TWO-goal hero Sam Griffin blasted Christchurch to the top of the Wessex Premier with a convincing 4-0 victory over Hamworthy United.

Griffin, who also missed a penalty, netted twice in the first half as Priory took control of the derby clash at Hurn Bridge on Saturday.

Russell Cook and Dan Thompson netted after the break to ensure Graham Kemp’s in-form outfit claimed an eighth win in nine league games.

Boss Kemp said: “Even though it is early doors, we are a quarter of the way through the season and top of the league in our own right.”

Priory: Collins, Thompson, Taylor, Legg, Lloyd, Yelland (Cullen, 75), Smith (Burt, 70), Burden, Osborne (Cornick, 60), Cook, Griffin. Unused subs: Kittle, Frampton (g/k).

Hammers: Knights, Wyatt, Walker (Jordan, 70), Horlock, Hester, Penny, Robinson, Murray, Pekun (Bassiriki, 65), Bradley, Chudy (Shovelton, 80). Unused sub: Muller.

  •  New Milton’s leading marksman Simon De’ath struck twice as Linnets registered their first league win of the season.

De’ath was joined on the scoresheet by Matt Molloy and Luciano Ramos as Milton thumped Horndean 4-1.

The home win ended their search for a Premier Division victory. Player-boss Darren Curtis said: “I’m very pleased. Performance-wise, it had definitely been coming.”

Linnets: Hookway, Blackburn, Curtis, Morris, Pidgley, Molloy (Sampays, 70), Donaldson, Barge, Booker, De’ath (Ramos, 85), Whitcher (Mullins, 60).