HAMWORTHY United have retained 16 first-team players for the forthcoming Sydenhams Wessex League campaign.

Goalkeeper Gerard Benfield will compete with Jason Collins for the number one jersey, while boss Shane Traynor has held on to Sam Bayston, Mark Brock, Ollie Clayton, Jordan Cole, Dan Haysom, Paddy Hester, Brad Hill, Greg Horlock and Billy Walker.

Captain David Legg, Dan Smith, Stefan Penny, Kane Daysh and Jack Satterley had already been confirmed in the County Ground manager’s plans with Sam Davidson from New Milton Town the only confirmed new face so far.

United beat Dorset Premier League champions Hamworthy Recreation 3-2 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday in which former Wimborne Town striker Matt Kemble lined up for the Hammers. 

  • Christchurch have held on to four more players from last season’s squad in their attempt to bounce straight back from relegation to Division One.

Midfielder Nathan Saxby, defender Matt Dodd, dual-registered Poole Town youngster Sammy Glatzel and Martin Smith have all signed forms with the Hurn Bridge club.

Manager Adie Arnold had already announced the retention of veteran Mark Smith, left-back Dan Taylor and flexible striker Dan Saul.

Priory have also recruited experienced ex-Cherries midfielders James Rowe and Christer Warren.