CHICKERELL UNITED 4 STURMINSTER MARSHALL 1 NICK Etherington netted twice as Chickerell United continued their quest for runners-up spot in the Dorset Premier League with a comfortable win over Sturminster Marshall at Weymouth College.

The talented striker completed his brace in the first half as United went into the break 3-0 up with Warren White also on target.

Craig Roper then added another in the second half and although Sturminster Marshall got a late consolation from the spot it was another commanding display from the Chickens who are now unbeaten in their last 19 games.

Winning boss Maurice Welch said: “We were 3-0 up at half-time and I was pleased we put them to bed so early because it enabled us to rest a few.

“We were always in control of the contest and even after the break we came out and kept the ball for long periods. We then got a fourth before they won a penalty with two minutes to go to get one back.

“I was very pleased with the performance and it keeps our run going, which is fantastic.”

Chickerell, who will play champions and rivals Portland United in the Dorset Premier League Cup final at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow, have two more league matches left against Holt United and Wincanton Town.

Maximum points will guarantee them second spot but Welch is only concentrating on the next game.

He added: “Everyone is now looking forward to the final and I should imagine there will be quite a crowd there.

“But we are in a no lose situation really. We have already exceeded everybody’s expectations and we will just go there to enjoy it.

“As long as we put in a good performance we will be happy. Of course we would like to win it but occasions like the one tomorrow do not come along often and it is important that the players take it in and make the most of it because they tend to fly by very quickly. “You cannot knock what Portland have achieved this season and many congratulations to them for winning the title. Hopefully, now we can go on and make it a one-two.”

Etherington opened the scoring on 10 minutes when he finished off a sublime passing move by knocking the ball into an unguarded net.

White then doubled the advantage shortly after with a volley from 12 yards before Etherington added his second with another simple tap-in.

To their credit Stur kept battling but Chickerell were just too good and the hosts soon made it 4-0 after the break through Roper, who finished off a fine cross with a volley from six yards.

The visitors, who have finished second bottom, threw men forward towards the end and they got a reward with a goal from a penalty after a foul by Liam Miles on 88 minutes.

But for Stur their season is now over while the Chickens now face a massive week of three games, which will define what has already been a magnificent campaign.

Chickens: A Weeks, Welch (Miles 60), Graham, Daniels, Roper, Evans, Hall, Smith, Sibley (L Weeks 55), Etherington, White (Coltart 50). Sub not used: Henley.