Nathan Jenkins produced a clinical hat-trick as Hartpury FC delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Larkhall Athletic at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium on Saturday, January 24.

The comprehensive Southern League Division One South win extended the Acorns’ unbeaten home run to seven matches and capped off an impressive all-round performance in front of their supporters.

Hartpury began on the front foot, enjoying the majority of possession during a lively opening spell, although clear-cut chances were initially limited. Noah Coates went closest early on, bending an effort wide on 14 minutes after dispossessing Larkhall goalkeeper Liam Armstrong.

The pressure told on 19 minutes when Jenkins showed excellent control to bring down a teasing Coates cross before calmly rolling the ball underneath the onrushing Armstrong.

The hosts doubled their advantage just three minutes later after Armstrong misjudged another delivery into the box, allowing Coates to arrive unmarked at the back post and head home from close range.

Hartpury continued to push forward, with Billy Osborn seeing an effort well blocked on 25 minutes, before Vanylson Silva fired wide from distance shortly afterwards.

The third goal arrived on 35 minutes when Louis Manning picked out Jenkins with a cross, and the midfielder fired low from 18 yards into the bottom corner to put the Acorns firmly in control.

Goalkeeper Seth Locke ensured the clean sheet was preserved before the break with an excellent smothering save in a one-on-one situation deep into stoppage time.

Hartpury maintained their dominance after the interval, although chances were slower to arrive. Osborn went close on 67 minutes when he met a Jenkins cross but headed narrowly wide.

He made no mistake five minutes later, however, after Renato Prifti played him through. Osborn showed great composure, sending his marker to the floor before rolling the ball into the bottom corner.

The scoring was completed in the 94th minute when Jenkins collected a loose ball in midfield and drove a powerful finish from 18 yards to complete a well-earned hat-trick.

Hartpury will look to carry this momentum into Tuesday night’s home clash with Didcot Town.