Hamworthy 2-3 New Milton

Tuesday 9th April 2025

Venue: Dorset County Ground

Attendance: 298

New Milton Town were crowned the Wessex League Division One Champions at the Dorset County Ground on Tuesday night after a flurry of late goals, and many would say that it was fitting that Brad Snelling had the final say in the title race with a 93rd-minute headed goal.

Expectant Brickmakers fans travelled in huge numbers to Poole, knowing that three points against Hamworthy United would clinch the title. They were not disappointed after a five-goal thriller that saw the woodwork hit five times.

It was the home side that came out of the blocks quickest with a sliced effort going wide of the post before Josh Malpas almost broke the crossbar in half with a powerful strike from distance. Soon after, they took the lead with Jack Hughes, bringing the ball down in the box before finishing well across Ollie Bull and into the corner of the net.

It was then Matt Maybury's team who had the opportunities. Barney Stone, who celebrated his 18th birthday the day before, saw a right-footed effort hit the foot of the post. At the same time, Toby Bailey also came close, stretching a foot out at the far post to meet a low cross from Elliott Pearce-Eavis but only managing to find the side netting.

Stone and Bailey then came even closer. After being played through on goal, the young forward clipped the ball against the crossbar, and the rebound fell to Bailey, who saw his rebounded effort deflected onto the post, with the ball eventually being cleared.

The final chance of the first half fell to Elliott Pearce-Eavis, who nodded the ball wide at the back post from Dan Bartlett's corner kick.

The Brickmakers trailed at halftime but looked more than dangerous.

It was a second half of little goalmouth action until Barney Stone sparked the game - and his team - into life. He showed tenacity in not giving up a loose ball to finish calmly under the pressure. Moments later, the game had been turned on its head. Dan Bartlett's delivery deep into the danger zone found Brad Snelling, who expertly sent a looping header over goalkeeper Butler to give the travelling team the lead.

Hamworthy United, determined not to let New Milton celebrate on their own patch, equalised less than ten minutes later. A good move on the left-hand side eventually saw Delves tee up Josh Malpas, who sidefooted the ball past Ollie Bull for 2-2.

News had begun to break of a goal in New Milton's favour elsewhere in the division. Still, it was Brad Snelling himself who ignited the chaos and made sure that the side he has captained this season would win the league on their terms as he headed a second goal past Butler in stoppage time.

The trophy presentation will take place this Saturday as the newly crowned Champions host East Cowes at the M.A. Hart Stadium. Make sure you're in attendance to witness history.

New Milton Town: Ollie Bull, Elliott Pearce-Eavis, Billy Maybury, Cam Smith, Ronan Moore, Jack Broad, Toby Bailey, Callum McHale, Dan Bartlett, Barney Stone, Brad Snelling

Substitutes Used: Harry McGrath, Noel McCarthy-Gardiner, Luca Lane

Goals: Stone 76, Snelling 77, 90+3

Manager and player quotes will follow today on our social media, along with match photos.