BLANDFORD United manager Jamie Murray claims his young side are exceeding his expectations, following a cracking Easter victory double.

The Royals battled to a tremendous 4-2 triumph at Hamworthy United on Saturday, before capping off the weekend with a 2-0 win over Sturminster Newton on Easter Monday.

This continued a sensational run for Murray's men, who have only lost twice to championship challengers Portland United and Gillingham Town since mid-November.

But for a horrific start to the campaign, this kind of form could have left the Park Road outfit pushing for the Dorset Premier League championship.

And despite being left to settle for a mid-table finish, Murray is encouraged by his side's rampant run.

He said: "We have beaten everybody apart from Portland and Gillingham and I can't ask for more than that.

"We're a young side and we're doing the business now - we just didn't at the start of the season.

"Consistency is a great thing but in a side of young players, you aren't always going to get it - it's as simple as that.

"I set a number of points targets for games and, to be honest, we're exceeding that at the moment."

Royals' latest victory over Newton was masterminded by goals from Matt Sutcliffe after 35 minutes and Russell Trowbridge on 80.

Despite facing one of the league's meanest defences, Blandford blew plenty of chances to kill off the game.

So Murray was relieved to see his charges comfortably claim the points.

He added: "To be honest, we were 1-0 ahead shortly before half-time and missed chance after chance to go three or four up."

While Royals have been on a major winning streak, victories have been a rare commodity for Swanage Town and Herston.

They claimed their first three-pointer of 2008 after defeating Cobham Sports 5-2 at Days Park.

Swans cruised into a 4-0 lead by half-time, thanks to Aaron Corby, Ben Briscoe, Jacob Harrop and a Lee James penalty.

Sports pulled one back but Briscoe made it five on the hour, before the visitors netted another consolation.

This result provided a perfect tonic for the home side, following their 4-1 loss at Poole Borough 48 hours earlier.

Hamworthy Recreation also put their Saturday slump behind them by snatching an impressive 2-2 home draw against league leaders Portland.

The Islanders went ahead after a quarter- of-an-hour, only for Tom Willis to hit back for Rec 10 minutes later.

Portland restored their lead on the hour mark but Chris Rigler levelled as the hosts threatened to snatch a famous win.

Elsewhere, Holt United ended their Easter weekend strongly, with a solid 2-1 triumph over visitors Poole Borough.

Kris Henshall gave United the lead after 10 minutes and Ross Mills doubled the advantage on 75.

Dan Young pulled on back for the Hornets three minutes later but this proved too little, too late.

In the day's other game, champions Westland Sports claimed a 2-0 success at Wincanton Town.