ASSISTANT boss Chris Hayes felt Hamworthy Recreation’s 3-1 win over Sherborne Town had flattered their opponents.

First-half goals from Scott Bedward and Mark Dykes put the leaders in charge before Wayne Hole’s effort condemned second-placed Sherborne to their first defeat of the season.

Hayes said: “Anybody who was there would have said that six or seven would have been realistic if we had taken our chances. We were disciplined and we played very well.

“We probably missed four or five one-on-ones and I think it was really a lack of concentration that gave them a consolation goal.

“There was never any question that they were going to get back into the game and I don’t think our keeper Kevin Leonard made a single save in the entire 90 minutes.”

Hayes, who was standing in for absent manager Gareth Daniel, is certain an unbeaten Rec side can maintain a strong challenge to win their second consecutive title. But he said: “It’s always harder to retain a league than to win it in the first place. Everyone wants a piece of you and everybody is up for it – the game against us is everyone else’s cup final.

“It’s going to be tough, but the squad we’ve got will make sure we’re up there. We’re definitely going to be in the top five. I’m not going to say we’re going to win the league, but we’ll be up there challenging without a doubt.”

Elsewhere, Cranborne ground out a dramatic 3-2 triumph at Chickerell United. The Chickens twice went ahead, but both of their goals were cancelled out by penalties from Olly Hepworth.

This was before home goalkeeper Ian Bickerstaff miscued a clearance and Ally Antell pounced to win it for the Cranes.

A second-half goal from Martin Sault gave Poole Borough a 1-0 win at Sturminster Marshall, while Blandford United surrendered a one-goal lead given them by Saul Boulton to lose 2-1 at home to Westland Sports.

Hamworthy United triumphed 2-1 at Merley Cobham Sports, while Sturminster Newton went down 7-0 at Weymouth. Parley Sports lost 2-0 at home to Portland United, while Bridport beat Wincanton Town 3-1.