HAMBLE Club’s first ever game in the Sydenhams Premier Division was not for those of a nervous disposition.

The newly-promoted Division One champions came back twice from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Newport IW on an historic night at 'The Abbey'.

It was an incident-packed game featuring a remarkable four penalties and a sending-off for Port’s Mark Taylor.

The drama began on 38 minutes when Aidan Sainsbury capitalised on what Hamble viewed as a “soft” penalty awarded against PJ McLean for bringing down Charlie Urry.

But the Monks were level six minutes later when, from a corner, Mike Byrne headed the ball across goal and Danny Cox got the final touch.

Having been booked for a series of first-half fouls in quick succession, Taylor offended again five minutes after the break and promptly got his marching orders.

Hamble should have cashed in against the ten men when Coby Wilson was floored in the area, but Cox blazed the spot kick over.

When busy referee Adam Baker penalised McLean again for a foul in the area, Port’s Josh Younie stepped up to send Monks’ keeper Rory Anderson the wrong way from the spot for 2-1 on 75 minutes.

Remarkably Hamble were then awarded the game's fourth penalty after Byrne’s header had struck an arm. This time Nathan Lynch proved deadly from 12 yards with the end of normal time approaching.

“I think even Newport would admit we dominated the game, but it doesn’t count for anything if you don’t take your chances and fair play to Newport," said Hamble boss Ben Kneller.

“It was a great occasion under lights, we had over 100 people in and I’ve had a lot of messages from neutrals saying they enjoyed it. There were goals, penalties and a lot of good football on show.

“We always say that if we can’t get the three points then get the one and you could see from last night that my lads don’t lie down and die.

“That’s it done now. We’re a Wessex Premier side and it’s on to Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday.”