ALRESFORD Town could have no arguments about Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Hamworthy United in the Sydenhams Premier Division.

After some promising performances of late, the off-colour Magpies had their wings clipped by a Hammers side who were good value for their first victory in five.

Missing bright young star Jack Hoey, who has signed Southern League forms for Bashley, and the suspended Craig Bryant, Alresford survived an early scare when skipper Simon Everett headed a Dan Blackburn header off the line.

But they fell behind on 23 minutes when Callum Charlton got in down the right and set up Josh Rose to tap home.

The Hammers’ former Alresford and Winchester keeper Jason Collins denied Tom Riddell with his legs as the hosts tried to claw their way back.

But, despite starting the second half on the front foot, the Mapgies were stunned by a second Hamworthy goal on 49 minutes – the experienced Russell Cook firing across home ’keeper Gary Morrison and into the far corner.

Alresford upped their game but their best chance came and went when Riddell managed to round Collins and saw his goal-bound effort capably cleared by Greg Horlock.

Hamworthy almost added a third late on with Rose’s dipping shot bouncing on top of the crossbar.

Alresford are back in action tonight in the League Cup third round at Ringwood Town. The winners will travel to Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the quarter-finals.