HAMWORTHY Recreation manager Gareth Daniel promises “plenty more twists and turns” in the Magna Dorset Premier League title race, after his side suffered their first loss of the season at Weymouth.

Despite a late strike from Jamie Moores, Rec went down 2-1 at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday as the Terras won the battle of the DPL’s only unbeaten teams.

Weymouth are now two points behind Rec in third place, but have a game in hand.

While this result puts the Terras in control of the title fight mathematically, Daniel says it will have no bearing on his side’s chances of retaining their DPL crown.

He said: “There is still a very long way to go and we’re still top. They’ve got to win their game in hand to go above us and they’ve also got to come and play us at Magna Road.

“I’m sure both teams will drop points between now and the end of the season. They can only go a point above us if they win their game in hand.

“We’ve got lots and lots of hard matches to come, as have they. So there will be plenty more twists and turns to follow.

“Yesterday will not reflect on who wins the league come the end of the season. It was a good game, but overall they just edged it and deserved their victory.

“There is still nearly half a season to go and it was more important for them to win than us.”

Elsewhere, Holt United hurt second-placed Portland United’s championship chances with a 2-0 triumph on the island, courtesy of a Luke Stone brace.

Merley Cobham Sports struck five for the second weekend running to win 5-0 at Hamworthy United.

Liam Mulcare opened the scoring after three minutes, before Stephen Penny made it two from the penalty spot on 27.

Oliver Clayton struck on the hour, Adam Light added another five minutes later, before Clayton completed the rout on 80.

Parley Sports held off a second-half fightback from Swanage Town and Herston to triumph 4-3 at Days Park.

A Ben Bosley brace and one from Gary Langrish put the visitors 3-1 up at the break, with Ricky King replying for the Swans.

But the home side hit their stride after the interval as goals from Paul Yerby and Tony Parrott levelled matters.

King had a header controversially ruled out by the referee for a push, before Bosley completed his hat-trick to seal the three points for Parley.

Second-half strikes from Tim Littler, Dan Manuel, Joe Woods and Scott Thomas earned Sturminster Marshall a 4-2 win against Sturminster Newton at Churchill Close.