DEFENDER Darren Powell was the unlikely hero for Lymington & New Milton as they progressed into the next round of the Westview Cup.

The veteran centre-back proved he is still a major threat at set-pieces as he struck with two headers either side of half-time to secure Linnets' first victory of the season.

Although the Ks rested some of their regular first teamers, Ian Robinson's side were the more potent from the outset and wasted little time in pressing home their advantage.

John Mulhern's pinpoint free-kick picked out Powell who supplied the faintest of touches to take the ball beyond the grasp of goalkeeper John Ashwood.

Ben Thomson and Lee Chudy each went close to extending the lead before the interval for the home side.

But they had to wait until 18 minutes from time to add to their tally as Powell steamed in to power home Pete Smith's corner.

Substitute Richard Gregory went close to grabbing a third but saw his effort crash back off the upright after some great work from Kevin James.

Kingstonian created little at the other end, but Linnets were thankful to Smith as he cleared off the line in the closing stages to avoid a frantic finish.

A pleased Robinson said: "It is nice to get that first win and we are starting to learn to make decisions that little bit quicker.

"Of course, I would rather we had got that win in the league but if we keep playing like that, I'm sure it will come sooner rather than later."

Robinson also revealed Linnets are close to bolstering their squad with the signings of Bashley defender Adam Lang and Winchester midfielder Toby Redwood.

Linnets: Hookway, Reacord, P Smith, Towler, Powell, Griffiths, Mulhern, Thomson (Clothier, 67), Chudy (Gregory, h-t), James, Hussey. Unused subs: Sheppard, Marwood, Watson.

Bashley went out of the competition at the first hurdle after they went down to a 2-0 reverse at Dulwich Hamlet.