MANAGER Shane Traynor remains upbeat about Hamworthy United’s future despite results drifting during their season of transition.

Hammers lost 3-1 at in-form Team Solent in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division on Saturday to leave Traynor with two wins from nine matches since his returning in December from a five-week sabbatical.

With top scorer Matt Kemble, Brad Gale and Billy Walker all sidelined and Jack Satterley and Kane Daysh serving suspensions, United named four under-18s in their squad.

Hamworthy were two down when Paddy Hester gave the visitors a lifeline from the penalty spot with 14 minutes to play at Test Park but Solent netted again to seal a seventh win in eight unbeaten matches in all competitions.

“It has been tough but things are turning around,” said Traynor. “We had quite a few players out so it was a good opportunity for some of our younger lads to play.

“I thought we did really well and showed good quality on the ball but to be fair to Team Solent, they edged it by being ruthless in front of goal.

“We had a couple of chances that we could not take and that proved to be the difference. They were a well-drilled side and it was difficult to play against them.”