BALTI Sports extended their lead at the top of the Dorset Premier League to nine points after an impressive 4-1 victory at home against Swanage.

The title hopefuls knew ahead of kick-off that closest challengers Holt United had their home game against Wareham Rangers postponed and took full advantage by toppling the Swans at Weymouth College.

But boss Marco Nott was the first to admit that, despite the scoreline, Swanage put up a real fight in the opening period.

“They were all over us really,” the Balti boss said when describing the contest.

“They put a lot of pressure on us but they never really had a cutting edge. We were never in real danger of conceding in the first half.”

Having absorbed some pressure for the first 15 minutes, Balti’s first goal came from a set-piece. Dan Welch flicked the ball on for Ricky Lane to back heel into the net for 1-0.

The Swans surged forward and dominated possession again for the next 15 minutes but it was Balti who added a second on the break.

Josh Houghton bulldozed his way through the visiting defence and applied a neat finish to put Balti well in the box seat.

And it was 3-0 right before half-time when Houghton smashed the ball home from a corner to all but seal the game before the break.

“You could tell their heads dropped when our third goal went in because there was no doubt about it, they were definitely the better team but we counter-attacked really well,” Nott added.

Balti wrapped the game up with a fourth on the hour mark.

With the Swans’ keeper injured and a replacement in goal, an own goal from the visitors on 65 minutes sealed the contest for the home side.

Swanage did score a late consolation goal late on through Adam Richards, but it was not to matter, as Balti ran out comfortable winners.

Nott added: “To be fair to Swanage, they kept going at us right until the end. They are a very good outfit, there is no doubt about that.

“Obviously with a few games getting called off we said to the lads beforehand it was our chance to go nine points clear.

“I know other teams have games in hand but it puts an added pressure on them.”

Balti: Coltart, Batchelor, Anderson, Welch, Pearce, Devaney (Preece), Kenderdine, McClements, Zima, Houghton (Andrews), Lane (Nichols). Subs not used: Proffitt, Roberts

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