PLAYER-MANAGER Stuart Cattell admitted even he was taken by surprise after seeing Wantage Town remarkably trounce Bishops Cleeve 7-1 on Saturday, writes Matthew Bruce.

It was a special occasion for five-goal hero Sam Collier, who celebrated his first Evo-Stik Southern League hat-trick and his first five-goal haul.

The Alfredians were winless in seven matches ahead of the game, but a stunning display has banished any concerns of relegation from Division 1 South & West.

“We were absolutely chuffed to bits,” said a delighted Cattell.

“I questioned the players about how much they want to play at this level, because they might not get the chance again.

“But they really went out there and showed what they’re all about.”

A lack of goals has cost Town, as they had failed to find the net in four matches.

So Saturday’s avalanche of goals was unexpected even for the manager.

“I don’t think anyone saw that coming,” Cattell said.

“Our performances recently have been a lot better, but the chances haven’t been going in.”

Collier said: “It was just one of those days where everything I hit seemed to go in.

“I only had about six shots and somehow I’ve scored from five of them.

“I’ve never hit five goals before and I’ll be very surprised if it ever goes so well again.”

Wantage’s victory was all the more remarkable as they went behind to Kirk Layton’s eighth-minute goal.

Collier responded with a first-half hat-trick concluded by a penalty in injury time.

The striker added two more in the first ten minutes of the second half to make it 5-1. His five goals came in 40 minutes.

Further efforts from Sam Barder and Jake Johns completed the scoreline.

Wantage Tn: Cavanagh, Elliot, McNeil, Doyle, Glover, Evans, Barder, Jones, Collier (Rees 80), Francis (Johns 63), Hulbert-Thomas (Carbon 71). Subs not used: Oakley, Rees, R Cattell. Attendance: 49.

Didcot Town ended their home campaign with a 2-1 defeat as Tiverton Town.

They took an early lead when Mark Janes played in George Reid, who netted off a post.

The visitors equalised in the 19th minute through Levi Landricombe. The winner came when Owen Howe’s header looped over Didcot keeper Leigh Bedwell.

Didcot Tn: Bedwell, Beer (Ballard 75), Organ, Martin, Carnell, Learoyd, Collins, Longford, Janes, Reid, Barney (Powell 71). Subs not used: Tanner, Morgan, Chalk. Attendance: 114.