WHITCHURCH cruised to an easy 2-0 victory as US Portsmouth were all at sea at Longmeadow last Saturday in Wessex League Division One.

The home side had the better of the opening 45 minutes, despite failing to find the back of the net.

Paul Coventry and Sam Argent forced the visiting goalkeeper into saves, while Issac Sedu and Adam Everest dragged their shots wide.

Home goalie Tom Hindmarsh was then called into action to make his only save of the game to keep the score 0-0.

Five minutes after the break Whitchurch led as Paul Coventry’s shot was headed out towards the corner.

Sedu chased down what looked like a lost cause, collected the ball and crossed in for Sam Argent to drill into the top corner.

The lead was doubled 15 minutes from time as man-of-the-match Nicky Jupp beat two defenders out wide before firing in at the near post.

After that the home side continued to control the game and wrapped up a victory that keeps them fifth in the table.

A delighted boss Jim Macey said: “The boys were really buzzing in training on Thursday night so it was no surprise that we did so well on Saturday. We dominated the game from start to finish.”

“It was a good team performance and Nicky Jupp had an outstanding game.”

This Saturday, ’Church were due to travel to Brockenhurst, but that game has been postponed.

So next up is a derby game against visiting Andover New Street on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Tadley Calleva will be hoping to return to action this Saturday, but they have a tough trip to Laverstock and Ford in Wessex League Division One.

Last weekend, their home game against Stockbridge was wiped out due to a waterlogged pitch, which was their third game on the trot to be wiped out by the weather.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game Tadley manager Danny Dolan said: “Laverstock are now under new management so that game is not going to be easy.

“We got a point against them last time when we were very poor, but on our day we can give anyone a game and hope we can stay in the top eight.”

After that game, Tadley are on their travels again, this time to Fleet Spurs on Tuesday night, and, with a number of postponements, next month is sure to be a busy month for the side.

This includes their North Hants Senior Cup semi-final at Alresford on February 12.

Dolan added: “Alresford are really flying at the moment, but I really enjoy us being underdogs and we will go there looking to get a result.”