Combined Counties League Division One

Mole Valley 4 Knaphill 0

MOLE VALLEY SCR edged a step closer to the division one title after an emphatic first half performance destroyed fellow promotion chasers Knaphill.

The result stretched SCR's lead at the top to eight points and it now seems likely that their main obstacle between them and premier division football next season will be the league's ground grading committee.

The final decision on whether Mole Valley's River Lane home is up to scratch for the step up will be made at the end of the month, but manager Darren Salmon was simply happy to have another important victory in the bag.

"We expected this to be a tough match and prepared well for it," said Salmon. "I think the lads worked very hard, with great shape, commitment and discipline. We definitely deserved the spoils and three more valuable points in the bank keeps us ticking over nicely.

"Hopefully after a few less than convincing performances of late the lads will settle now and this will boost everyone for the tough games we have left in the final run in."

MVSCR made a few changes to their line-up as experienced former captain Casey Gauntlett made his first appearance of the season, coming in at centre half with Dave Young pushing into midfield. Mike Franklin and Paul Riches were promoted to the first team squad following rave reports from reserve team manager Justin Salmon.

The game started at a decent pace. Star man Jayde Spence and Kris Barry caused serious problems to the sluggish Knaphill defence with Liam Holden and Giz Raca supporting well from the full back positions.

Jay Holden opened the scoring after half an hour, the impressive Barry drove down the line before cutting in to cross for Holden to slot home at the far post.

SCR doubled their lead just minutes later after Barry's low driven corner was flicked on by young who blocked two defenders out the way for Martyn to blast home from eight yards.

The game was virtually finished before just a few moments later. MVSCR were awarded a penalty after Kilty's shot was handled and Holden drove his shot past the Knaphill keeper to make it 3-0.

The home side were rampant and the fourth came when Jay Holden was put through, his clever flick inside the centre half allowed him space to blast home from 20 yards, completing his hat-trick before half-time.

After the interval the game meandered along with the result never in doubt as SCR celebrated another step towards promotion.

SCR: Bowden, Raca, Martyn, Gauntlett (Riches), L Holden, Spence, Young (Moore), Kilty (Franklin), Barry, Hartnoll, J Holden.