TJ CUTHBERTSON’S dismissal 13 minutes from time triggered Sholing’s shock 3-1 defeat at Hamworthy United on Saturday.

The game was finely balanced at 1-1 when Cuthbertson, playing his first game for the Boatmen following his return from Gosport Borough, threw himself into a high, scissors-like challenge going in for a 50/50 ball.

After a minute or so’s delay while the referee consulted his linesman, the right-back was shown a straight red.

Hamworthy quickly cashed in as George Turner raced onto a hooked ball over the top to fire the hosts in front.

And, in the last minute, United got a third when Mark Ford skipped past goalkeeper Ryan Gosney on the break to slot the ball into the empty net and put a flattering slant on the scoreline.

Former Weymouth, Blackfield & Langley and Salisbury striker Ford was making his debut for the Hammers having stepped up from Sydenhams One outfit Shaftesbury.

It was he who had put Hamworthy ahead in the 15th minute, finishing off a quick break after a pass from Sholing’s Luke Dempsey’s had been intercepted on the County Ground's 3G surface.

The Boatmen hit back on the brink of half-time when Dan Mason bundled in Cuthbertson’s by-line delivery for his 32nd goal of the season.

Admitting Cuthbertson’s dismissal had been pivotal, Hamworthy boss Brendon King said: “The sending-off was a massive turning point.

“We were superb in the first half, but they were the better side after half-time.

“Five or six weeks ago, we’d have crumbled. It was a massive result for us.”

Saturday's setback leaves Sholing 15 points adrift of Sydenhams Premier leaders Moneyfields with two games in hand.

Tomorrow they turn their attentions to a Southampton Senior Cup quarter-final at home to divisional rivals Alresford Town (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

Hamworthy are in Sydenhams League Cup quarter-final action tomorrow evening away to Sydenhams One high-fliers Baffins Milton Rovers.

Baffins twice took the lead at home to New Milton Town on Saturday through ex-Saints youngster Bobby Scott and George Thomas. But the Linnets hit back for a 2-2 draw through Ant Harris and Dan Molyneaux.

With leaders Hamble Club winning 4-0 at East Cowes Vics, Baffins are now seven points adrift in second place having played two games more.

Hamble cruised to their 22nd win of the season as James Thomson (2), Mo Nyang and Mike Byrne pulled them level with Baffins on 97 league goals scored.

*AFC STONEHAM got in some useful target practice ahead of tomorrow's Russell Cotes Cup quarter-final at Gosport Borough.

The Purples were Saturday’s big scorers in Sydenhams One, pummelling Pewsey Vale 9-0 in Wiltshire.

Will Harris led the charge with a hat-trick, backed by singles from Jack Brady, Tom Hogan, Ash Ledger, Matt Stupple and subs Olly Forbes and Alex Welch.

A trip to Graham Rix’s AFC Portchester awaits tomorrow's winners.

Russell Cotes Cup semi-final draw: Moneyfields v Bemerton Heath Harlequins, AFC Portchester v Gosport Borough or AFC Stoneham.