UTTOXETER inflicted a 4-0 drubbing on Belvedere Reds to purge the memory of an autumn defeat against the same opponents.

Juniors failed to capitalise on their early domination after being denied by the woodwork three times.

James Cooksedge saw a fine effort rebound off the inside of a post, while a fierce in-swinging corner from Henry Blencowe also rattled the upright. He picked up the rebound on the edge area, but saw his second attempt pushed on to the bar by the excellent Belvedere keeper.

Belvedere continued to defend bravely, but Blencowe then cut inside before finding the on-rushing Callum Marcroft, who slotted home from close range.

The pressure continued and eventually paid off as Blencowe latched on to a loose ball in the penalty area and fired home.

Two minutes after half-time, fine passing play found Cooksedge free on the left. He put an accurate ball in front of the advancing Josh Ede, who drove the ball into the roof of the net.

Belvedere then went close on two occasions. During one of their attacks skilled defensive work from Josh Pirie allowed him to create space in the middle of the field. He spotted Bencowe in space and a weighted pass found the striker. He took the ball around the advancing Belvedere goalkeeper before calmly slotting it into the net for his second and Uttoxeter's fourth to seal a fine win.