HAMWORTHY United lived up to their billing as this season's Wessex League dark horses by recording a fine 3-1 win at New Milton Town.

Phil Simkin's men went 1-0 down in the Fawcett's Field clash as Callum Burt put the hosts in front.

But the turning point came just before half-time when Linnets defender Raj Chengadu gave away a penalty and saw red in the process.

Hammers striker Warren Byerley converted the spot-kick and second-half strikes from Ryan Dovell and youth team product Mark Claremont gave Simkin's side maximum points.

It was a fine result for the County Ground outfit, who were without suspended trio Nathan Walker, Steve Gilbert and Mark Dancer.

"Considering we had six players out, I was really chuffed," Simkin told the Daily Echo.

New Milton's Richie Phippard said: "It was disappointing but the turning point was the sending-off.

"Until then, it was a close game. With 10 men, I was surprised we held out as long as we did."

FAWZI ON TARGET

FAWZI Saadi hit a hat-trick as an almost unrecognisable Bournemouth Poppies side got off to a flying start.

Poppies, whose only survivors from last season's first team were Micky and Chris Toy, dished out a 4-1 thrashing to Hamble at Victoria Park.

Despite losing manager James Wood and the majority of their players during the close-season, the Bournemouth side made the perfect start to the Wessex Premier Division campaign thanks to Saadi's treble, which included two penalties, and a strike from Liam McGlynn.

DEBUT FOR PERRETT

FORMER Cherries defender Russ Perrett made his Brockenhurst debut as the New Forest side demolished recently relegated Newport Isle of Wight 6-1.

Perrett, who is Brock's club captain this term, played the majority of Saturday's Premier Division clash before being replaced after the break by another ex-Cherry, John Bailey.

Tom Jeffes, a summer signing from Poppies, bagged a hat-trick, with Brock's other goals coming from Roy Viner (2) and Dave Wakefield.

DRAW FOR KEMP'S SIDE

GRAHAM Kemp's new-look Christchurch side had to settle for a goalless draw at Hayling United.

Despite fielding new signings Stuart Kearn, John Blake, Mark Smith and Gareth Barnes, Priory were unable to force a victory in poor conditions.

  • In Division One, Verwood Town came from 2-1 down to defeat Andover New Street 3-2 at Potterne Park, with goals from Chris Lynch, Dan Goodall and Russell Dyer.

Ringwood Town began their quest for a quickfire return to the top flight in disappointing style, losing 2-0 at Blackfield and Langley.