WELLAND remained in the hunt for the Cheltenham Association League Division Three title with an 8-1 hammering of Brockworth Albion Reserves.

Jimmy Owen returned in defence alongside his brother Alfie and Craig Tommey started as manager Dave Oakley made several changes.

Welland began with a composed period of passing football and were rewarded after just five minutes when Stuart Wilkes scored.

Soon after, top-scorer Omar Elmougy netted before Tim Lewis’ driven cross was turned into the Albion goal by a retreating defender on 15 minutes.

Elmougy’s deep corner was headed in at the back post by Ben Pearson but Brockworth hit back with a controversial penalty awarded for a foul by keeper Niall Hacking.

However, the hosts swiftly extended their lead on 35 minutes when Lewis burst clear and his strike flew in off both posts.

With Brockworth only able to muster one shot on target, half-time could not come soon enough for them.

Just before the interval, Jon Williams and Tommey combined to put in Wilkes for a 6-1 half-time lead.

Brockworth came out with more attacking intent after the interval but they could not contend with Welland’s quality.

The home side made it 7-1 when Lewis’ pinpoint cross was headed in by Pearson.

Williams and Tom Soley went close before Elmougy rounded off the scoring with a well-struck drive to cap off one of Welland’s outstanding displays of the season.

Welland's next league game is at Fintan next Thursday.

Meanwhile, Upton Town drew 1-1 at mid-table rivals AC Olympia in Division One with Nick Chance on target.

They head to high-flying Whaddon United on Saturday (3pm).

Hanley Swan remain bottom after a 2-1 home defeat to Kings.

They were two goals down in the first 15 minutes and an injury to keeper Nick Docker meant Andy Smith taking over in goal.

Substitute Ash Bloore gave the hosts fresh impetus and a number of chances were created but not converted.

Hanley scored through Adam Webb's header but fine saves from the Kings keeper denied them in the last 10 minutes.

They entertain Gala Wilton Reserves next Thursday (6.30pm).