HAMWORTHY United boss Stewart Kearn admits Gerard Benfield's midweek heroics have left him with a “tricky” selection dilemma ahead of their trip to Newport.

Goalkeeper Benfield, 16, starred on his debut during Hammers' 1-1 draw at Lymington and will vie for a place with dual-registered Dorchester stopper Shane Murphy.

Kearn was forced to blood Benfield against Lymo as Murphy had been co-opted by his parent club and Dan Ackerman had been ruled out due to work commitments.

“We will have a decision to make,” said Kearn. “It is a big headache, but a nice headache to have!

“We have suddenly gone from not having a recognised goalkeeper to having Shane, who has played a handful of games two leagues higher, and Gerard, who is more than capable of playing at our level.”

Striker Ben Osborne returns for the visit to St George's Park where high-flying Newport have dropped just two points out of 21 this season.

Hammers: (from) Benfield, Walker, Cole, Legg, Horlock, Daysh, Allen, Blackburn, Warren, Cook, Miles, Corby, Penny, Donachy, Osborne, Murphy.

Elsewhere, second-bottom Christchurch will attempt to end their five-match losing league sequence at Alresford Town.

Bournemouth Poppies travel to Fareham Town, while Verwood face a tough task at high-flying Petersfield Town.

Lymington Town will be without Ben Sullivan (injured), Dave Marden (suspended), Carlo Tate, Tom Man and Warren Kenna (all unavailable) for their trip to Horndean.

In Wessex One, New Milton Town host Downton, while Ringwood Town travel to Amesbury (all 3pm).