STRIKER James Welch bagged a hat-trick as Ledbury Town hammered Hereford Lads Club 4-1 in the first round of the West Midlands Regional League Division One Cup on Saturday.
With bragging rights on the line, Ledbury took the game to their Herefordshire rivals at New Street and soon opened their account.
After Dan Herbert’s header was saved by Steve Bell, Tom Boyle produced a superb cross which enabled Welch to fire home his first goal of the afternoon on six minutes.
Hereford were struggling to contain their rampant opponents who quickly added a second. Welch was once again on hand to put the ball away after Bell superbly denied Herbert.
The visitors did go close when an effort cannoned off the crossbar, but it was Ledbury who were dominating possession in the opening period as they looked to increase their 2-0 advantage.
The second half continued in the same vein as the hosts piled on the pressure before Herbert’s persistence was finally rewarded when he found the back of the net.
Welch then completed his hat-trick as Ledbury moved into a 4-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Despite the deficit, Hereford refused to give up and managed to score a consolatory goal when substitute Danny Hill turned the ball home.