Winchester City captain Danny Smith scored two goals and made another as John Robson's side extended their Hampshire Premier Division lead to nine points with a 5-0 romp on the Island against second-placed East Cowes Vics last night.

Champions elect Winchester were already two goals to the good when former Bournemouth midfielder Smith curled home his first from the edge of the box on 29 minutes.

Left back Matthew Bicknell opened the scoring from the penalty spot on eight minutes after Jason Ahmet had been brought down by Vics' Mark Watson.

And, seven minutes later, Michael Jackson headed home a Lloyd Webber cross - Winchester's 100th goal of the season in all competitions.

Smith's first of the night ensured a 3-0 half-time lead but, incredibly, hot shot Andy Forbes failed to add his name to the scoresheet.

Forbes, who netted his fifth hat-trick of the season on Saturday, came closest to scoring on 18 minutes when he hit the bar with a header.

It was Smith and substitute Paul Nelson who completed the rout in the second half.

Smith's second was forced home from close range after a Bicknell free kick on 77 minutes.

And, seven minutes from time, Nelson headed home a cross from Smith as Winchester won their 23rd match of the season in emphatic fashion.

It was not the start that Tony Newman, the new East Cowes Vics boss, would have hoped for. But it was not all good news for the visitors. Defender Steve Beeks suffered a hamstring strain in the second half.

Manager Robson said: "We were by far the better side, we played some quality football. Danny Smith was my man of the match, he was magnificent, but it was an excellent team performance.

"We didn't create a huge number of chances but when we did we finished them emphatically and Darren Crowfoot, our goalkeeper, didn't have a save of note to make."

Robson added: "We might be further clear at the top but we're not taking anything for granted. We know there's a lot of football to be played between now and May."