NATHAN Walker's headed goal proved the difference as Hammers bagged a welcome win at a windy and bumpy County Ground.
He rose at the far post to get onto the end of a Marcus Oldbury free-kick, and although Horndean's goalkeeper got a hand to Walker's effort, he couldn't keep it out.
Darren Orchard also hit the post for the Hammers, but they had their own keeper Nick Hutchings to thank for allowing them to take the lead in the first place.
He pulled off a "stunning save in the first half which kept the scoreline blank after 30 minutes," stressed Hammers' boss Phil Simkin.
The manager added: "We passed the ball around well in awkward conditions and deserved our win.
"Horndean had scored six goals in their last two games, so I was delighted we got three points and a clean sheet."
Hamworthy United: Hutchings, Legg, Dixon, Llewellyn, N Walker, Marsh, Oldbury, Hubbard (Mowlem 75), Lucas, Orchard, Edwards. Unused subs: Williams, Killick, Osborne, Middleton.
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