IMPRESSIVE Hamworthy United fell agonisingly short of Wessex League Cup glory yesterday after a spirited second-half comeback went without reward.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time against favourites VT FC, Hammers looked to be heading for a heavy defeat in the Fawcett’s Field showpiece.

But as Phil Simkin’s men have demonstrated on many occasions in the past, they simply refuse to throw in the towel.

After Hamworthy had missed several good chances, the tireless Max Crow gave his team a glimmer of hope when he fired home with 13 minutes remaining.

But it proved too little, too late as VT held on to claim the silverware.

“The second-half performance was absolutely outstanding and I’m proud to bits of the boys,” said manager Simkin.

“At the death we could’ve saved it and gone to extra-time and it just shows what the players are like. They never give up and that’s what Hamworthy United is about. We don’t give up.

“We may not have the resources of other clubs but we’ll always give it a go.”

Following a slow start, in which Warren Hunt missed two decent opportunities for the Boatmen, Hamworthy settled into the game.

But they were knocked off their stride when experienced frontman Paul Sales headed VT in front from Kevin Brewster’s 35th-minute cross, although Hammers were not impressed at a controversial free-kick awarded in the build-up to the goal.

Brewster was again the supplier when VT doubled the lead six minutes later.

His inviting delivery from the right made its way to Kevin Gibbens, the VT captain, who calmly converted from close range.

The second half was a different story, however, as Hamworthy turned up the heat.

Substitute Tom Jeffes proved a constant problem for VT and |he almost set up a goal on 52 minutes, but his cross was |just behind the onrushing |Crow.

Crow was now heavily involved for Hamworthy and it took an excellent save from Lee Webber to deny the energetic midfielder a 70th-minute goal following a weaving run and firm shot.

Jeffes blazed over moments later but he kept a cool head when providing the pass from which Crow deservedly got on the scoresheet to set up a frantic finale.

Hammers piled forward in search of an equaliser and their chance came in injury time – but Ryan Dovell’s shot was wayward after he had been accurately picked out by the impressive Warren Byerley.

Hamworthy United: Shergold, Yelland, Jackson, Cherrett, Horlock, Gilbert, Crow, Lockyer, Cannie (Jeffes, 44), Byerley, Dovell. Unused subs: Dancer, Merritt, Seal, Vavrecka.