With the top six teams separated by just one point, the race for the first ever Hampshire League 2004 title couldn't be much closer.

Durley underlined their championship claims on Saturday with a 4-nil demolition of leaders Sporting BTC after Gavin Barfoot had set them on their way with a goal after just 9 seconds.

Sporting gave the ball away direct from the kick-off, and their defence parted like the Red Sea for Barfoot to run on to a through ball and direct his shot beneath the diving Nathan Parker.

Chris Skilton, who had an excellent game in central midfield, made it 2-nil from an acute angle after a superb run along touchline and by-line, and Leon Wheeler's text-book header from a David Hindle cross on the half-hour took it to 3-nil.

In the second half Durley were content to play out a holding operation, while try as they might Sporting - despite the sterling efforts of Ryan New and Steve Wilson - couldn't penetrate the hosts' rearguard. Sub Lee Wight added the fourth goal in injury time to seal a fine afternoon for Durley.

More HFL2004 and Wessex League football reports in this week's Hampshire Chronicle