Weymouth Reserves moved 12 points clear at the top of the Jewson Wessex Combination League after a comfortable victory over second placed Eastleigh Reserves.
The Terras, who included fit-again midfielder Mark Rawlinson in their line-up got off to a good start but it was the visitors who should have grabbed the lead on 13 minutes when a Scott Dennis trip on Mick Sherry saw the referee point to the penalty spot.
Up stepped Sam Carter and hit the ball to Carl Mutch’s right – the youngster have been pressed into emergency action due to the unavailability of regular goalkeeper, Paul Gadsby – but the rookie gloveman guessed correctly to make a superb save.
Weymouth took the lead on 36 minutes when Mark Fitch made an incisive run down the right hand side. He picked out fellow striker Stuart Frear whose shot hit the post and fell to John Lamb to convert from close range.
An inspired Mutch then came to his side’s rescue on a couple of occasions before the break to ensure the Terras held the advantage going into the second period.
The hosts began the second half strongly and Fitch should have done better in the 51st minute when he dwelled too long, allowing the visiting keeper make the save.
Six minutes later a mistake by Eastleigh defender Andy Davis presented Frear with a golden opportunity to double the lead.
Lamb crossed after a strong run down the left and as Davis completely mis-kicked, the ball ran loose to Frear whose precision drive screamed into the net. The setback rocked the visitors and it was Fitch who stretched the home side’s advantage with a couple of goals on 53 and 63 minutes.
Schoolboy Adam Ravens-croft then added number five, but this proved too much for the Hampshire outfit who then had Carter sent off for abusive language in the 73rd minute.
Manager Dave Kiteley said: “Although a 5-0 scoreline was somewhat flattering we have been threatening to hammer someone like this for a while.
“Make no mistake, Eastleigh are a very good side and will be strong challengers for the title, but the main difference was that we took the chances that came our way.”
Terras: Mutch, Critchell, Dennis, Walker, Ravenscroft, Hill, Rawlinson, Nicholson (Naylor 68mins), Frear (De La Planque 79 mins), Fitch, Lamb (Dunn 80mins)
Attendance: 62
