Evo-Stik Southern Premier.

Hemel Hempstead Town 4, Cirencester Town 1.

ALREADY-RELEGATED Cirencester conceded three first-half goals in a match which gave their hosts, Hemel Hempstead, a slim chance of avoiding the drop themselves.

Only three points would do for the Tudors and they settled any nerves with a volleyed goal in the fifth minute from Dave Pearce.

Hemel doubled the lead in the 24th minute when Matt McEntegart flicked home Danny May’s cross from the right.

There was no respite for Ciren as the home side’s third goal arrived in the 33rd minute.

Dave Deeney’s ball over the defence found Ryan Blake and the winger superbly finished over keeper Charles Steward to put the Tudors firmly in control.

Cirencester pulled one back before the break through a Scott Griffin penalty after Bill Morgan had brought down Nathan Davies.

Within a minute of the restart, though, Hemel restored their three-goal cushion side when Ross Lafayette fired into the roof of the net after being set up by Dave Pearce.

It was the first time this season that Hemel had scored four goals in a league game.

Cirencester continued to show spirit and determination and carved out a few half-chances, with Griffin forcing Mike McEntegart into a smart reaction save.

McEntegart was again needed late on to keep out Ollie Pitt’s goalbound strike.