RIDGEONS LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION Ely City 3 Stowmarket Town 1 A TOM Beech hat-trick secured Ely s fifth successive win, moving them up to third place. And Ely boss Dennis Lightning said having the striker in form was like playing with 12 players. He said:

RIDGEONS LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

Ely City 3 Stowmarket Town 1

A TOM Beech hat-trick secured Ely's fifth successive win, moving them up to third place.

And Ely boss Dennis Lightning said having the striker in form was like playing with 12 players.

He said: "I seem to be finally getting through to Tom. When he's good he's too much for any team in this league to cope with but when he has a bad game he goes missing.

"The problems in the past have been with his work-rate, but if he continues like this he'll score loads of goals in this league."

Beech, who rejoined The Robins in October after a spell at Potton United, equalised after 16 minutes and struck twice in the opening period of the second half before leaving the field with injury.

City started Saturday's match with an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation to accommodate personnel, including new striker Andy Pettit.

The visitors went ahead after seven minutes, before Beech headed home from six yards after Simon Warren headed the ball back across goal.

Pettit left the field at half-time due to illness and Ely switched to 3-5-2 for a second half they controlled.

Beech left the Town keeper with no chance when he hammered home a stunning half volley from the edge of the penalty box on 51 minutes.

The striker then picked up a knock and just as he was about to leave the field he scrambled the ball home for 3-1.

Beech was immediately replaced by Robbie Mason, who caused no end of problems for the Stowmarket defence.

Mason created two good chances for substitute Dave Daniels, who failed to finish.

The win follows a superb 4-1 midweek victory at Downham Town, in which Beech and Dave Smith each netted twice.

Lightning said: "Tom's injury is not serious and both he and Andy Pettit should both be available for Saturday.