A GOAL in each half from leading scorer Craig Breakwell helped Clee Hill United to a convincing 5-0 derby victory at Craven Arms Town in the Shropshire League Premier Division.

But boss Wayne Whitbread believes his side have probably left it too late to launch a title challenge because of their disappointing start to the campaign.

There was just one goal separating the sides at the break with Clee struggling to find a way through the home side’s defence.

Whitbread said: “We controlled the game from the start but it took us a while to break them down because Craven Arms are such a hard-working side.

“Having scored the first, we moved the ball around well in the second half and more goals followed.”

Breakwell’s opener followed an excellent diagonal pass from Ollie Smith that sent the striker clear and he calmly finished for his 17th goal of the season.

Ben Slingsby and Adam Warren added to the scoreline after the break before Liam Whitbread made it 4-0 from the penalty spot. Breakwell then wrapped up the points with his second of the game.

“We’re playing some good football at the moment but I think we lost too many games early on to challenge for the title,” Whitbread added.

“We finished last season really well and if we’d have carried that form into this season then we’d have been OK but it took us a while to get into the groove.

“We’ve lost four games but apart from our defeat at home to Oakengates Athletic, we’ve only lost by the odd goal.”

In Division One, Brown Clee won their basement battle with Denson 4-1.

On Saturday, Clee Hill United are due to play host to Madeley Sports while Brown Clee head to Wrockwardine Wood Juniors. Craven Arms Town are without a game