RETURNING defender Craig Hardy inspired Fareham Town to a 3-0 Sydenhams Premier Division win at Bournemouth Poppies – all the goals crammed into the last 12 minutes.

Poppies’ cause wasn’t helped by having skipper and coach Fawzi Saadi sent off on 35 minutes for retaliation towards Town forward Scott Hamilton.

Hardy broke the deadlock with a 78th-minute volley – his first goal for the club – and that lead was doubled three minutes later when Jay Eames sank a bullet header from a Josh Holmes corner.

There was still more to come from Pete Stiles' Fareham as sub Ben Tiffin tapped home from close range in the dying seconds.

The result was doubly pleasing considering the Creeksiders had several players missing through injury, illness and suspension.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm), Fareham host Southern League neighbours Gosport Borough in the Russell Cotes Cup.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins are on a roll of seven games unbeaten in league and cup.

Rae Hughes’s men continued their steady improvement with a 3-2 Sydenhams Premier win at Lymington Town courtesy of Robbie Matthews (2) and Jordan Matthews. Sam House and Charlie Willett scored for Lymo.

Both clubs are away in the Russell Cotes Cup tomorrow – Lymington travelling to AFC Stoneham, while Bemerton are bound for Andover Town.

Hamworthy United racked up their second Sydenhams Premier win in five days as goals by Jamie Filkins and Nathan Walker saw off Shaftesbury 2-0.

Shaftesbury tomorrow host Fawley AFC in the Sydenhams League Cup second round. The winners will entertain AFC Stoneham.