A SUPREME defensive display from Lamin Dibba provided Bournemouth Poppies with the platform to defeat Hamworthy United 3-0.

Dibba, tasked with keeping ex-Victoria Park striker Jack Swann quiet, produced a faultless display, combining aerial prowess with good reading of the game.

While at the other end, three poor pieces of defending proved costly for Phil Simkin's side, who were without captain and central defender Nathan Walker.

Things might have turned out differently if the linesman had seen Carl Mutch's speculative long-range effort cross the line after being fumbled by Stuart Kearn in the second minute.

But, with the protests waved away, the game remained goalless.

That was until the 33rd minute when the hosts opened the scoring slightly against the run of play.

A deflected left-wing cross found Tom Jeffes at the near post and, with Hammers keeper Martin Peters committed, Jeffes squared to strike partner Gareth Barnes to tap in from close range.

The lead was doubled four minutes before the break when Scott Sanderson found himself all alone at the back post to nod in Mark Smith's deep free-kick.

If the game was still there for the taking at 2-0, it was put beyond doubt just seven minutes into the second half.

Dibba stooped to flick on a near post corner and Jeffes hooked in a fine left-foot volley from 10 yards.

Peters denied Jeffes and Leigh Phillips before the finish to keep the score respectable, while Hammers did little to threaten Kearn's goal.

Poppies player-assistant boss Phillips thought Hamworthy were fortunate to only lose 3-0.

He said: "We were 2-0 up after the first half but neither side deserved to be winning.

"Then in the second half the lads took on board what we said and gave them a lesson. 3-0 flattered them in the end."

Simkin felt his side were on top before Poppies' experience shone through.

"If you'd have told me at half past three we'd lose 3-0 I wouldn't have believed you," Simkin told the Daily Echo.

But the Hammers boss was full of praise for Poppies.

He said: "I think they're a very experienced, well balanced side.

"I've got a bit of time for James Wood (Poppies manager). He gets his head down, gets on with it and I thought they were a very good side."

As well as losing, Hammers could be without frontman Swann for a few weeks after Simkin confirmed it was a hamstring injury that forced him to hobble off.

Poppies: Kearn, McGrath, Morrell, Dibba, Cherrett, Sanderson (Hancox 68), Smith, White, Barnes (Phillips 74), Jeffes, Crow (C Toy 78). Subs not used: Dancer, M Toy.

Hamworthy United: Peters, Horlock, Grimason, Williams, Gilbert (Middleton 55), Mutch (Chivers 75), Legg, Hubbard, Swann (Dean 61), Byerley, Dovell.