HAMWORTHY United defeat AFC Stoneham 1-0 at home in the Wessex Premier League, courtesy of a Billy Walker notch.

Hoping to make it three league wins in a row, United welcomed back boss Tim Sills to the dugout, with Matt Neale and Adam Costello making the bench after injury.

The hosts had slightly the better of an uninspiring opening, which was only notable for two good catches by Stoneham’s keeper Tom Parker-Trott. All that changed on 24 minutes.

A Jamie Beasley free-kick curled towards the far post was nudged into touch by Ronan Galloway, sensing Connor Cocklin was about to pounce. Beasley's resultant corner from the right was put into the danger area and superbly headed into the net off the underside of the bar by Walker. A minute later, the hosts almost doubled their lead following a fine move.

After an even opening, the Hammers seemed to have adapted better to the progressively worsening elements. They also had taken one of the very few chances that came their way, with the visitors yet to really trouble Shane Murphy.

The rain began to pour in the second period but the hosts were soon putting Stoneham under more pressure.

At the other end, it needed a spectacular overhead kick off the line by Cocklin to deny Callum Laycock. As the game now livened up Murphy got down well to gather a Scott Hills effort at his near post.

With the Purps having their best period of the match, United could never feel comfortable without that second goal.

Despite some further very late Stoneham pressure, the tall and well marshalled defence had prevented very little getting through to Murphy against tough opponents.

The result means that the Hammers are now back level on points with leaders Horndean, with a game in hand.