Andover Town went down to their seventh defeat in 11 Wessex Premier Division games on Saturday as Hamworthy United were rarely tested at the County Ground.

Shorn of Jake Wellesley-David, Lewis Benson, Ope Aromona, Michael Dixon, Ike Robertson and Jordon O’Donnell among others Town’s squad limitations were exposed as the home side went ahead midway through the first half and clinched the deal ten minutes from the end.

Town in the end were indebted to 17-year old debutant keeper Mark Childs who kept the score down with a competent and error free performance having impressed in the Elite squad at Sparsholt. The Wimborne-based youngster was man of the match for Town who could have gone ahead in the eighth minute when Joe Woodward’s flick on was just missed by the onrushing Danny Urry. Lanky striker Martin Warren missed with a free header moments later before being denied by the first of several saves by Childs whose quick clearance led to Cameron Hough’s powerful drive which went just wide.

Warren then nodded home from a clearly offside position but Town’s respite was short lived as from a corner the same man nodded back and Russell Cook could not miss from close range.

Alex Dockree led the charge from midfield but with a deceptively bobbly pitch not helping ball control both widemen Oli Yates and Claudio Herbert had little chance to feed lone front man Nic Turpin who had one real chance in his hour on the pitch which went wide just before the break.

Childs saved again and launched a quick counter which ended with Yates shooting wide but Town’s attacks were sporadic and it was no surprise when manager Neil Benson threw on Toby McCauley for Cameron Hough just after the restart and Tom Riddell for Turpin soon after.

In truth the visiting defence struggled to contain the lively home attack which was out to impress the new boss after Graham Kemp left to take over at Dorchester Town and Childs pulled off a double save which brought applause from the home fans behind the goal to keep his side in it.

Hamworthy made things safe ten minutes from the end when Cook found room to cross and substitute Ben Osborne slid home the second and only another fine save from Childs stopped Cook from making it three in injury time.

Benson will be hoping that son Lewis returns sooner rather than later as his side face leaders Petersfield on Saturday before a very awkward trip to Western League Bradford Town in the FA Vase. With Portchester and Brockenhurst following, the next month or so will show the squad’s resolve as they look to get back to winning ways.

Andover Town have been dealt a blow by the FA who have removed them from the FA Youth Cup as they do not play in a league. This means Fleet Town, who were due to visit on Wednesday have been given a bye