HAMWORTHY United picked up a massive three points in the Wessex Premier title race by beating league leaders Horndean 2-1 away from home.

Victory for the Hammers means they now sit directly beneath the Hampshire based side, just a point behind with three games in hand.

A mixture of COVID cases and injuries amongst Tim Sills’ men prompted the return of Crit Clarke and Max Buckler converted into a makeshift centre half, with the opening 45 passing by without much goalmouth action.

Hammers were comfortable throughout the first period but were unable to convert their control into goals. In the second half Lee Francis came close to opening the scores, with his first-time effort from ten yards slamming into the right-hand post before rolling along the goal-line.

Hammers’ pressure finally paid off on 68 minutes. After a Steve Devlin corner, Clarke's pinpoint cross was headed firmly into the net from three yards by an unmarked Billy Walker.

This finally prompted the Deans to show some urgency upfront. The hosts found an equaliser on 84 minutes, when Connor Duffin's venomous low free-kick from just outside the area went straight in, leaving United's wall still asking questions.

However, the Hammers' response was almost immediate. Billy Walker sent in a long hopeful diagonal ball from the right, which was well collected by Max Wilcock. After shrugging off a side challenge from Jack Lee, he waited for the keeper to go to ground before calmly slotting the ball into the net.

Elsewhere in the division Brockenhust kept pace with their title rivals by thumping Alresford 6-0 away from home, with five different names on the scoresheet – Kieran O’Donnell the only player to bag more than one goal. Bashley put four past bottom club Amesbury without conceding, whilst Blackfield & Langley edged past Portland United 2-1. Bournemouth Poppies were also in the goals, beating Cowes Sports 6-1.