HAMWORTHY United booked their FA Cup derby date at Wimborne – but boss Simon Browne admitted the biggest winner had been Magpies counterpart Steve Cuss.

The Hammers eventually won their extra-preliminary round replay with Melksham Town 3-1 after extra time as the visitors finished the tie with nine men.

But despite the frantic ending to the clash – with all four goals coming in the second half of extra time – Browne was relieved to get through after a flat display and questioned his side’s credentials ahead of the trip to Cuthbury.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was all about the result, but we redefined the term winning ugly. Ultimately, we scored more because we kept our discipline but by no means was it a vintage game.

“The happiest man in the crowd must have been Steve Cuss because he wouldn’t have seen anything to worry him and, on the basis of our performance, I can’t see us getting through.”

United return to Wessex League action tomorrow when they travel to pointless Romsey Town (3pm).

Hammers have drafted in young Salisbury centre-half City Dan Beckles for the suspended Greg Horlock. Strikers Joe Shovelton (unavailable) and Sam Pekun (ankle) miss out. 

Hammers: (from) Knights, Penny, Hester, Beckles, Biles, Sturgess, Lanahan, Stacey, Allen, Claremont, Chudy, Bassiriki, Head, Saunders, Holland, Rockingham.

  • Bournemouth Poppies will be looking for their first Wessex League goals and points of the season when they host Newport (IOW) (3pm).
  • Christchurch will be without Sam Purdy (groin) and Chris Speers (unavailable) when they host winless Totton & Eling tonight (7.45pm).
  • Verwood boss Adie Arnold denied striker Joe Kittle had signed for AFC Portchester but confirmed he would not be featuring for the Potters, who host Horndean tomorrow (3pm), at the moment.

Poppies: (from) Lillington, Ayrton, Jackson, Clarke, Bartlett, Pearce, Cooper, Batchelor, Masson, Andrews, Burgis, Phillips, Crow, Turner.

Priory: (from) Frampton, Doe, Bernard, Walker, Legg, Blackburn, Smith, Fairbrother, Saul, Hoey, Burden, Homan, Frewin, Meyer, McGrath, Jacobs.

Potters: (from) Lynch, Evans, Oldring, Kelly, Dyer, Saxby, Webb, Haskell, Lovell, Hill, Elysee, Murray, Kimber, Gilham, Smith.

  • In Wessex One, New Milton host Laverstock & Ford, while Ringwood entertain US Portsmouth (both 3pm).