BOSS Shane Traynor declared himself proud after Hamworthy United suffered an injury nightmare in the 2-0 defeat to champions-elect Salisbury.

Wide men Connor Phillips and Brad Gale and central midfielder Nick Swann were forced off inside the first 23 minutes at the County Ground.

Claudio Herbert opened the scoring soon after and George Colson’s free-kick hit the bar in the second period.

The lead was doubled when Taurean Roberts’s cross was fumbled into the net by Gerard Benfield before the home keeper saved a Sam Wilson penalty late on.

Having witnessed Salisbury all-but secure the Sydenhams Wessex Premier title, Traynor told the Daily Echo: “I thought we did ourselves proud. In no way, shape or form did we disgrace ourselves.

“Our game plan was turned around early on but they didn’t have it all their own way. We made it difficult and the effort of the lads was fantastic.”

Hammers: Benfield, Cole, Horlock, Walker, Penny, Hester, Swann (O’Hare, 23), B Satterley, Gale (Haysom, 15), C Phillips (White, 8), A Phillips. Unused subs: Turner, Jerrard (g/k).

In Wessex One, Ringwood Town closed the gap on 13th-placed New Milton with a 3-0 victory over Pewsey Vale. On target were Sean Leadbetter (2) and Elliot Peck.