GRANT Gibbs grabbed a hat-trick as Bewdley Town returned to winning ways with a West Midlands League Division One South 5-0 hammering of Leominster Town on Saturday.

It left Bewdley needing one point from their derby match with Chaddesley Corbett on Tuesday to claim second place in the table.

After unlucky defeats against champions Sedgley and Ludlow Town Reserves, they ended Leominster's own hopes of finishing runners-up.

Bewdley were a goal up inside the first minute through skipper Neil Turford.

John Lawley won back possession after giving the ball away from kick-off before Chris Hough and Gibbs combined to create Turford's headed goal.

Bewdley's second came when Gibbs was tripped in the area and Gary Middleton converted the penalty.

The home side kept up the pressure with John Hardiman and Turford dictating the centre of the park.

It was no surprise when Gibbs scored with an opportunist goal after 23 minutes.

Bewdley's defence was superbly marshalled by the impressive Paul Field and goalkeeper Ian Harvey was hardly troubled.

The town side brought on 15-year-old Steve Hoult and his first touch was a 25-yard shot that hit the underside of the bar before bouncing out.

A free-kick from Field was then headed back across goal by Matt Grey and was touched on by Hoult for Gibbs to grab his second.

Gibbs completed his hat-trick when the Leominster keeper dropped the ball and he was on hand to stab home.

Bewdley are now preparing to compete for silverware tomorrow when they contest the Tony Tranter Cup final against Two Gates at Kinver (6.30pm).

Players should meet at the ground for 5.30pm.