Ellesmere Rangers ace tops Tizer Herald Fantastic Five

This week's Fantastic Five. <i>(Image: BCA.)</i>
This week's Fantastic Five. (Image: BCA.)
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Goals flowed freely across the local football scene as league and cup fixtures produced a string of eye-catching results.

Ellesmere Rangers scored 19 times across two matches, Llanrhaeadr opened their Ardal North East League campaign with a five-goal victory and several players helped themselves to hat-tricks.

Harry Clayton topped the scoring charts with five goals in two appearances for Ellesmere Rangers, while Liam Pickstock and Tom Otter produced hat-trick displays for their respective clubs.

Liam Astley also enjoyed a productive spell in front of goal, scoring in successive matches for Llangedwyn. Those performances earn the quintet places in this week's Tizer/Herald Fantastic Five.

1. Harry Clayton (Ellesmere Rangers)

Harry Clayton's impact at Ellesmere Rangers is already proving significant. The summer signing emerged as the leading scorer across the fixtures featured on the page, finding the net five times in two matches.

He was the star of Rangers' 9-0 victory over Telford Town Reserves, claiming a hat-trick as the hosts overwhelmed their opponents. Louie Millington and Marcus Dillon each scored twice, while Callum Graybrook and Tawanda Melusi also got on the scoresheet.

Earlier in the week Clayton had struck twice during a 10-1 victory over Llanymynech. Those five goals helped Ellesmere score 19 times across two matches and make a huge statement.

2. Liam Pickstock (Llanrhaeadr Reserves)

Liam Pickstock was the standout performer as Llanrhaeadr Reserves secured a 4-1 victory away to Berriew Development. His hat-trick proved decisive in earning the points.

The forward did much of the damage early on, scoring twice inside the opening 20 minutes to put the visitors in control. From that point Llanrhaeadr held a firm grip on the contest.

Pickstock completed his treble from the penalty spot on 61 minutes before Dale Evans added a fourth goal. Berriew grabbed a late consolation, but the evening belonged to the Llanrhaeadr striker.

3. Evan Roberts (Llanrhaeadr)

Llanrhaeadr made a flying start to life in the Ardal North East League with a 5-0 victory over Carno. Evan Roberts played a major role in that success with a brace.

Roberts was one of two Llanrhaeadr players to score twice, sharing the spotlight with Will Howard. Their goals ensured the hosts quickly moved clear of their opponents.

Max Evans completed the scoring as Llanrhaeadr recorded the biggest victory highlighted from the division. Roberts' contribution was central to an ideal opening result.

4. Tom Otter (St Martins)

Tom Otter enjoyed a perfect afternoon in front of goal as St Martins defeated Haughmond AC 3-0 in TJ Vickers Shropshire League One.

Every St Martins goal came from Otter, who completed a clinical hat-trick to secure all three points for his side.

With goals spread throughout the region, competition for places in this week's selection was intense. Otter's treble ensured he could not be overlooked.

5. Liam Astley (Llangedwyn)

Liam Astley claims the final place after scoring three goals across two matches for Llangedwyn. He found the net in defeat and then played a key role in helping his side bounce back.

Astley scored Llangedwyn's goal in a 2-1 defeat to Dyffryn Banw, levelling the match on 20 minutes after Gerallt Davies had opened the scoring. Kyffin Morgan later netted the winner for Banw.

He responded with a brace as Llangedwyn defeated Waterloo Rovers Reserves 6-2. Alongside captain Paul Buckley's two goals, Astley's finishing helped secure the club's first victory.

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