HAMWORTHY United's Wessex League campaign failed to get off to a winning start as they went down 1-0 at home to Gosport.

But, despite the disappointment of the opening result, this encouraging performance would suggest that the signs are there for a season to remember for the newly-promoted club.

Even on paper, a narrow defeat to a side that finished third in the league last season is nothing to be ashamed of and it was a defeat they didn't deserve.

Hammers, who despite Poole Town, Poole Borough and Cherries all playing at home, still attracted a crowd of 157, should have taken all three points given the opportunities they created.

And as you would expect, Hamworthy manager Alex Pike wasn't impressed by the final outcome.

"They should have been dead and buried in the first half," lamented Pike.

"I know a lot of managers say that but it's a fact.

"Pride doesn't get you three points. But at least I can take solace from the way a team that came third last season celebrated after the match against a team that got promoted from a lower level."

Pike added: "At times we made Gosport look a poor side and yet we've come away with nothing.

"We're disappointed because we should have got something out of this game. Football can be a cruel game and it was certainly cruel to us this time.

"They've gone away with three points and their manager is probably thinking there is not many sides who will come here and get three points, so they're thinking it's a good result for them."

The Hammers first ever season at this level of football almost got off to a terrific start when Darren Orchard tried his luck with a left foot shot after just two minutes but Mark Brown in the Gosport goal was equal to his effort.

Brown never really had a proper save to make throughout the 90 minutes but this was not a reflection on the amount of chances and near misses Pike's outfit created.

Karim Banssaouda was making his debut at this level having transferred from Poole Town in the summer and, if this match was anything to go by, it won't be long before this talented forward finds the net on a regular basis.

At one stage mid-way through the opening period, Banssaouda cut inside two defenders but sadly for the forward, his left-foot shot was hardly in the Roberto Carlos class.

There were some very encouraging performances from Pike's troops, notably Jimmy Edwards, Brett Williams and Tom McCormick, who all showed they are more than capable of competing at this level.

With just over an hour gone, the breakthrough came for the visitors.

After a swift move down the right flank, the ball broke to Mark Tryon who found himself on the edge of the box and he slid the ball past the keeper and in off the post.

Jamie Holland's arrival provided new impetus and he almost grabbed an equaliser but it wasn't to be for Hammers.

Hamworthy United: Hawkins, Bedward, Mc-Cormick, Edwards, Bartlett, Williams, Tilley, Rodriguez (Holland 78), Banssaouda, Or-chard, Lucas. Unused subs: Gilbert, Waldon, Dronyk.