting constant pressure on their opponents in the final
minutes only to be caught with a hammer-blow of an 89th minute
winner that they truly didn't deserve. However it's always the
result that counts, Boroghbridge 'A' 3-2
Hampsthwaite United.
Team: 1.Johnson, 2.Broadley,
5.Okopskyj,
6.Layfield, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs, 11.Bowdler, 16.Wheal, 19.Farrar,
20.Verity, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 4.Beecroft, 7.Coates, 14.Way
UPDATE : 18th October, United Hit
For SIX!!!
The Hulme Cup threw United up against
another 1st Division opponent in Kirk Deighton Rangers in a
replica repeat of last season's 1st Round draw, only this time
Jono Way had an improved quality side to take there.
Hampsthwaite looked like giving them a game with a relatively
spirited first 45 marred by the injuries of Coates, followed
from the field of play at half-time by Brennan. The second
half didn't go well and United soon found themselves 0-2 down.
Another Hampsthwaite capitulation continued as Deighton
smashed a further 4 goals past a bewildered United, who look a
mere shadow of the side that started the season, having failed
to achieve a result to match the 1-6 drubbing Hampsthwaite's
defunct Reserve team managed there last year!!! Kirk Deighton
Rangers 6-0
Hampsthwaite United.
Team: 1.Johnson, 2.Broadley, 4.Beecroft,
6.Layfield, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs,
10.Brennan, 11.Bowdler, 19.Farrar,
20.Verity,
Subs: 14.Way, 17.Skelton, 22.Armstrong
UPDATE : 12th October, 2003.
Magnets Beat United
Hampsthwaite's awful dip in form
continued as they were beaten 1-3
despite a spirited performance against bogey side Ripon City
Magnets. 0-0 at the break things looked relatively promising,
United slipped 0-1 behind, a tactical change to 3-4-3 failed
to work as Magnets took a 2 goal margin. Farrar closed the gap
to 1-2 but United ran out of steam and the gamble failed.
Team: 1.Johnson, 2.Broadley, 4.Beecroft,
6.Layfield, 7.Coates, 9.Hobbs,
10.Brennan, 11.Bowdler, 15.Wheal, 19.Farrar,
20.Verity,
Subs: 5.Okopskyj, 8.Way, 14.Way
UPDATE : 5th October, 2003. United
Tumble Out of Spa Cup
A dismal performance saw United 0-1 down
to Red Arrows at the break. United pushed forward at the start
of the second half and fell behind 0-2. Eventually Hobbs
clawed one back for Hampsthwaite, was he about to launch a
United comeback? No. Hampsthwaite crashed to a
1-4 defeat and out of the Spa
Cup - not the best way to prepare for the crucial Ripon City
Magnets League Game next week.
Team: 1.Johnson, 4.Beecroft, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs,
10.Brennan, 11.Bowdler, 15.Wheal, 19.Farrar,
20.Verity, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 6.Layfield, 14.Way
UPDATE : 28th September, 2003. 3rd
Division United STUN 1st Division Bramham!
Dateline 27th Sept 2003, Venue Home,
Competition League Cup 1st Round
High flying 1st Division Clifford
& Bramham came to Hampsthwaite United in what would surely
be a walk in the park for the side with Premier Division
ambitions...
United withstood wave after wave of
pressure, with more than a little help from Goalkeeping
talisman Johnson, before the 1st Division side took the
lead on the half hour mark. Finally Hampsthwaite clicked into
action launching their first real attack of the game and
against the run of play, master marksman John Hobbs slotted
home the equaliser to jolt the 1st Division side & bring
United level. The half-time whistle saw 3rd Division United
unbelievably level with their much higher ranked counterparts.
The game resumed after the break, which had offered the United
contingent a much needed breather, they weren't used to this
kind of pace and despite heavy resistance United conceeded
again 30 minutes before the end. Hampsthwaite were dealt a
double injury blow as Player-Manager Way was replaced by his
younger brother and inspirational Captain Okopskyj became the
second injury victim almost immediately afterwards. Farrar
came into the central defence and immediately displayed his
superb defensive qualities in Okopskyj's place. Jono Way made
his final change, taking Skelton off and throwing
ever-dependant Layfield inro the fray, Hampsthwaite United
bounced back from this tripple whammy almost immediately
through pure character as Hobbs once again saved the day with
a clinical finish sending the United faithful into raptures!
