SOUTHERN LEAGUE

JOHN Mills hit a second hat-trick in four matches to help Didcot Town hit back in style after two defeats.

Mills’ treble capped a brilliant team display as Didcot beat ten-man Fleet Town in Division 1 South & West 3-0 on Monday.

The prolific striker had scored four goals in the Railwaymen’s 5-0 victory over Bishops Cleeve nine days previously.

But that win was followed by defeats to Larkhall Athletic (3-0) on Tuesday and Merthyr Town (3-1) on Saturday.

Didcot gave a start to Ryan Brooks against Fleet, but he lasted only 16 minutes, before suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury.

However, seconds before the half-time whistle, Mills gave Didcot the lead.

Fleet were reduced to ten men shortly after the hour mark when James Scott was sent off for foul and abusive language to the referee.

Mills slotted home his second, before completing his hat-trick from outside the area.

Didcot Tn: Foster, Longford, Heapy, Self, Carnell, Learoyd, Dutton-Black, Clark, Mills (Baines 85), Brooks (Haysham 16), Whitehead (Abrahart 78). Subs not used: Janes, McKirnan.

Attendance: 80.

Title favorites Merthyr were too strong for Didcot on Saturday.

Kayne McLaggon McLaggon gave the hosts the lead, and despite wasting a number of opportunities, he outjumped Adam Learoyd to head past James Foster for 2-0.

Merthyr ensured the win when Ian Traylor fired home seven minutes from time.

Didcot substitute Brooks scored on his league debut, but it was no more than a consolation.

Didcot Tn: Foster, Bernasconi (Brooks HT), Heapy, McKirnan (Baines 74), Carnell, Learoyd, Dutton-Black, Clark (Abrahart 84), Mills, Self, Whitehead. Sub not used: Williams.

Attendance: 405.

Didcot fell to an emphatic 3-0 defeat at home to Larkhall Athletic last Tuesday.

The Railwaymen produced a disappointing display which saw them trail to goals from Tyler Sibbick and Luke Bryan at the break.

Keeper James Foster made a number of fine saves, but Sibbick’s penalty sealed it.