Dorset Women's League

WEYMOUTH 3

POOLE TOWN 0

DEPLETED through unavailabilities Weymouth showed their strength in depth with a commanding performance against Poole Town.

Rosie Sharpe, Angelika Stojkova, Laura Osborne, Lesley Stevens and Lillie Stone were among those who could not make the clash at Redlands but the Terras still had too much for their opponents, who lie just one place below them in third spot.

The hosts took the lead after ten minutes when Emma Gillim shot into the top corner of the net after racing on to a superb through ball from Kim Cheffey but they were unable to add anymore before the interval as Poole's defence held firm.

Town did muster a couple of threatening breaks of their own but the home side's back three of Naomi Dixon, Maxine Hodder and Carla Garth were very impressive, snuffing out any danger with solid tackling and fine clearances.

Weymouth finally added a second through a delightful free-kick from Channelle Whyton and in the final stages their superior fitness really began to tell.

Their late pressure was rewarded with a third strike from Cheffey, who broke through the visiting defence and finished with aplomb to ensure the Terras remain five points behind leaders Purbeck with two games in-hand.

Weymouth coach Tim Davis said: "It wasn't our best performance of the season by a long way but it was pleasing to get the victory against opponents who traditionally play well against us.

"The back three were absolutely immense today and gave us a solid foundation to build from.

"The most telling factor for me was the fact Fliss Carroll in goal never had a shot to save in 90 minutes.

"We have a difficult game next week away at Dorchester and then after that we can focus on the big one at Purbeck on March 9 when hopefully we will be back to full strength."

Joint Players of the Match: Dixon, Garth, Hodder