JOSH Pearson scored a stunning hat-trick as Wokingham & Emmbrook brought an end to their losing streak with a stunning 5-0 win at home to Abingdon United, writes Richard Ashton.

The Sumas had lost their previous 14 Hellenic League Premier Division games, but they returned to form in style with a superb team display.

Luke Scope gave the home side a dream start when he latched on to a through ball and beat goalkeeper Tom Plumridge to put his side 1-0 in front in just the third minute.

George Reid had an effort at the other end before Sam Duffellen had the opportunity to double Wokingham’s lead, the midfielder controlling a Pearson free kick before being thwarted by Plumridge.

The hosts did double their advantage on 34 minutes when Dan Collier benefitted from some slack defending to fire home.

Abingdon came back into the contest and had three good chances in the final 10 minutes of the first half, goalkeeper Sean Woodward making a couple of excellent saves to preserve his side’s lead.

Wokingham were by far the better side after the interval, and Pearson reduced the nerves with a fine 25-yard effort with a quarter of an hour remaining.

He then produced an even better free-kick – rifling the ball into the top left-hand corner – to make it 4-0 and he completed his hat-trick by tapping home a superb Mark O’Connell cross to cap a brilliant display.

Speaking after his side’s second win of the season, delighted Sumas joint manager Matt Eggleston said: “I’ve got a permanent smile on my face.

“We had a strong squad and the boys did everything we asked.

“A win is brilliant and the clean sheet is excellent.

“It was good to have James Charlton available and Will (Day) marshalled the team really well.

“Shaun Wanklyn was excellent and everyone put a shift in.

“Our decision-making right across the pitch was spot on and I can’t fault any player.”

He continued: “They had a couple of chances first half, there were some good saves from Woody and some good blocks, but second half they were shooting from 40 yards and we only had one save to make.”