A patched up Hambleton side travelled to local rivals Brayton in Division One on Sunday. Summer signing Dave Jackson finally made his long awaited debut at left back and there were rare starts for Richard McDermott and Darren Davies who were, for once, free of work commitments.
Brayton enjoyed the better of a scrappy opening spell which saw the referee book three HFC players. Right back Daniel Jones was then forced from the field with a rib injury to be replaced by Jack Carden.
Despite Brayton's early dominance they did little to trouble the Hambleton back line and were stunned into silence when Owls central midfielder McDermott curled a delightful lob over the home keeper into the top corner off the underside of the bar on 35 minutes.
Chances were at a premium into the second half but the visitors were guilty of missing a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to put the game to bed.
The Owls held firm and remained organised throughout – limiting Brayton to shots from distance and hopeful balls into the box.
Then, with five minutes remaining, HFC striker Nathan Parker picked out substitute Laurence Borrows at the far post. Borrows, manager for the day, could not miss and nodded home from two yards out.
Despite being booked and generally giving the referee hell throughout the game, McDermott was deservedly awarded Man of the Match by the ref for a tenacious display in the middle of the park and a goal worthy of gracing any game.
Hambleton travel to AFC Cutsyke next Sunday in the second round of the WRCFA Sunday Trophy.