AFTER a trio of heartbreaking cup exits, Hamble Club found consolation in a 2-0 Sydenhams Premier Division win at Bashley.

The Bash boys failed to take advantage of their first-half superiority – Lewis Ross going closest with an effort that crashed off the post.

Losing Conor Whiteley to a leg injury shortly after the restart didn’t help the New Forest club’s cause, especially as the Monks were now upping their game.

Goalkeeper Mike Edgar was impressive between the sticks for Bashley, who went close again with a low cross-shot from Kabba Jack which came off the bar.

But it was Hamble who seized the lead when, from a corner, the ball dropped unclaimed near the goalline and Nathan Lynch was there to force it home amid a mad scramble.

Lynch then struck again from the penalty spot despite the excellent Edgar getting his fingertips to the ball.

It was the master marksman’s 26th goal of a prolific season.

Hamble, ninth, face a big test tomorrow evening (Tuesday, 7.45pm) away to an AFC Portchester side who have just beaten league leaders Andover Town.