A five-star performance from Frome Town as they extend their lead at the top of the table, as a hat-trick from Dan Cottle helped secure an 8-0 victory over Basingstoke Town at Badgers Hill.
The Robins took the lead early on as Rob Hobbs effort from outside the area deflected off a Basingstoke defender, and found its way into the back of the net.
Martin Lenihan headed the ball home to give the home side a two-goal advantage with only 20 minutes on the clock.
A third came just after the half-hour mark as Rex Mannings slotted the ball past the visiting ‘keeper from close range.
Just minutes later, Cottle got his first of the day as he perfectly clipped the ball inside the area into the back of the net.
The forward’s goal signalled a perfect end to a near perfect first half, but things would get better for The Robins as Mannings got his brace and Frome’s fifth shortly after the restart.
Then it was time for Cottle to take centre stage, with two goals in a matter of minutes piling hurt on the Hampshire side.
The hat-trick hero would pick up the match ball, after adding to his first half strike with another goal from close range on 64 minutes and then slotted home a penalty on the 68th minute mark.
Kane Simpson completed the rout at Badgers Hill, as his shot from just outside the area nestled into the bottom left hand corner.
FROME TOWN XI: Phillips, Cooper, O'Louglin, Teale, Hobbs, Simpson, Smith, Maidment, Lenihan, Mannings, Cottle.
SUBS: Brown, Hallett, Peck, Gorman.
A brilliant display by the lads, especially as no Jono. Basingstoke were very poor but Frome did not relax even when they were so dominant. Well done.