Richmond Town

RICHMOND TOWN kicked off 2015 in style last Saturday as a hat-trick from Mark Sims and a goal from substitute George Battersby gave them a comfortable 4-1 win over Boldon CW at Earls Orchard.

Despite the difficult conditions both sides tried to play good football but it was hosts Richmond who gained control before the break thanks to two fine goals from Sims. Shaun Heads briefly put the visitors back in to the game but Battersby and Sims again, from the penalty spot, ensured Richmond began the year with all three points.

On a very hard pitch, Scott Ryan had Town's first chance after 14 minutes when he fired over the top from a good position, while at the other end, goalkeeper Karl Latchum was called into action to deny Boldon's Krystofer Frater.

Ryan put a header into the side netting as Town threatened again but it was Sims who made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute with a fine individual goal. Town were then in complete control when Sims doubled their lead before the break; sending an unstoppable shot from 20 yards past goalkeeper Mark Smith.

But on the hour Boldon were handed a way back into the match. Latchum made an uncharacteristic error, dropping a cross to give Heads the opportunity to tap home from close range.

Town soon regained their earlier control, however, and moments later Ryan thought he had made it 3-1 when he scooped the ball home but the referee's assistant ruled it out for a foul. That merely delayed the inevitable as Town did score a third in the 72nd minute. Ryan and Sims combined well for substitute Battersby to score with his first touch after coming on.

And just three minutes later it was 4-1. Scott Guy was brought down in the area and Sims emphatically completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

With the points now safe, Town manager Chris Lax brought on Academy youngster Charlie Job for his debut and in the closing stages the teenager twice came close to getting his name on the score-sheet. But all-in-all it was a pleasing start to the New Year for Richmond.