2-2 after 90 minutes against a 1st Division side. An
incredible result, Way immediately commended his players on a
fantastic 90 minute result - but there was more to come, extra
time! "You've got to dig deep now boys, we've come this
far, let's give it a good 30 minutes and take these boys to
penalties!" Way urged.
"Fuck that!" Stated Coates,
playing the best game of his United career, like many others
wearing the Nike shirt, "We can beat these..."
Extra time restarted and once again
United withstood more pressure from their competitors, taking
it into the final 15 minutes at 2-2. "This is where the
hard work begins guys." Warned the manager as United made
their way towards 2 hours of football playing up the dreaded
hill!
The Hampsthwaite woodwork was hit for
the 3rd time in the game and once again Johnson produced the
most immaculate of saves to keep the home side in the game.
Then it happened... less than 5
minutes of the 120 on the clock to play... Hampsthwaite
launched their last devastating attack, Brennan from midfield
launched the ball forward, Verity, tired legs made a final
last-gasp stretch for the ball, flicked it on, Danger Man
Hobbs brought it down 10 yards from goal, turned his man
superbly... the United fans rose from their seats in pure hope
and watched in awe as the newly crowned Hampsthwaite United
super-hero smashed the ball into the bottom left hand corner
and sent the United supporters and players absolutely
delerious with a wonder-strike of a goal that will send
shockwaves throughout the Football League as Hampsthwaite
astonishingly proceeded into the 2nd Round of the League Cup
on the same day that the Football League Champions Pannal
Sports did not! Hampsthwaite United 3-2
Clifford & Bramham
A truly incredible result, a
fantastic battling team performance, easily the best
under Way's management and possibly one that will not be
surpassed for many years. 27/9/03 A great day that will live
long in the memory.
John Hobbs, take a bow, you are a
hero!
Team: 1.Johnson, 4.Beecroft,
5.Okopskyj, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs, 10.Brennan, 15.Wheal,
17.Skelton,
20.Verity, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 6.Layfield, 14.Way, 19.Farrar
UPDATE : 20th September, 2003.
United Come Unstuck
A competitive, hard fought fixture
against Otley Town B dimmed only by the lack of a referee
featured a see-saw first half that saw United go a goal ahead,
a goal behind, a goal ahead again before eventually reaching
the half-time interval at 3 apiece thanks to goals from
Skelton, Farrar & Wheal. It soon became apparent the next
team to score would go on and win, United created a couple of
great chances, expertly saved by the Otley keeper. Otley's
spritely young side eventually took the upper hand with 20
minutes to play, United pushed up looking for the equaliser
and conceeded the 5th decisive goal in a 3-5
defeat that will surely see them re-evaluate their
championship hopes for the season.
Team: 1.Johnson, 4.Beecroft,
5.Okopskyj, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs, 15.Wheal, 17.Skelton, 19.Farrar,
20.Verity, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 6.Layfield, 10.Brennan, 14.Way
UPDATE : 13th September, 2003.
Lucky 7! On a very hot afternoon
Hampsthwaite United laboured through the heat to get their
championship challenge back on track with a 7-2
win over Kirkby Malzeard 'A' to somewhat atone for their 2-14
reverse last year! John Hobbs returned from his luxury self
catering holiday and pre-match promised the players a
hat-trick. Hobbs delivered in style, smashing 3 within the
hour. Wheal added a 20 yard screamer, Way notched his 7th of
the season, Renton broke his United duck with his first touch
of the game and Farrar added the 7th! To cap it all the team
are capable of playing much better. Not a bad result when you
aren't on form!
