HAMWORTHY United exited the Dorset Senior Cup after being beaten by Shaftesbury 2-1 despite a valiant performance by the side two-leagues their visitors’ junior.

Facing a side that featured former Hammers and ex-AFC Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman, the Hammers gave a good account of themselves.

The first good chance of the game fell to Hamworthy on 16 minutes, as Bailey Rowe failed to make contact with Josh Malpas’ cross from one yard out.

They were on the front foot and deservedly took the lead on 39 minutes, as Rowe finished after Malpas squared it to him.

Rowe went close four minutes later but his effort went past the post, as Shaftesbury worked their way back into the game. There were ominous signs for the hosts, though, approaching the break as late efforts just cleared the bar and were blocked.

Hamworthy saw a goal disallowed early in the second half, before the Rockies found the equaliser shortly after the hour mark.

A superb cross from former Hammer Remus Nixon found Pitman who guided the ball home with his head.

Hamworthy held under mounting Shaftesbury pressure, but this pressure told on 84 minutes as Toby Bailey’s corner led to a scramble before Nixon bundled home to give the visitors the lead.

The Hammers threw everything at an equaliser, with Neemo Nixon having an effort saved, but Shaftesbury held on to progress to the semi-final.