19.4.25. Bournemouth 1 Hamworthy Rec 5

Rec’s final game of the season saw them come from behind to claim an emphatic win at Bournemouth. The first half was lacking in quality, especially from a Rec point of view, but a much improved second half showing from the visitors saw them run in four more goals. The win ensures Rec finish in seventh place - a great effort in their first year in the top division.

Poppies went in front on 13m, when STOCKER won the ball on the right, cut in and drilled a left footer beyond Felix Bruce, in the Rec goal. This shook Rec into life and Aaron Roberts set up Chris Long for a shot, blocked at the expense of a corner, from which Tony Rolls headed wide. Eddie Hodge then tested Watts, in the home goal, before Rec equalised. SONNY PIKE moved forward from midfield and fired a speculative effort, from 30 yards, which bobbled in front of Watts and into the net, for 1-1. Poppies then had Tallal sin binned, but Rec failed to take advantage of the extra man. HT 1-1.

Ten minutes into the restart Rec were in front. HODGE received the ball, on the right, drove into the box and fired his shot into the far corner, to give Rec the lead. Bournemouth’s best chance of the half saw Fishlock’s attempt fly just past the post, before Rec took control. On 65m SEAN WRIGHT blocked a clearance and with the help of Archie Whitfield, managed to hook the ball over Watts, from close range, for number three.

Rec were now well on top and on 67m, star man, SONNY PIKE burst through the middle and gave Watts no chance with his shot. Poppies, on a rare venture forward, were denied by a great tackle by Wright, to deny Fowler, before Rec settled matters, five minutes from time when ARCHIE WHITFIELD’s persistence saw him take advantage of a defensive error, to add the fifth.

FT 1-5.