Team: 1.Johnson, 4.Beecroft, 5.Okopskyj,
6.Layfield, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs, 11.Bowdler, 15.Wheal,
19.Farrar, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 10.Brennan, 14.Way, 21.Renton
6th September, 2003, LEAGUE
DIVISION 3
Having beaten top of the league last
week, United took a 'scratch' side missing numerous
individuals to bottom-of-the-table Ripon City Magnets.
A first half performance that saw
various individuals act like spoilt, bickering Under-14 school
boys saw a toiling under-par United go in a mere 0-1 down at
the break. The team enjoying a new lease of life and up
against it for the FIRST time this year seemed to have already
forgotten their progression from the previous year, where they
trailed 0-9 at the break. They also seemed to forget they were
ONLY losing 0-1. Already heavily compromised with missing
players, it went from bad to worse as Brennan and Higham had
to be substituted via injuries, both sure to miss at least the
following week's game. Jono Way looked to have salvaged an
unlikely point as he equalised with a 70th minute strike. It
was not to be, however, as the Excellent central defensive
partnership of Okopskyj and Beecroft was breached and the
superb Johnson, who had single handedly kept United in reach
of the unlikely point was beaten twice as United's title hopes
took a the dent in a 1-3
loss.
Team: 1.Johnson, 4.Beecroft, 5.Okopskyj, 7.Coates, 8.Way,
10.Brennan, 12.Hay, 15.Wheal, 16.Higham, 17.Skelton, 19.Farrar
Subs: 11.Bowdler, 14.Way
30th
August, 2003, LEAGUE DIVISION 3
Hampsthwaite United 6-2
Ripon Red Arrows. Jono Way grabbed a
hat-trick, but not before Farrar put United 2-1 ahead. Way won
the penalty for Skelton to notch United's 3rd and squared for
Broadley to smash home as United announced their 3rd Division
promotion hopes!
Team: 1.Johnson,
2.Broadley, 5.Okopskyj, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 11.Bowdler, 15.Wheal,
17.Skelton, 19.Farrar, 20.Verity, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 4.Beecroft, 14.Way, 16.Higham
28th August, 2003, LEAGUE DIVISION 3
Hampsthwaite United 3-2
Pannal
Sports Res. A Hobbs Brace and another Bowdler strike saw
United fight their way to their first 3 points of the season!
Team: 1.Johnson,
5.Okopskyj, 7.Coates, 8.Way, 9.Hobbs, 10.Brennan, 11.Bowdler,
17.Skelton, 19.Farrar, 20.Verity, 22.Armstrong
Subs: 2.Broadley, 3.Clarke, 15.Wheal
21st August, 2003.
An indifferent performance saw United go
past Hampsthwaite's Sunday 2nd XI with a 4-1
win in an
enjoyable, light-hearted game. A terrible start saw us go
behind but we clawed our way back into it and Hobbs grabbed an
equaliser. United started the 2nd half strongly and pushed
themselves into an unassailable lead. Brennan and Skelton
added to a second from Hobbs.
19th August, 2003.
United chalk fourth straight victory
with 3-1
victory over Sunday Select XI. A Poor start to
the first half was improved as Bowdler nodded United's opener.
Hobbs knocked in the other two and the Sunday XI scored a late
consolation.
16th August, 2003.
Hampsthwaite United 5-0
Harold
Styans, Yep you read it right, United chalked up their 3rd
consecutive win and their first clean sheet in 3 years with a
resounding win! Brennan was unlucky not to finish with a
hat-trick as he bagged 2, Hobbs scored clinically from 40
yards and Skelton notched his first of the season. There is a
genuine belief in the camp for the new season.
August, 2003.
United Battle to 5-4
Victory Over
new look 2nd Division Wellington. A shoddy first-half
performance was salvaged with character as United went in 2-3
down at the break. A spirited second half fightback saw United
drive themselves into a 5-3 lead... the usual nervy last 10
minutes followed, but this year we're winning to the end
instead of losing it!
02nd
August, 2003.
United confirmed their intentions with a
4-2
win over 1st Division Spa Athletic. Dave Beecroft
nodded United ahead, Spa were kind enough to gift us a goal
via Skelton pressure and player-manager Jono Way bagged a
brace!
