GALLERY: Phil Johns strikes 14-minute hat-trick in St Neots victory over Ely

Phil Johns hit a 14-minute hat-trick as St Neots firsts showed no mercy to bottom side Ely seconds in Division Three North-West of the East Men’s League.

Johns needed only five minutes to break the deadlock in a smooth 6-0 away success and further goals quickly followed for him last Saturday. Darren Coles and Daniel Sutton added their names to the scoresheet in the second half before Brett Nunn completed the scoring from a short corner.

St Ives firsts continued a scorching run of recent form to further boost their hopes of avoiding relegation in Division One.

A 7-3 success over bottom side Colchester extended their unbeaten run to five games.

A Mike Jenner hat-trick and a Robbie Philpott strike powered them into a 4-1 advantage before the already-relegated visitors clawed their way back into contention. But Simon Shorter, James Lloyd and a fourth goal from Jenner ensured they eased to victory.

St Ives seconds could only field 10 players – including outfield player Pete Liddle in goal – for much of their 7-1 loss at the hands of Bourne Deeping seconds in Division Three North-West. Alex Grange hit their goal.

The thirds fared better as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Bourne Deeping thirds in Division Four North-West. Ian Basser hit their first leveller and was then impeded to earn the penalty flick from which captain Tim Jones restored parity a second time.

The fourths proved no match for unbeaten Division Five North-West champions Leadenham but there was derby success for the fifth as they beat St Neots thirds 2-1 in Division Six North-West (South).