DELIGHTED Simon Browne described his players’ performance as “outstanding” after Hamworthy United had stunned Wimborne in an FA Cup shock.
The Wessex Premier outfit upset Wimborne 3-1 in a preliminary round win which Browne labelled “the best result in my time as Hamworthy United manager”.
Dominic Allen’s second penalty in two games, along with goals from Sam Lanahan and substitute Sam Pekun, ensured victory for the Hammers at Cuthbury.
Southern League Wimborne were left with barely anything to show from yesterday's clash apart from Matt Kemble’s consolation effort late on.
Hammers boss Browne, who had dismissed his side’s chances before the fixture, told the Daily Echo: “I said to the guys before the game that I honestly believed that we could win it.
“I guess I was playing a few games by saying that Wimborne were the favourites. I thought by playing it down a little bit, they might have come in with a bit of a relaxed attitude, however I’m sure that wasn’t the case.
“We have not really had anything to crow about in the FA cup since I have been here. We have had a couple of wins here or there but this is by far and away the best result in my time as Hamworthy United manager.”
The win, which earned Hammers £1,925 in prize money, set up a September 14 trip to Western Premier League Hallen, who overcame Bournemouth Poppies 4-2 at Victoria Park yesterday.
Defeat for Wimborne meant their poor run in the competition continued, having been dumped out by lower league opposition three times in the past four seasons.
“I can’t defend the way we played,” admitted Magpies manager Steve Cuss.
“It was just a disappointing performance and a disappointing afternoon for us.
“We started quite brightly and, in the first 20 minutes, we dominated possession, but from then onwards we were second best.”
The Magpies missed a chance to take the lead in the 24th minute when midfielder Micky Hubbard failed to convert from the penalty spot.
Cuss added: “There is no blame on Micky. He takes a lot of penalties and has scored a lot for us under pressure.”
Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Whitley (Smith, 83), Griffin, Brian, Blake, Davidson, Hubbard (Kemble, 67), Stokoe, Gamble, Webb. Unused Subs: Maybury, Costello, Roast, Battison, Ackerman (g/k).
Hammers: Knights, Penny, Holland (Lockyer, h-t), Horlock, Biles, Sturgess, Lanahan, Stacey, Allen, Chudy (Pekun, 77), Claremont. Unused Subs: Taylor, Beckles, Head, Bassiriki.
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