PHIL Simkin dubbed Warren Byerley a "class footballer" after the in-form forward sent Hamworthy United into the FA Cup first qualifying round.

The striker bagged a brace as Hammers survived a late scare to see off Brislington 3-2 at the County Ground on Saturday.

"Warren would be the first to say he lost his way for a season and a bit," Simkin told the Daily Echo.

"But he's also someone I've known well for a lot of years and he's pretty sharp at the moment.

"I don't know how many goals he's got this season, but he's scored in practically every game.

"I'm delighted for Warren. He's someone I've been worried about but he's certainly playing well at the moment."

Byerley's double and a brilliant free-kick from summer signing Tim Constable put Hamworthy 3-0 up at the weekend.

And, despite a late fightback from the visitors, Hammers progressed to earn a home tie against Taunton Town in the next round.

MORE POPPIES WOE

BOURNEMOUTH Poppies have conceded 19 goals without reply in their past three matches after going down 5-0 at Southern League Didcot Town on Saturday.

The Victoria Park outfit's FA Cup run came to an abrupt halt in Oxfordshire, with the impressive hosts running out comfortable victors.

Michael Bartley, brother of Cherries midfielder Marvin, scored twice, with Jack King, Liam Hope and Ashley Vine also on target.

LINNETS LOSE OUT

CALLUM Burt's goal failed to save New Milton Town from an embarrassing FA Cup exit.

Linnets would have expected to progress to the next round when they were paired with Wessex Division One strugglers Downton, last season's top-flight whipping boys.

But they fell behind in Saturday's clash at Fawcett's Field and, despite Burt's equaliser, Downton went through after hitting a shock winner 13 minutes from time.

PRIORY CRASH OUT

ON A mixed afternoon for the Wessex League sides in cup action, Christchurch were also dumped out of the world's most famous domestic knockout competition.

Graham Kemp's men were well beaten at Shortwood United, eventually losing 2-0.

BROCK FACE REPLAY

GARETH Keeping's equaliser earned Brockenhurst a 1-1 draw at Fleet Town.

The two teams will contest a replay on Tuesday night at Grigg Lane (7.45pm), with the victors to host Cowes Sports in the next round.

  • Verwood Town twice came from two goals behind to salvage a point against Whitchurch United in Wessex Division One. A brace from Pete King and penalties from Dan Goodall and Damon Cousins earned a 4-4 draw for Adie Arnold's men at Potterne Park.