ALNWICK Town Reserves extended their lead at the top of Division Two with a convincing 7-1 win against Springhill.

The victory, the Reserves' eleventh straight league triumph, saw them open an 11-point gap at the summit.

And the division's top scorers showed no mercy against mid-table Springhill and four goals from Stephen Hogg helped them maintain their 100 per cent league record.

The table toppers made the perfect start when they scored from the first attack of the game. Gary Taylor crossed from the left and Hogg side-footed the ball past the Springhill keeper.

Dale Kennedy could have doubled the tally for the hosts but fired over while Taylor had his effort brilliantly saved by the visiting stopper.

Alnwick did make it two, though, when Hogg latched onto a through-pass from Michael Smith and broke the off-side trap.

And Hogg completed his hat-trick in exactly the same way to put Alnwick three to the good.

But Springhill found the net moments before the break when Kristian Niel got behind the defence to score and give the visitors a glimmer of hope.

That optimism was blown away, though, just two minutes after half-time. Kennedy flicked on a Danny Lillico throw for Hogg to run on to.

He carried the ball into the box and stabbed past the keeper for his and Alnwick's fourth.

Springhill's task was made even harder when they were reduced to 10 men. Alnwick made the extra man count when Jakey Lowes made it 5-1.

The visitors still managed to create chances and Gordon Saunders in the home goal saved twice while Jordon Rogerson cleared off the line.

Substitute Mike Openshaw scored the Reserves' sixth with a well-struck 15-yard shot.

At the other end, Springhill could have grabbed a consolation when the dangerous Niel chipped the Alnwick keeper, only for his effort to go wide.

Alnwick stuck the final dagger in to a wounded Springhill side when Kennedy scored from the penalty spot.

Neil McFall made a great run into the box but was brought down by the visiting keeper. Kennedy scored the resulting penalty to cap one of the Reserves' best performances of the season.

Alnwick take on Berwick Town Reserves at home on Saturday in a tantalising league encounter. Berwick are 12 points behind Alnwick but have four games in hand over the league leaders.