WHITCHURCH United’s Wessex League Premier Division title challenge suffered a setback as they were beaten 4-0 by visiting leaders Moneyfields on Saturday.

Steve Hutchings opened the scoring after just two minutes and went on to complete a first-half hat-trick, with the second coming from the penalty spot, as the visitors led by three goals at the break.

They added a fourth goal in the second half, substitute Tom Resch volleying home to complete the scoring.

The defeat came three days after the Jam Boys had been knocked out of the Wessex League Cup, losing 1-0 after extra-time away at Blackfield and Langley.

Despite the hosts losing a man to a red card on the hour mark, Whitchurch were unable to break through and the game ended without either side finding the net inside 90 minutes.

Mark Ford got what proved to be the winner in the first period of extra-time after Whitchurch were caught in possession on the edge of their own area and while the visitors pressed for an equaliser, they were unable to break through.

The Jam Boys are in Hampshire Senior Cup action on Wednesday night, hosting Southern League outfit Fleet Town in the third round of the competition.