MERLEY thumped basement side Cranborne 5-1 to maintain their grip on top spot in the Dorset Premier League.

The visitors took the lead through Steve Flynn before Ken Brennan doubled the advantage with a superb volley.

Charlie Weir pulled one back but after the break the floodgates opened.

Matt Groves netted from the spot following a foul on Steve Flynn, before Flynn completed his hat-trick with a couple more efforts.

Parley hammered Wareham by the same scoreline in a game that saw four goals scored in the final three minutes.

Lee White got Parley off and running and Toby Holmes doubled the lead just before the hour.

Holmes got another in the 87th minute and after Cameron Beard pulled one back, Adam Trimby and hat-trick man Holmes completed the scoring.

Hamworthy United reserves shared a 2-2 draw with visitors Mere.

Rhys Mendham put Mere in front but Frankie White levelled in the 29th minute.

It looked like Sam Carr had given Hamworthy all three points but with three minutes left, Scott Martin ensured honours ended even.

Holt United were 2-0 down to hosts Weymouth reserves after Sanchez Jansz-Baker and Oli Clayton struck.

But efforts from Tom Gagan and Mike Haskell either side of half-time saw Holt pull level.

However, Jansz-Baker's late header gave Weymouth all three points.