NEW MILTON 1 WEYMOUTH 7

ANDY Stiles bagged a hat-trick as Weymouth gave their promotion hopes a huge boost at New Milton in Hampshire Two.

The Seasiders were determined to give 110 per cent from the outset and their efforts resulted in a 7-1 success, leaving them trailing second-placed Romsey by just goal difference with two games remaining.

From pushback, Weymouth played some strong, fluid hockey and dominated possession with the impressive Steven Membury eventually grabbing the opener following a quick succession of passes.

With Matt Lawes orchestrating the play in midfield and Membury making some fine runs to open up New Milton’s defence, it was not long before the lead was doubled.

Once again it was Membury that fired in during a goalmouth scramble after Stiles had seen his initial shot saved by the home stopper.

Lawes and Matt Bell continued to create chances for Weymouth and when Patrick May’s flick rebounded off the keeper’s helmet, Luke Drewitt was on hand to finish off the rebound with a well-executed reverse hit.

After the break, the visitors refused to let up and were soon adding to the scoresheet again with Membury intercepting a pass and playing in Adam Drewitt, who set up May to round the keeper to make it 4-0.

Stiles then scored twice in quick succession, the first coming after a fine break from Matt Underhill and the second being a screamer that flew into the top-left corner from an acute angle.

To their credit, New Milton then pulled one back before May played in Luke Drewitt to complete the scoring with a tap-in at the back post.

With Southampton University II having already secured the title, all eyes are going to be on Weymouth as the league season draws to a close.

Romsey are currently eight goals better off in terms of goal difference but the Seasiders do have home advantage in both of their last two games.

Weymouth entertain Fareham IV at Redlands this afternoon (2pm) while their promotion rivals host New Milton. The two sides will then end their campaigns by welcoming Gosport and travelling to Fareham respectively.

Lazy Lizard Man of the Match: Steven Membury