Sevenoaks Town FC hit seven for no reply when they met AFC Croydon at the Bourne Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A hat-trick from in-form striker Kenny Pogue highlighted the difference in class between the two sides as Town take a 10-point advantage into their Easter Monday fixture away at second placed Crowborough Athletic.
Brett Ince opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Pogue started his rout just two minutes later. Sevenoaks were always in charge of this match from the whistle and it was no surprise when Pogue went extremely close for his second only to be defied by the Croydon goalkeeper, Francis Ameyan. Frankie Sawyer followed up Pogue’s header but could only find the post. Ameyan at this point was fighting for his whole team.
A rather cruel own goal by Croydon striker Luis Medina in the 29th minute set the tone for the opposition and there was no way back for them, although they did manage to hold on until the break at 3-0.
It wasn’t until the 71st minute when Sevenoaks were awarded a penalty, after some great work down the left flank. Chris Edwards stepped up and duly scored to the left sending the keeper the wrong way.
Town had plenty more opportunities and had the scoreline not been 4-0, manager Micky Collins may have had something to say about the rather rash decision making on field, as shots were fired high over the goal from distance.
The home side recomposed themselves though and in the 84th minute, Chapter One’s man of the match Pogue, scored his second before adding his third in the last minute of the match.
There was still time for one more as Billy Bennett made it 7-0 on the day and another three points to the league leaders, sending them 10 points clear of the chasing pack.
Sevenoaks face second placed Crowborough Athletic on Easter Monday before hosting Beckenham Town back at Greatness Park on Saturday afternoon. Two more wins and they will have one hand on the title.
