KANE Simpson opened his Evesham United account in style with a match-winning hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Melksham Town on Saturday.

Signed from Frome Town last month, the Bristol-based striker might have had even more goals to show for a sharp performance at the Jubilee Stadium.

He had already stabbed wide during the opening exchanges and scored after 17 minutes, racing on to a through ball to slam past exposed keeper Alex Shaftoe.

Melksham fought back without creating much in the final third and Kane’s brother Kye almost doubled the lead four minutes before the break but his snapshot flew wide.

Town’s best opening came seconds before the interval when Mark Wall volleyed over.

Kane Simpson soon wrapped up the points within seconds of the second half beginning, dashing through the middle to make the most of hesitancy between Shaftoe and one of his defenders.

Melksham full-back Mark Cooper saw red for a meaty challenge before the hour mark and the treble was brought up moments later when Kane Simpson nipped in to slot home having ran on to a long punt forward by keeper Andy Hannah.

“They had only lost twice before that and have been used to winning having gained promotion from the Western League," said manager Paul Collicutt.

“It was a sweet result having lost there on the opening day of the season and a comprehensive performance.

“The lads have done okay in recent weeks but there is still room for improvement and I believe we can step up another level.

“I keep on at the lads, pushing them."

It was United's sixth win in eight matches and followed hot on the heels of a 2-1 Boxing Day victory over Cinderford Town.

“We came out of the traps quickly against Cinderford. We were two up within 10 minutes and that puts everyone in the right frame of mind," said Collicutt.

“I was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet but we saw it through and that set us up nicely for Melksham."

Robins: Hannah, Dovey, Tunnicliff (Wellon, 56), Turley (Williams, 66), Anson, Harding, Thomas, Hancock, Kane Simpson, Kye Simpson (Davies, 61), C Simpson. Unused subs; Brown, Haskayne.

Attendance: 242.