FOUR-GOAL Dom Male was instrumental in Laverstock & Ford's destruction of AFC Portchester on Saturday.

He struck the opener after ten minutes when he outpaced the defence and blasted past the 'keeper, and Graham Mankin lobbed the Portchester custodian a minute later.

Male's pace took him clear for the third on 20 minutes, and Declan McGregor slid in at the far post to make it 4-0 just before half-time.

Wayne Emery pulled one back on the hour, but within a minute Male had completed his hat-trick, reacting quickest to a loose ball after McGregor's effort was saved.

Male finished off the scoring with 15 minutes to go, making their second six-goal haul of the season.

"We just couldn't find a finishing touch against Black-field & Langley last week, but it all came together against Portchester, who actually beat Blackfield 1-0," said Laverstock boss Gino Nardiello.

"Dom Male got four and could have had another couple. We totally controlled the game from start to finish."

Laverstock had strengthened their squad for their promotion push with the signings of Paul Lucas and Billy Baker from neighbours Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

"Paul Lucas is one of the best defenders in the area, and Billy Baker can give us something through the middle if we give him the motivation of competitive football again," said Nardiello.

The pair could make their debuts at home to Petersfield Town on Saturday, when Elliott Wykes starts a three-match ban for his red card against Fleet Spurs.

Nardiello said: "Petersfield beat us 3-1 in October so we owe them one. I thought Elliott's red card was harsh but we will have to make do without him."

'Stock's reserves won 3-0 at Lymington Town last Wednesday courtesy of goals by Rae Hughes, Male and Elliott Wykes, then lost 6-1 at Gosport Borough on Saturday, with Wayne Sale on the scoresheet.

They head to Winchester City this weekend.