PORTLAND TOWN VETS 18

HARDY VETS 0

RECORDS tumbled as Portland Town Veterans secured a stunning 18-0 win over Hardy Veterans to regain top spot in the Dorset Veterans League West Division.

Alex Counter broke his own record of scoring most goals in a game, beating his previous mark of seven by one, and also the record of the highest margin of victory in a home game for the club.

Town started quickly and it was club chairman Colin Judge who played a defence-splitting ball to Counter to get his first after only 10 minutes. Shane Maguire then scored a quick-fire hat-trick after great midfield play from John Chester and Robb Squibb.

Not to be outdone, Counter scored a further two goals to secure his hat-trick before Elliot Gould scored for his third game running to make it 7-0.

At this point, Andy Barber came on for only his second appearance for the club, and he showed some excellent movement and touches.

Judge then scored an outrageous goal after a one-two with Counter for an 8-0 lead at half-time.

Maguire added his fourth quickly after half-time before Counter combined superbly with Paul Cole twice in succession to add a further two to his and his team's tally.

Paul Cole then got into the action himself for 12-0 after excellent play from Paul Barber, Justin Hunt and Stuart Wadner.

Counter again weighed in with another before Cole grabbed his second. Counter continued to do what he does best, and slotted home again after a surging run from Paul Barber.

James Duncan, eager to add to his tally, made a rare foray forward and finished into the top corner after another assist from Counter to make it 16-0.

Cole scored his hat-trick shortly afterwards following good work from Judge.

But it was Counter who would have the last say to score his eighth, Town's eighteenth and finish off an emphatic victory as they reclaim the top spot in the league.

Team: Mike Orchard, John Chester, Paul Barber, Lee Whisselle, Stuart Wadner, Colin Judge, Shane Maguire, James Duncan, Elliot Gould, Rob Squibb, Alex Counter. Subs: Paul Cole, Andy Barber, Justin Hunt

Man of the match: Andy Barber