WELLAND started the new season with a bang as they cruised to a 6-0 victory at higher-ranked Newent Town in Reg Davis Memorial Cup.

James Lush cracked a hat-trick, Josh Barnett bagged a brace and debutant Josh Sinclair scored the other as Welland thrashed the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One outfit.

Welland, who were promoted to the Division Two last season, welcomed back Paul Edwards to the squad as well as handing competitive debuts to Chris Watling and Sinclair.

Newent began the game well asking questions of the Welland back four, hitting the woodwork and having an attempt cleared off the line early on.

But it was Welland who took the lead on 23minutes when Lush dispatched a penalty following a foul on Edwards.

The visitors continued to mount pressure on their opponents and were rewarded with two goals in as many minutes from Lush and Barnett to take a 3-0 lead at half-time.

The second period saw Newent change their shape and come out with the intent to try and get back into the game quickly.

Keeper Sean Gleeson twice saved well in one-on-one situations before Welland further extended their lead on the hour.

Some smart approach play saw Lush’s fierce drive parried into the path of Barnett who calmly netted.

With Welland now in complete control a fifth goal was inevitable and Sinclair headed in at the back post following Mark Taylor’s pin-point cross.

Lush then rounded off a stunning win by hitting home for his hat-trick on 89 minutes.