BUOYANT boss Steve Cuss felt Wimborne Town’s rapid start had proved key to their demolition of Southern South & West strugglers Bishop’s Cleeve.

A 19-minute hat-trick from Mark Gamble and further efforts from Ian Oliver and Matt Kemble, as well as an own goal, handed Magpies a 6-0 victory at Cuthbury.

The hosts were five goals to the good at the break and Cuss said the lively manner in which his team had opened the clash had been crucial in the first-half romp.

On the secret of Wimborne’s success, Cuss told the Daily Echo: “I think it was down to the pace we started the game at.

“We started very well and created chances right from the start. To score five goals in half an hour was great on our part and set the day up nicely.

“We were under a certain amount of pressure in that they had picked up a few good results and came to us with a little bit of confidence.

“But it was a very good day for us. Our performance was excellent and we got our rewards with plenty of goals.”

Wimborne, with returnee Franklyn Clarke in their line-up, forged ahead in the sixth minute when Sam Griffin’s cross from the right was glanced home by Gamble.

Soon after, Griffin’s corner was stabbed into the net by Ian Oliver and the former was again the provider for number three.

The winger beat both his markers and chipped inside to Gamble, who hit a fizzing first-time volley beyond keeper Matt Gould.

In the 25th minute, a cross into the six-yard box found Gamble unmarked and the Ulsterman headed home with ease to secure his hat-trick.

A Jamie Davidson cross was turned into the net by a Mitres defender before Davidson was forced to withdraw from the action due to a gash to his ankle.

The second half was a more low-key affair, with the only goal arriving four minutes after the restart.

Work experience loanee Luke Holmes made a strong run through the middle and passed to Kemble, who curled inside the far post.

Cuss hailed the display of Clarke on his first outing since he returned to the club from Wessex Premier high-fliers Blackfield & Langley.

The boss added: “Franklyn tried his luck at Blackfield and then decided he wanted to come back and give it a go at a higher level.

“He came straight in and played very well for us and, hopefully, that will continue. We’re delighted to have him back.”

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Oliver, Maybury, Costello, Clarke (Lupton, 68), Griffin, Davidson (Kemble, 34), Holmes, Gamble, Stokoe (Kellaway, 72). Unused subs: Biles, Waters.