COBHAM Sports beat Hamworthy Recreation Reserves with a goal from substitute Lennon Claydon just six minutes from time.

Both sides saw plenty of the ball from the start, with Cobham the first to have a sight of goal in the fourth minute, as Josh Buck had a shot saved well by Birtwhistle in the Rec goal.

The match became a battle in the midfield, with Rec looking a threat on the counterattack.

Cobham’s Rafa Santos headed over in the 19th minute, before Aldo Bertorelli going close shortly after the half hour mark.

The hosts created the odd chance, but it was Hamworthy Rec who saw plenty of the ball, but too often their play broke down in the final third.

The sides entered the break at 0-0.

Cobham created an early chance in the second period, as Santos hit the bar, before Rec came on the counter, with Harvey Elsom intervening to prevent a scoring opportunity.

Two minutes later, Santos was in on goal, but his shot was tipped onto the post by Birtwhistle.

Cobham were in the ascendancy and went to their bench, with Tadgh Case going close in the 76th minute from close range and should have done better with the chance.

Case went close again but his shot from 18 yards was a little too high two minutes later.

The game was decided in the 84th minute, as Claydon caused panic at the back for Rec.

He was found with his back to the goal in the area, and swivelled, his shot soaring into the roof of the net, giving Birtwhistle no chance.

Rec threw everything at Cobham in the final minutes to find an equaliser, but the hosts held firm, picking up all three points in a competitive encounter.