Elston’s 15th league win of the season kept their promotion challenge on track on Saturday in a comprehensive victory over Ravenshead. Four goals from James Scott, a second hat-trick in consecutive games from Rui Thacker and a goal from Teddy Furman means that The Clams have now scored 93 goals in their 23 matches, which is 20 more than the next best team.

Elston started strongly and were ahead after just 3 minutes, following a fine finish by Scott, who doubled the hosts’ lead after 25 minutes. Ravenshead then started to find their feet and launched attacks of their own, but Thacker scored for Elston just before the break to make the half-time score 3-0.

If Ravenshead thought that they could get back into the game in the second half, Scott’s hat-trick goal on 46 minutes put paid to that idea, and Thacker’s second and third after 51 and 59 minutes added some extra gloss to the scoreline. Travers did pull a goal back for Ravenshead, but Furman’s strike after 71 minutes and Scott’s fourth goal of the match meant that Elston coasted to an 8-1 victory.

There is now just one game of the season remaining for Elston, a tough away fixture at Beeston. Arnold Town and Eastwood & Kimberley are also challenging for promotion, but victory on Saturday would guarantee Elston the runners-up spot.