CHRISTER Warren tipped strike pair Scott Joyce and James Stokoe to be a big hit this season after they played a major role in Wimborne Town's thumping victory at Alton Town.

Stokoe, the forward who enjoyed a prolific spell at Lymington and New Milton in the Southern League, continued the great start to his Magpies career since joining from Farnborough Town.

He netted a hat-trick, while Joyce took his tally for the season to 20 already.

Player-boss Warren expects this to only be the beginning for the impressive duo.

"Sometimes you think they could go without touching the ball then they'll score - that's what's good about them," Warren told the Daily Echo.

"They can score out of nothing and I'll be surprised if they don't hit 40 goals."

Stokoe's strikes were those of a master predator, all from within the six-yard box, an art form demonstrated by all great goalscorers.

Warren added: "I knew he'd score goals. He got 47 at Lymington and missed five weeks of the season.

"I believe in him. He's come over here and is playing with a smile on his face and it's good he's getting goals.

"They were all in the six-yard box and that's what we'd been missing. He's such a good finisher."

The signs of a strong partnership building between the pair already look promising.

"The goal for Joyce was a penalty but the movement between the two was fantastic to get the penalty."

The victory, which also included goals from Tom Vavrecka and Tom McCormick, was a continuation of Wimborne's strong recent form.

They have moved into second place in the Wessex Premier Division and closed the gap on leaders Poole Town.

But it was the nature of Saturday's victory that pleased Warren most.

He said: "It was a cracking result and most importantly it was a really good performance.

"We've got points in the last few games but not the performances. But it was really good and there were some good individual performances."

Warren was pleased the team recorded another clean sheet, which demonstrates the improvements they have made in that department.

He said: "It's something we didn't do at all last year. We averaged letting in two every game last season.

"But this year we're a harder nut to crack and in the last five games I think it's 18 goals for and two against.

"It's not just the back four. It's everyone working hard together and it's nice we're keeping clean sheets."

Wimborne Town: Hutchings, Bailey-Pearce, Jones, Roast, Phillipson-Masters, McCormick, Warren (Moore), Vavrecka, James (Arnold), Joyce (Whitcher), Stokoe.