A BRACE from Danny Phillips guided Whitchurch United to a much needed 3-0 win against Hamworthy on Saturday as they progressed through to the next round of the FA Vase.

Following on from a disappointing showing in the FA Cup last month, the Jamboys were determined to put in a strong performance in the Vase and showed their intent from the off when Phillips opened the scoring inside three minutes.

The skilful striker slipped in behind the Hamworthy defence and got on the end of an inviting Matt Austin cross to tap home and get United off to a flying start.

Hamworthy responded well but could not get passed the always reliable Brad Snelling in the Whitchurch goal who made two comfortable saves to deny both Ben Satterley and Matt Kemble.

Whitchurch then had a flurry of chances before finally doubling their advantage when Phillips was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Hamworthy keeper Jason Collins.

The referee quickly pointed to the spot and Phillips stepped up to slam the penalty into the top corner to put Whitchurch 2-0 up going into the break.

Hamworthy raised the tempo after the restart but the Whitchurch back line stood firm.

However the away side were unlucky not to score with their best chance of the game as a Kemble cross found the head of Kane Daysh but the ball cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and out to safety.

The effort stunned the Whitchurch defence but man of the match Ali Brown and defensive partner Scott Hassell regained their composure quickly and remained solid throughout.

Meanwhile Phillips continued to cause problems at the other end and nearly bagged his hat-trick with a sublime effort from 40 yards.

The striker’s 72nd minute shot had the Hamworthy keeper back peddling as the ball looked to be heading towards goal but a last ditch hand from Collins diverted it away for a corner.

The disappointment was erased moments later as the Jamboys scored their third from the resulting corner with Andre Manders escaping his marker and earning himself a free header which he easily converted.

Reece Rusher continued to cause problems down the left hand side as Whitchurch continually looked to add to their three goal advantage.

Collins prevented a fourth goal from Whitchurch as he dived low to claw out a venomous drive by Phillips.

The rebound fell to Jack McCarthy whose header somehow missed the open goal.

The final 10 minutes was all Whitchurch who created several chances, with Phillips even missing his hat-trick in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Jamboys still ran out 3-0 winners.

Whitchurch will face a home tie against Bournemouth Poppies in the Second Qualifying round on October 3.