BOSS Brendon King was torn between contentment and frustration after watching Hamworthy United register a 2-1 win over Dorset rivals Shaftesbury at the County Ground on Saturday, reports Jack Tanner.

Jamie Beasley’s deflected effort and a fortuitous own goal helped Hammers collect another three points in their quest for a highest finish in Sydenhams Wessex Premier.

But despite the victory, which saw them move five points clear in third place, boss King was not entirely thrilled by the performance.

Although Hammers controlled the first half, both goalkeepers made some excellent saves with Andy Knights playing his part in ensuring the contest would remain goalless at the break.

And while the hosts had the lion’s share of chances, it took a slice of luck to beat in-form Shaftesbury goalkeeper Dan Card with Beasley’s strike giving them a 54th minute lead.

Just 10 minutes later, an even more fortuitous goal doubled their advantage when a lofted cross deceived full-back Jason Beal, whose attempt to control the ball only served to send it into the back of the net.

King told the Daily Echo: “We were in control for most of the game but, while we won, we weren’t great.

“We were good in patches and forced their goalkeeper into some great saves. But again, we missed a few chances like we did against Bashley on Tuesday.

“We should have scored three or four goals and then the game would have been over.”

Martin Shroeder’s injury-time consolation kept the outcome in doubt until the final whistle, leaving Hammers to see out the remaining minutes, much to the annoyance of King.

He added: “When you go 2-0 up, you should be better than that and we should be keeping the ball better. Near the end, we started getting lazy and sloppy and they got a goal.

“To be fair, they deserved it. It was in the last few minutes but we should have held out so I was disappointed. However, we got three points and that was the most important thing.”

Hammers tomorrow visit Blackfield & Langley in the quarter-final of the Wessex League Cup, but King’s attention primarily lies on their next league game: “We are carrying a few knocks so I’ll be focusing more on our game against Poppies on Saturday.”

Despite the fact most teams around them have games in hand on Hammers, King is nonplussed about the exploits of their rivals: “I have no influence over the results of teams around us, that’s out of my control. I’m just happy that we got points in the bag. I can only influence what we do.”

Hammers: Knights, S Clarke, C Clarke, Hodge (Nicholson, 82), N Walker, B Walker, Filkins (Preston, 66), Buckler, Watts, Smith, Beasley. Unused sub: Randall.