HORNDEAN manager Michael Birmingham was pleased with his side’s efforts after they comfortably swept aside bottom side Amesbury Town 5-1 at Five Heads Park on Saturday in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division.

The Deans got off to a dream start and took the lead in the third minute through Mark Smith’s goal, and Smith soon doubled the home side’s advantage on five minutes.

Tyler Rutten pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 20th minute, but Liam Kimber made it 3-1 on 34 minutes.

Louie Martin’s penalty in the 49th minute gave the home side a 4-1 lead, and Connor Duffin scored Horndean’s fifth goal on 74 minutes.

“We went 2-0 up very early on and that can be difficult,” said Birmingham.

“The pitch was just about playable and was quite heavy. It was difficult to play on.

“We got the third goal before half time and in the second half we got the job done.

“It was important we got the game on – the groundstaff did an amazing job.”

Horndean were also scheduled to be in action last Wednesday night, but their Portsmouth Senior Cup tie at United Services Portsmouth was postponed.