BADSHOT LEA 5, FC DEPORTIVO GALICIA 1

NICK Thumwood scored a hat-trick as Badshot Lea continued their remarkable revival with a thumping of mid-table FC Deportivo Galicia.

Since Mark Thomas returned for a second spell as manager in October, the Baggies have reeled off eight straight wins and have gone from near rock-bottom to sixth place in the Combined Counties League Division?One, within striking distance of the promotion places.

They also have games in hand on the teams above them and could narrow the gap further if they beat third-placed Cobham at Krooner Park this Saturday.

Badshot Lea are sharing Camberley Town’s ground while construction work continues at their new base at Riverdale in Wrecclesham.

The Baggies, relegated last season, would dearly like to play their first league fixture back in the Premier Division at Wrecclesham. Given their current form, that is looking a realistic prospect.

They wasted no time against Bedfont outfit Deportivo on Saturday.

With just five minutes gone, Thumwood crashed home a header from Louis Hibbert’s pinpoint corner.

Hibbert himself scored an excellent goal nine minutes later and although they failed to add to their tally before half-time, Badshot Lea effectively had the points in the bag.

Eight minutes into the second half, Darren Blake scored his usual goal to put the result beyond doubt.

The Baggies were not finished yet and Thumwood completed a clinical treble with goals in the 81st and 84th minutes.

Only then did the visitors rally to score a consolation goal.