TITLE-CHASING Thatcham Town blew away Wimborne Town with a devastating five-goal blitz inside 40 amazing minutes of their Division 1 game at Waterside Park.

Yet while the five-star Berkshire outfit were dismantling the Magpies, table-toppers Winchester City coolly maintained their five-point advantage at the summit by coming from behind to defeat Cowes Sports 2-1.

Following their surprise 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Gosport last Saturday, Thatcham were quick out of the blocks and, incredibly, were three goals up after just 11 minutes.

Sean Cook's diving header broke the deadlock in the fifth minute, Cook added a second on nine minutes and Darren Howell's corner was forced home at the far post by Jamie Green to make it 3-0.

Chris Blackford hit a diagonal pass for Adam Campion to volley past the keeper on 29 minutes and, ten minutes later, Cook's through ball released Campion who slotted home to complete a resounding 5-0 scoreline.

Winchester City battled for a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Cowes after the Islanders had taken a shock lead through Matt Bowler with their only on-target effort.

City equalised on the hour, Mark Jones heading in a Christer Warren corner and Warren was the supply route again after 78 minutes when he crossed for Stuart Lang to volley in at the far post.

Third-placed Gosport can no longer catch Steve Tate's men following their 3-1 setback at Poole Town. Leigh Phillips and centre-back Ollie Cherrett put the Dolphins 2-0 up after 18 minutes, Josh Guise pulled one back for 'Boro but Shaun Hogan had the last word by netting Poole's third late on.

AFC Totton remain fifth as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Moneyfields at Testwood Park.

Glen Knight's 25-yard drive gave the Moneymen a 20th-minute lead but Totton levelled early in the second half when Gareth Byers netted at the second attempt.

Sixth-placed Hamworthy United couldn't overhaul Stuart Ritchie's men as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Bournemouth Poppies.