Channel League Division One

GILLINGHAM 2 WEYMOUTH 9

WEYMOUTH Ladies earned an impressive 9-2 win at Gillingham but it was not enough to prevent Wimborne Wayfarers claiming the Channel League Division One crown.

The Seasiders knew they could not afford any slip ups but Wayfarers, having now completed their league fixtures for the season, lie 11 points clear at the summit and Weymouth have only two games remaining.

Weymouth, assured of second spot in the division, started well at Gillingham and were three goals ahead early on thanks to a Sophie Foot hat-trick.

The hosts responded but it was the visitors who registered again when Susie Stone picked out Chloe Miles for number four.

Returning sweeper Marianne Gerety thwarted the Gills at every opportunity before Wendy Butcher scored a delightful goal, scooping ball over the opposing keeper, to increase Weymouth’s lead even further.

Gillingham reduced the deficit ahead of half-time but the Seasiders rediscovered their scoring touch early in the second period, skipper Jenny Stuart-Smith deflecting goalwards following a short corner.

Vickey Wells then provided for Butcher to score with a superb strike and the latter went on to add two more with the home side netting another consolation.

The Seasiders travel to Bournemouth Thirds on Saturday hoping to record their 15th win of the campaign.

Weymouth: Reeder, Gerety, Craven, Mullet, Stuart-Smith, Stone, Butcher, Squibb Wells, Carter Miles, Foot.

Player of the Match: Marianne Gerety