Saturday 2nd January 2010 - Otterbourne 8 Hamble 1

Line up: Flood, A Kerr, Willson, Kelly, Jannaway, Beasley, Davies, Gleason, Cole, T Kerr, Milne, subs: Smyth, Tiley

With the annual festivities all done and dusted for another year Otterbourne looked to start the New Year, and indeed the new decade, with a win against visitors Hamble.

The Otters manager Bruiser fielded the same XI as started against with the exception of Kevin Gleason replacing Chris Knight in the centre of midfield and Tom Kerr replacing Gareth Taylor up front.

Only four Hampshire Premier League games were being played due to the overnight frost. Oakwood having been blazed in winter sunshiiiine all morning had thawed the pitch to accept a stud.

The Otters started the more brightly of the two teams showing a more organised formation than that of Hamble. After only four minutes a deep corner was met by the incoming John Jannaway who powered in the opener and his second of the season. The goal was welcomed after The Otters have been discussing the lack of goals scored from set pieces especially as they’re one of the tallest teams in the league.

Hamble were clearly shocked at conceding so early on and quickly became more organised in their approach. After 15 minutes the impressive Hamble number eight picked the ball up from near on 40 yards, flicked it up and looped the ball over a wrong footed, and slightly surprised, Jamie Flood to equalise for the visitors.

Hamble were now full of confidence and were out playing Otterbourne in the middle of the park. The home side allowing the visitors far too much room.

Resolute defending persevered and a first class save from Flood kept out Hamble from extending their lead. Half way through the first half and arguably against the run of play Otterbourne took the lead for the second time in the match when Aaron Milne ran at the defence and 10 yard shot squeezed inside the post.

With half time looming another awkward Otterbourne cross was met by a neat piece of skill by Tom Kerr, whose swivel shot beat the Hamble Keeper.

The home side went in at half time pleased and maybe slightly surprised at the two goal lead with Hamble ahead in overall possession.

The second half saw Otterbourne again take an early advantage of sloppy Hamble defending when Tom Kerr scored his second after 51 minutes, meeting a fine Milne cross.

Such an early set back destroyed Hamble’s confidence and soon the flood gates opened with Otterbourne bombarding the visitors penalty box. Aaron Milne soon got his second of the game on 56 minutes and Matt Smyth scored Otterbourne’s best goal of the game with a powerful shot from the edge of the area only a minute later.

For the next 15 minutes Otterbourne pounded at a visibly weakening Hamble defence, hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession.

Tom Kerr lost the ip-dip-dop substitution policy of Bruiser and Diamond and was replaced by Ray Tilly on 73 minutes. Tilly immediately starting an attacking move and finishing it with a lovely header for his first of the season and to put the game 7-1.

The rest of the game hung on would Aaron Milne ever get his hatrick due to the abundance of opportunities that he was carving out for himself. Fortunately he did as his blast at the near post was not held by the unlucky stand in Hamble keeper.

To be honest, 8-1 slightly flattered Otterbourne but credit must go to the teams continuous offensive play and some fine finishing in the box.

Chris Knight might read this in The Canaries a slightly worried man!