LYMINGTON Town have been rocked by news that Nathan Hurst faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Central midfielder Hurst – an Academy performance analyst at Southampton FC - will be out of action for a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in Lymo’s 0-0 draw at Hamble Club on the opening night of the season.

“Everyone at @ lymingtontownfc would like to wish @nathanhurst6 the very best of luck and a safe recovery,” said a club statement.

Hurst’s is one of three serious injuries to blight the new Wessex season, following on from Alresford Town’s Conor Whiteley who suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in the FA Cup against Hamble Club.

Sydenhams One outfit Romsey Town have also received depressing news of goalkeeper Jordan Westbrook who suffered a broken leg against Fawley.

Lymington put their woes behind them to beat Andover New Street 2-0 at Foxcotte Park on Saturday.

Tim Stephenson and Sam House were on target for Dave Lewis’s men.

Skipper Stephenson, named Town’s man-of-the-match, got across a defender to head home Mike Gosney’s corner on 25 minutes.

House then doubled that advantage just after the break when he slipped the ball into the bottom corner.

Former AFC Totton and Andover Town wideman Mike Gosney is already having an influence for Lymo with his quality deliveries.

Stephenson said: “Great deliveries from Gos meant we were always a threat on setpieces and I was lucky enough to get my head on one and put us 1-0 up.

“The second half started with an early goal for Housey, who reacted sharply to a deflection and slotted a tidy finish into the corner.

“A well-managed, hard-working performance by us - with lots to come!”

Lymo tomorrow (7.45pm) travel to Horndean in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup.

Michael Birmingham’s Deans will be smarting from a 2-1 league defeat at Hamworthy United on Saturday.

The Hammers took the lead when former Hamble Club striker River Smith was dragged down for a penalty by Deans’ keeper Kieran Magee, who was promptly sent off.

Skipper Nathan Walker converted the spot kick despite a valiant dive by stand-in stopper Connor Duffin.

The ten-man visitors fell further behind on 72 minutes when Dan Cann’s long throw was powerfully headed home by Walker for his second of the game.

Horndean were themselves awarded a penalty when Taf Kanjanda was fouled in the 75th minute, but Zach Glasspool hit the post from 12 yards.

The visitors, though, did manage to pull a goal back on 85 minutes through Harry Jackson, but it wasn’t enough to spare them defeat.

Brockenhurst - home to league leaders Sholing in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup tomorrow - stumbled to a 1-0 home defeat against Tadley Calleva on Saturday.

The only goal arrived on 78 minutes - and it was a moment to forget for Brock keeper Matt Taylor.

His poor clearance landed straight at the fee of Sam Hamilton some 40 yards out.

Hamilton returned the ball with interest as it bounced over the stranded keeper and into the net.