PROMOTION chasing Hamworthy United were held to a 0-0 draw away at Alton Tuesday night, with the Hammers missing the chance to take top spot in the Wessex Premier.

Tim Sills’ side came into the game on the back of three big wins – advancing in the FA Vase and Dorset Senior Cup, before beating league leaders Horndean last weekend.

A threadbare Hammers only had three subs available, with the side unable to find a way to break down a resolute Alton side that sit midtable in 10th.

Hammers still have two games in hand on the league leaders, with the two sides now level on 58 points.

Down the other end of the league Christchurch edged past neighbours Bournemouth Poppies 1-0.

Luke Ansell swivelled on the edge of the area before firing home for the game’s only goal.

Whilst the result does not improve Priory’s league position, it does give them some much needed breathing space – and ensures that Poppies, who sit one place below in 19th, cannot leapfrog Christchurch with their game in hand.

Elsewhere Brockenhurst reached the semi-finals of the Russel Coates cup with victory over AFC Stoneham.

Badgers fell behind early on, but equalised on the half-hour mark via a Mitchell Speechly-Price penalty.

Benjamin Dukes came off the bench to find a winner after 72 minutes.