SKIPPER Nathan Walker led from the front - and the back - as Hamworthy United finally broke their Bournemouth Poppies jinx with a hard-earned victory at the County Ground last night.

Walker nodded his side into a first-half lead and also marshalled a staunch rearguard action as Hammers registered their first Wessex League win over their Dorset rivals at the seventh attempt.

His towering 38th-minute header, coupled with Warren Byerley's finely-taken second-half strike, also brought to an end Poppies' perfect start to the new season.

The hosts' imposing defensive wall only crumbled in the 88th minute, with Hammers' Richard Jackson credited with an own goal following a frantic scramble.

Poppies were restricted to a handful of noteworthy chances, with two first-half drives from Scott Sanderson acrobatically saved by Hammers goalkeeper Martin Peters.

Hammers: Peters, Kenway (Williams, 8), Grimason (Jennings, 81), Gilbert, N Walker, Dovell, Legg, Hubbard, Baguley (Mutch, 59), Byerley, Jackson. Unused subs: Middleton, Smart.

Poppies: Kearn, McGrath, M Toy, Lucas, Cherrett, McCabe, Smith, Sanderson, Phillips, Strong (Dancer, 6), C Toy. Unused subs: White, Morrell, Constable, Merritt.