Hythe & Dibden 2 Amesbury Town 3

Hythe & Dibden 2 Amesbury Town 3

Sydenhams Wessex League – Division One

Amesbury team: Allatt; Richards, Sole (c), McPhie, Pryce; M. Western, T. Western (Vallis, 85), Bates, C. Wheeler; Charman, Finnigan (Wade, 85).

Subs (not used): Horner, Hope.

Scorers: Finnigan (14), T. Western (pen 52), Bates (77).

Att: 38.

AMESBURY Town completed a double over Hythe & Dibden in treacherous conditions on Saturday.

It was one of only four games to go ahead in the whole Sydenhams Wessex League, and one of just two in Division One.

“The game shouldn’t have been played,” said manager Nick Horner.

“The pitch was like a skating rink, but nobody seemed to listen.

“Luckily nobody got hurt, which was amazing.”

The Blues were missing Lee Bartlett through illness and Danny Western through suspension, but welcomed back Tom Western after injury.

Hythe got the first goal on 11 minutes when Danny Gibbons finished off Liam Robinson’s low cross into the box.

Amesbury were soon level as captain Neil Sole played a long ball into the box and Craig Wheeler and Daryl Charman combined well to set up Danny Finnigan. He squeezed his shot just inside the post with debutant goalkeeper Jason West well beaten.

The Blues then began to dominate as Jason Bates hit the bar with a 20-yard free kick, and Charman tested West who saved well low down.

Hythe regained the lead after 25 minutes when John Mulhern beat Gavin Richards on the left and crossed to the far post where Terry Cox volleyed a fine goal.

Amesbury levelled for the second time just seven minutes after the break, in controversial circumstances.

Hythe defender Matt Williams was adjudged to have handled in the box, even though he just seemed to be protecting himself.

Tom Western sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with the spot kick.

The Blues stepped up the pressure, and West had to palm Matt Western’s weak shot around the post after Charman had neatly controlled Wheeler’s pass.

The winner came with 13 minutes to go, as Matt Western went past three challenges in the box before laying it off to Bates whose shot nestled in the back of the net.

Hythe substitute Andy Lonsdale somehow shot wide when faced with only goalkeeper Tommy Allatt to beat.

“We weren’t ever in much trouble,” said Horner.

“Danny Gibbons is still a good player and they are good going forward, but you can see why they concede so many goals.”

The Blues entertain Andover New Street, managed by previous boss Glen Butterfield, on Boxing Day (11am).

“It’s just another three points on offer and we will be doing our best to get them,” said Horner.

“I get on really well with Glen and we will have a good drink afterwards, but no doubt we will be banging heads together during the game.”