Dale Richards scored five times as Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development thrashed Melksham Town Reserves 8-2 to keep their Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division title challenge on track.
With Pewsey Vale edging out Salisbury Development 1-0, the result does little to change the state of play as Bassett remain three points behind Vale with two games in hand. But the margin of victory has given Bassett's goal difference a boost, with this now being seven goals greater than that for Pewsey.
Bassett had the three points all but wrapped up after a dominant first half display.
Richards scored Bassett's first before the quarter hour mark had been reached, finding a way past Harry Pickering at the second attempt after a fine cross into the box from Matt Bennett.
Bennett grabbed Bassett's second twenty minutes later, scoring from close range as Richards returned his teammate's earlier favour, delivering a low cross into his strike partner.
A head injury to Pickering then meant Melksham were forced to change goalkeeper. And Bassett took full advantage of the misfortune the hosts suffered, scoring twice more before the interval. Richards finished off after another Bennett assist before a Bennett cross from the left side found the net via a deflection off a Melksham defender.
Richards wrapped up his hat trick with a finish from outside the box nine minutes after the restart to make it 5-0.
It remained that way until just under quarter of an hour to go as the home side pulled one back through Matt Caslin.
That goal initiated a frantic, goal-filled finish.
Richards struck again from outside the area to make it 6-1 before Tyler Sheppard got in on the act with a fine goal.
Melksham were again able to reduce their arrears to five goals as Jake Dodge scored, but there was still time for Richards to make it 8-2 with the final kick of the match.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd April 2022 at 23:56
