UNBEATEN manager Graham Kemp believes resurgent Hamworthy United are within touching distance of Wessex Premier safety after beating Lymington Town 4-2 yesterday.

The Southampton Road success saw Hammers secure a third win in four league matches since Kemp took the County Ground hotseat last month, opening up an 11-point gap over Fawley and Romsey Town who reside in the bottom two.

A close-range finish from United youngster Alex Martin was soon cancelled out in an open first half but Russell Cook handed the visitors the initiative again before the break.

Lee Diaper added number three after the interval and while Lymo grabbed a second, Dave Sturgess stepped off the bench to wrap up the points with 10 minutes to play.

And on the back of his rejuvenated side’s fine fettle in recent weeks, Kemp admitted it would take a total collapse to drag his 16th-placed side back into the mire.

Asked whether United were safe from the drop, Kemp told the Daily Echo: “I would have thought so.

"Three or four teams would have to go on a remarkable run and while we must not be complacent or drop the good standards we have set so far, we have no unnecessary concerns.

“In fairness, the squad is not filled with bottom six players and it was what happened in the previous months which had put us in that position.

“But, even though we have some breathing space, it would be nice to get to the end of January with plenty of points on the board so we can relax and enjoy the last couple of months.”

However, Hamworthy’s win was not without its hairy moments in the first half and Kemp praised his players for implementing a different game plan in the second half.

“It was far too open and both sides gave the ball away too cheaply,” he added.

“We were ahead at half-time more by luck than judgement and we made a couple of tactical changes. After that we were by far the better team and ran out worthy winners.”

Kemp also revealed Hamworthy have completed the transfer of defender Jordan Cole from Christchurch.

Hammers: Thomas, Biles, Hester, Brian, Haysom, Corby, Diaper, Allen, Osborne (Sturgess, 61), Cook (Penny, 75), Martin. Unused subs: Walker, Legg, Yelland.