Treble chance Kennedy adds to early-season goal spree
TWO hat-tricks in four days ensured Bishop’s Cleeve bright start to the season continued. Brad Martin scored three times as Cleeve came from behind to beat Stotfold 5-2 in the FA Cup.
And Elliott Kennedy bagged a treble as they thrashed Royal Wootton Bassett Town 5-1 to lif Steve Cleal’s men up to second in the early Hellenic League Premier Division table with seven points from three league matches.
Martin’s treble came in the second half of the preliminary round tie after the Mitres had come from behind to lead through 2-1 with goals from Harrison Iddles and a Kennedy penalty.
Stotfold were reduced to 10 men when captain Mark Ansell-carter saw a straight red for a high challenge on Iddles.
But they hit back to equalise before the break, only for Martin to take control in the second half.
Cleal said: “Our main aim was to get into the next round of the Cup and bring in some money for this football club.
“We didn’t defend well in the opening exchanges and then to concede on the stroke of half-time after getting our noses in front was again disappointing, but ultimately we had to win the game and we did that.
“We’re a team that’s always going to score and to score five is pleasing. I told them at half time to come out and win the second half 3-0 which is exactly what we did.”
Cleeve head to league leaders Wantage Town after dominating their clash with Royal Wootton Bassett Town.
Kennedy opened the scoring – continuing his record of scoring in every game– as he turned in Jack Watts’ goalbound shot.
They lost Iddle to injry before Kennedy turned provider, Martin heading in a second from close range.
Kennedy adding his second after the break before the visitors cut the gap, but Martin claimed his sixth of the season to restore the advantage.
And Kennedy left the best until last, finding the top corner from the edge of the box two minutes into stoppage time.
Cleal said: “Nothing’s ever won in August at the start of the season but we’ve made a good unbeaten start and the difference from last season is we’re finding the net and scoring goals.
“Elliot’s hat-trick was a perfect one for me and he’s worked his socks off last three or four games.”
Kennedy added: “I’m chuffed with my performance and I think this is the best start I’ve had to the season in a long time with six goals and a couple of assists as well.
“The team is one of the best teams I’ve played in in a long time, particularly chemistry wise.”