Ashton Keynes Youth U16s 11

Lydiard Youth Blue U16s 3

A EWAN Palmer hat-trick maintained his position as the league's top scorer as Ashton Keynes' U16s hit 11 past Lydiard Youth.

In the first half Ashton looked really sharp, used the full width of the pitch and created lots of clear openings.

The first goal came from a Ewan Palmer pull-back to Lewis Griffin, who finished first time into the bottom corner. Ed Fish, returning after an injury, then played a superb ball to David Arnett, who slotted home to make it 2-0.

Palmer smashed home a great volley after Lydiard only half cleared a corner and Arnett hammered home number four when Charlie Cook's shot was well saved.

A great ball by Will Tipping was matched by an even better chipped finish from Adam Robbins for the fifth goal and Cook's pass was smashed home first time by Finn Pannel on his debut for 6-0.

Callum Ponting came off his line quickly to smother what looked like a good chance for Lydiard and then Arnett completed his first half hat-trick, running on to Ponting's goal kick.

The rotation of five subs affected Ashton's fluency and shape in the second half, although they got a eighth goal through Griffin.

Sloppy defending from a corner gave Lydiard a goal and they found a new lease of life. They got a second when the defence failed to clear a loose ball and the rushed shot found the back of the net.

Will Malcolm scored Ashton's ninth, putting in the rebound after a great run and shot from Palmer, but Lydiard weren't done when a hopeful long shot gave them a third goal.

Dean Wainwright and Josh Curtis then both put quality balls through for Palmer to grab numbers 10 and 11.

MoM: David Arnett.