PAUL Arnold's request for more goals clearly had the desired effect as Wimborne battered poor Alton 5-0 at Cuthbury in Wessex League Division One.

The Magpies boss had been unhappy with his side's strike rate so far this term but Stuart Cannie (2), Scott Arnold (2) and Paul Rideout gave them a comfortable victory.

Arnold said: "It was a very pleasing result. We created a lot of chances and played some extremely good football at times."

Arnold's son Scott was the provider for the opener inside the first minute as Rideout raced on to his through ball from way out to streak away and slot home.

Although Wimborne had the upper hand for the remainder of the half, they were unable to extend their lead until after the restart when Cannie got his first as he nodded home from close range.

The game was effectively over on 50 minutes when Arnold pounced on a loose ball in the box to rifle home the third.

But Cannie made it 4-0 when Rideout's effort was tipped on to the crossbar and Arnold wrapped things up in the closing stages as he tapped home from Cannie's header.

Boss Arnold said: "Our three new signings - Ben Griffiths, Ross Drew and Mark Kenway - have made a difference to us. They give us a bit more physical strength and you need that in this league."

As for his son's conversion to striker from midfield, Arnold senior said: "We've been looking for a striker to play alongside Stuart Cannie but we've moved Scott up front. He has taken a couple of weeks to get used to playing a new position but I thought he did very well with Stuart."

Wimborne Town: Kearn, Roast, Crutcher, Percival (Moore, 75), Griffiths (Butler, 65), Drew (Doyle, 80), Kenway, Oldbury, Rideout, Arnold, Cannie. Unused sub: Clements.