[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On a sun-drenched afternoon at The BS3 Services Stadium, Manor Farm made an impressive comeback to secure a crucial three points against the formidable Hamworthy United, writes Jack Davies.
The visitors had already guaranteed a minimum of 3rd place after a superb season and started like a side worthy of those lofty heights. Just four minutes had been played before Ed Hodge judged a long ball better than Farm’s defence and he calmly slotted past Ben John. Farm have been made of sterner stuff of late however and didn’t allow Hamworthy to take control early. Evander Grubb had an effort well saved before a moment of magic brought Farm level after 16 minutes. With his impressive footwork, Jayden Nielsen spun a defender from the opposing team and left him on the ground, before delivering a precise cross to Ben Bament, who skillfully headed the ball into the net at the far post. It was another goal for the on-form Manor Farm player. Farm had come from behind with two quick fire goals in the first half of Easter Monday’s thrilling win and they repeated the trick here. Bament turning provider as his low cross was emphatically finished by Grubb for his second in two games. Despite having little else to play for before the play offs, tensions then spilled over for the visitors before the break. Drew Escott-Young given a straight red card for launching the ball in anger at Farm defender Aron Robbins. A frantic first half wasn’t finished there either as Farm had an almighty escape in first half stoppage time. Rafa Ramos smashing the ball onto the crossbar from close range with the goal gaping.
The second half definitely lacked the drama of the first as Hamworthy were caught between trying to equalise and trying to stay in the game with the man disadvantage. In truth the closest the visitors came to a leveller was a dipping cross from Ramos which somehow evades everybody and bounced just wide of the far post. Farm had a few chances to eliminate a nervous finish after the hour mark. Bament flashed a free kick over and Josh Ford cannoned a header against the crossbar following a Jake Gosling corner. 2-1 would be enough as Farm capped an excellent week with another massive 3 points.
STAR MAN – Steve Kingdon.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]