ACE marksman Chris Long plundered a hat-trick as Dorset Premier League leaders Hamworthy Recreation ran out 3-1 winners at Balti Sports on Saturday – their fourth victory in the space of seven days.

However, their impressive run came to an end when they suffered a 2-0 defeat at Gillingham Town last night, with Rec now just a point clear of the Tangerines but with three games in hand.

Mat Newbery drew first blood for Parley Sports in their disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Gillingham at Christchurch Road on Saturday.

However, goals from Buddy O'Shea, Elliot Bevis and Will Pike during a 12-minute spell in the second half saw the visitors hit back.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men with Brad Hansford receiving a straight red card for Town and Billy Wheatley getting two yellows for the hosts.

Luke Homer bagged the only goal after eight minutes as Holt United edged a 1-0 victory against Merley Cobham Sports at Merley Park.

Goalkeeper Aaron Drayton, who saved Nathan Saxby's second-half penalty, and Jamie Moores were both sent off for Cobham.

Cameron Beard notched all four goals in Swanage Town & Herston's 4-0 win at Mere Town. Swans' leading goalscorer netted twice in either half, including a penalty.

Mark Ford's four-timer helped Blandford United stage a stirring comeback to triumph 5-3 against Sherborne Town reserves at Terrace Playing Fields.

First-half goals from Haydn Brown, Shane Pulling and Ollie Hebbard put the hosts 3-0 up before the Royals stormed back thanks to Ford's exploits and a goal from Archie McCarthy. Jamie Haylock saw red for the visitors.