BOSS Keith Whatling admits bad weather is already impacting on Hamworthy Recreation’s hopes of lifting the Dorset Premier League.

Saturday saw Rec drop precious points having been held to a 1-1 by Sherborne Town reserves, a clash that had to be switched to Pelhams with the Magna Road pitch waterlogged.

Rec remain in control of their own destiny in second spot, three points behind leaders Merley with two games in hand but the manager is keen to see the back of the rain in order to make home advantage count.

Whatling told the Daily Echo: “I thought we controlled the game well against very good opposition but switched off and their lad took his goal very well.

“We had three or four very good chances to kill the game but I could not fault the lads for their work rate. They were superb again.

“We are hoping for a dry week and to play at our place on Saturday because we can’t afford to lose many more games to the pitch.

“There are quite a few home games left and if the weather improves that could play into our hands because our pitch suits the way we play.”

Elsewhere, a double from Oliver Reynolds-McGowan helped Cranborne to a 3-1 home success over bottom club Sturminster Marshall.

The Cranes moved up to 13th courtesy of their third straight league victory. Ollie Hepworth also scored.

Poole Borough’s recent upturn in fortunes got stifled by a 2-1 home defeat to Westland Sports. Dan Frisby netted for the Hornets.

Hamworthy United reserves mustered a late rally at title-chasing Weymouth reserves but still lost 5-3.

Josh Tennant (2), Szymon Matuszewski, Jamie Beasley and Lee Sharpe netted for Terras’ second string before their County Ground counterparts responded three times in the final 20 minutes.

League leaders Merley and Purbeck pair Swanage Town & Herston and Wareham Rangers were among the sides that had their fixtures wiped out by the weather.