ON a weekend lashed by wind and rain it was perhaps appropriate that all Crowland's goals in their 3-1 win against Wittering were scored by a lad called Gale.

Despite not producing one of their season's best performances, Ben Gale's well-taken hat-trick was enough to keep them fourth in the Blue Zone.

The treble took Gale's tally to 13 in 10 games so far this campaign - one ahead of twin brother Jack who has plundered 12 goals himself.

The terrific twins are the main source of goals for Andy Hinch's side this season, having netted 25 of the team's 26 league goals between them - the other was an own goal.

Hinch said: "This was far from our best performances of the season but fair play to Wittering, they made it very hard for us and battled all the way. But we stuck at it and got the result I think we deserved in the end.

"Ben got another hat-trick but all his goals were great team efforts and I thought Dominic Catanese was outstanding in defence in front of Brandon Pontin-Payne in goal while Reece Crane was excellent in midfield."

With his side sitting pretty just outside the top three, Hinch also declared he would be happy to stay there as Crowland build for the future.

He said: "I am so proud of what the boys have achieved this season having not played as a team before and am looking forward to watching them develop as a team. Part of development will also mean we have to attract new players to the club as we move up the age groups so anyone reading this who fancies a trial should get in touch."

Anyone interested in trying out for Crowland should call Grahame Davies on 01733 211748.