INTERIM boss Shane Traynor sent a timely message to the County Ground hierarchy as he guided Hamworthy United to a 2-0 win over high-fliers Whitchurch United.

With ex-Dorchester Town boss Phil Simkin having pulled out of the race for the Hammers top job due to personal reasons, Traynor is one of a clutch of applicants still in the hunt.

And the Hamworthy reserve-team manager, who is due to be interviewed for the first-team role this week, did his chances of succeeding Stewart Kearn no harm.

Chairman Mark Bartlett has said the club expects to name Kearn’s successor at the end of the week.

Despite presiding over an excellent win, Traynor was keen to praise his players rather than reflect on personal success.

He told the Daily Echo: “I would love the job because I think Hamworthy and the people behind the scenes are fantastic.

“Hopefully, the result will do me the world of good but all of the credit should go to the players for the result.”

Hamworthy were without seven first-team players for the Sydenhams Wessex Premier clash.

Cherries youngster Luke Holmes made his debut in senior football after making a work experience loan switch, while former Horndean defender Dan Smith debuted at right-back and reserve-team striker Sam Carr started up front.

Hammers nerves were settled early on when Brad Miles played a one-two with Kane Daysh and pulled back for Josh Rose to fire into the net.

Callum Charlton, a second-half substitute for the injured Miles, made the perfect entrance when he scored with his first touch.

Midfielder Holmes passed to Charlton and the sub found the bottom-right corner with a first-time strike.

That was how it stayed until the final whistle, handing Traynor and his team a welcome victory.

The interim boss added: “Our first goal settled a few nerves. Some of the youngsters started to grow after that and started to see what the game was about – the physical side of it.

“The first half was difficult because of the wind. We had to be compact but at times I thought we played some good football.

“We created two good chances for a second goal just after the break and then Callum scored with his first touch.

“In the end it was a good team effort. They all stuck together and stuck to the game plan and we thoroughly deserved the win.”

Traynor will again lead Hammers at Poppies tomorrow.

Hammers: Collins, Smith, Corby, Legg, Cole, Holmes, Daysh, B Miles (Charlton, 60), Hill, Carr, Rose (Wood, 78). Unused subs: Cochlin, Phillips, Shear (g/k).