MERLEY Cobham Sports made it nine league wins on the bounce at the weekend by defeating local rivals Sturminster Marshall 3-0, writes Ian Gilmartin.

Goals from George Coleman, Callum Perry and Dan Edwards paved the way for the home side who benefited from creating the better chances throughout the game.

After a strong Sturminster Marshall start, Cobham settled and began to grow into the game.

By the 15th minute they had taken the lead.

Youngsters Ben Luther and Coleman linked up well, culminating in the latter scoring with a fine left-footed effort.

The away side almost hit straight back immediately just a minute later, Chris Trim having to be at his best to tip a fine header from Ashley Cope over for a corner.

Before the end of the first period, Stur goalkeeper James Young was forced off due to injury.

Cobham began the second half on the front foot, and they increased their lead in the 51st minute.

This time Coleman turned provider, finding Perry on the overlap, his drive from 20 yards on the angle flying into the far corner.

Cobham rang the changes, Dan Reeks brought on for Luther and Tom Beckett coming on for Mike Trim.

There seemed to be far more creativity after these changes, the substitutions allowing Edwards a little more freedom as he began to dominate things in midfield.

His endeavours were rewarded in the 69th minute.

A dangerous ball into the box found Edwards lurking just outside the box on the left, beating his man before striking a fine left-footed drive on the run from 15 yards, which gave the replacement keeper no chance at the near post.

Merley sit fourth in the Dorset Premier League table, eight points behind league leaders Sturminster Newton. Cobham enjoy two games in hand over the first-placed Cherries, with eight games remaining in their campaign.

Merley: C Trim, Perry, George, Walden (Marsh, h-t), Monk, M Trim (Beckett, 57), Foden, Edwards, Luther (Reeks, 57), Groves, Coleman.

Unused sub: Cherrett.