GARY Funnell's unstoppable thunderbolt settled a thoroughly enthralling FA Vase tie in Poole Town's favour at the County Ground.

Hosts Hamworthy United looked likely to frustrate their more illustrious neighbours, as they hung on bravely for long periods until Funnell's magnificent rocket provided a fitting finale to the entertaining derby clash.

The game's outstanding player, Hammers goalkeeper Martin Peters, was the main reason the match remained so close throughout.

He pulled off a string of superb saves, so much so that his manager Phil Simkin described the keeper's performance as "absolutely incredible".

"He was outstanding. If he's not the best goalkeeper in the league then I don't know who is," Simkin told the Daily Echo.

The game took just six minutes to explode into life in front of a bumper 373-strong crowd. And it was the visitors who drew first blood, thanks to their best two performers on the day.

One of many impressive runs from Trefor Smith created an opening for Taffy Richardson and his low shot was deflected past Peters by Hammers skipper Nathan Walker.

Warren Byerley headed wide a glorious opportunity to equalise four minutes later but he redeemed himself immediately to restore parity.

Micky Hubbard's deep free-kick was flicked into Byerley's path and the striker showed strength to hold off his marker before his volley found the bottom corner of the net.

Poole found themselves on top as the action unravelled but didn't test Peters seriously until the 37th minute, with the stopper holding a fierce Dave Sturgess strike at the second attempt.

On the stroke of half-time Funnell signalled his shooting prowess but Peters superbly clawed the Poole midfielder's long-range drive to safety to keep the teams level at the interval.

Peters showed speed of thought in denying Funnell again 11 minutes into the second half before bravely saving at the feet of the marauding Sturgess.

Hammers' best chance to score a second goal fell to Carl Mutch, who was a powerful presence throughout, in the 62nd minute but he blazed over from close range.

And this wastefulness in front of goal was punished just four minutes later by the winning goal.

Funnell cut in from the left wing and unleashed a vicious 30-yard drive into the top corner, which even the excellent Peters was powerless to stop.

Hamworthy United: Peters, Gilbert, Grimason, Horlock, Walker, Dovell, Legg, Hubbard, Mutch (Swann 67), Byerley, Jackson. Unused subs: Dean, R Middleton, Webb.

Poole Town: Frampton, Sturgess, Skelton, Whitley, I Richardson, S Richardson, Culliford (P Smith 63), Funnell, T Smith, S Smith, Saadi. Unused subs: Tong, C Smith, Yelland, Lima.