BARTESTREE continued their momentum as they rattled seven goals past basement side Shipston Excelsior including a hat-trick from Thomas Bendall.

After beating big-spending Alcester Town last week in the Midland League Challenge Vase they made it five wins from nine in the league.

Alongside Bendall's three goals others were scored by Levi Ellis, Miles Langford and the pick of the bunch was a Dale Richards free-kick which flew into the top corner.

"It was pretty comfortable to be fair and we have got into our stride a little bit now," said Bartestree joint-manager Dave Cadwallader.

"We played well and took our chances and Tom Bendall has now scored nine in five games so he is on good form. "We are scoring some good goals and have got a lot to play for with the county cup, the league vase and we are still with a shot at the league title.

"We have only played nine league games so have a long way to go but if we're within six points of the leaders by Christmas I will be happy.

"Last week we beat Alcester Town 4-2 in the Vase and they have got £600 a week budget so that was a big scalp for us.

"We seem to have gelled and are playing for each other as a unit."

Bartestree travel to second place Inkberrow this weekend before a league and Challenge Vase double-header against Continental Star.