SDFL premier division

Dartmouth AFC 5, Waldon Athletic 0

Having already been beaten twice in two completely different games this season by opponents Waldon Athletic, Dartmouth made it third time lucky on Saturday as they eased to a 5-0 victory at Longcross.

Gary Lobb and Chick Havlin recalled Lee Haywood, Freddie Smith and Adam Shob­brook to the starting 11, with Charlie Smith, Danny Mena and Ben Greeno named as substitutes.

It took the hosts less than two minutes to get their noses in front after a frantic start to the game.

Right-back Richie Baker collected the ball in his own half before playing an inch-perfect pass through to brother Karl, who took the ball past the 'keeper before tapping in to an open net.

Despite conceding the first goal, Waldon looked just as likely to level the game, and they were handed the chance to equalise from the spot after Ryan Frost clipped his man inside the area on 10 minutes.

The Waldon centre forward composed himself, but Ryan Wal­ton in the Dartmouth goal stood tall and dived well to his left-hand side to excellently parry the ball to safety, to the relief of the home players.

The game continued to be played at a high tempo, with Josh Web­ber on the left-hand side of midfield looking particularly threatening with his direct runs towards goal.

Dartmouth seized the initiative and began to play some clever football through midfield, with Mark Forres­ter and Shobbrook dictating the play.

It was the latter who came close to doubling Dartmouth's lead when his shot rebounded off of the post. Shortly afterwards more good play from Karl Baker and attacking midfielder Liam McAuley led to an opening for Webber in the box, and he crashed home an un­stoppable shot to make the scores 2-0.

The away side continued to remain a threat, attacking the clubhouse end despite Dartmouth's two goal lead, but their chances of clawing their way back into the game were dealt a blow when their central midfielder was shown a red card for retaliation.

The home side took full advantage and de­servedly went into the break with a healthy three-goal lead when Webber's corner flew straight into the net.

The start of the second half saw the home side looking to extend their margin of victory, and after unselfish play from McAuley in the penalty area, Karl Baker slotted home at the second attempt to double his individual goal tally.

To their credit, Wal­don sustained periods of possession as they looked to restore some pride on the scoresheet, but Haywood and Jordan Frost at centre back remained discipline in their defence duties.

Forrester was next to try his luck after Fred­die Smith cut the ball back on the edge of the area, but his shot sliced wide of the mark.

With 20 minutes re­maining McAuley made it five after lashing in from close range, which was the cue for Greeno and Mena to be introduced for the remainder of the match.

Walton in the Dart­mouth goal was soon called into action, and he made an excellent save to tip a goal-bound effort over the crossbar. Mena and Ryan Frost both missed free headers in the final minutes when they looked destined to score, but the whistle soon sounded to give the young Dartmouth team an excellent three points and much-merited clean sheet.

This result extends the side's lead at the top of the table, and they travel to local rivals Loddiswell Ath­letic on Saturday looking to continue their push for promotion.

The reserve team may well be playing two or three times week at the end of the season after their match against Upton Athletic reserves was postponed due to the weather.

This week they will be hoping for better luck when they face Harbertonford reserves away in the league this weekend. Both games kick off at 2.30pm.