HAMWORTHY United secured all three points as they held off a late charge from Whitchurch United.

The Hammers led 1-0 at the break and held firm despite a nervy ending to win 3-2.

Assistant manager Keith Whatling took control of the game with boss Dan Cann away, with Hamworthy lining up in an attack minded 3-1-6 formation.

The side started brightly, with an early chance falling to Bailey Rowe, guiding Josh Malpas’ cross just past the post.

Captain Brin Doyle drew a save from the Whitchurch ‘keeper with a shot from distance, the ball tipped behind.

Neemo Nixon found himself with good opportunities against the ‘keeper three times in the half but couldn’t take any of them.

Hamworthy deservedly took the lead on 37 minutes, as Rowe rose unchallenged to head home a corner from Nixon and headed into the interval with the lead.

However, the Jam Boys started the better of the two sides in the second period, with an early free kick resulting in an effort from Dave Perry which rebounded off the post to safety.

Home ‘keeper Sam Moggeridge then used his legs well to deny Calum Reid after he was neatly played in.

The away side levelled the scores on 58 minutes, with a rapid move that culminated with an unmarked Brett Denham turning in a low cross.

Moggeridge was then called into action again, but it was Hamworthy who retook the lead on 66 minutes.

Tom Lanham found Rowe, who beat his man, before finishing past the onrushing ‘keeper, who could only get a faint hand to the ball before it went into the net.

The home side went close to extending their lead minutes later, with substitute Connor Ford finding Malpas, who fired wide.

The pressure continued to build on the away side, with Rowe heading off the bar.

It was Malpas who gave the hosts some breathing space on 77 minutes, picking the ball up, beating a couple of players before smashing the ball against the ‘keeper and into the net.

It proved to be a nervy finish for Hamworthy, though, with the Jam Boys pulling a goal back through Dave Perry on 90 minutes after a goal-mouth melee.

The assistant had his flag up but he was overruled by the referee, with the goal given.

Hamworthy were then able to see the game out, securing a 3-2 win.