MERLEY boss Ollie Cherrett praised Dave Wrixton after the midfielder had starred in the 4-1 victory at Sherborne reserves.

A Wrixton brace and efforts from Stuart Cannie and Lee Wilkins helped Merley maintain the pressure on Dorset Premier League leaders Hamworthy Recreation.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: "We started well and I felt we would go on to win comfortably but sloppy play let them back into game.

"Our second-half performance was really pleasing and special mention goes to Dave Wrixton who I thought was outstanding in midfield and deserved his two goals."

Merley hit the front 18 minutes in when Elliot Goward and Cannie combined and the latter finished well.

Midway through the first period a Cannie strike was repelled by the keeper but Wilkins was on hand to smash home from 12 yards.

Sherborne gained hope with a goal minutes before the interval but after the restart Wrixton tucked away his first of the day.

Soon after, Wrixton found space in the box and calmly stroked the ball in the corner to wrap up the win.

Cherrett added: "We are really looking forward to a massive derby against Ham Rec on Saturday and I believe the winners of the league will come from that game."

"We have four tough games left and I hope we can continue to perform well and achieve our goals."

Merley: Perry, Gage, Mills, Barber, Pritchard, Cormack (Selby, 82), Wilkins, Wrixton, Steer (Atkinson, 70), Cannie, Goward (Turner, 80).