Michael James hat-trick helps Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club under-12 Royals beat Leaside Red 4-0 in Brentwood Community Football Alliance

Michael James hit a hat-trick as Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club under-12 Royals beat Leaside Red 4-0 to secure safety in Brentwood Community Football Alliance, Division Five.

The hosts triumphed in their final game of the season at Friedberg Avenue by outplaying their opponents in the middle of the park despite being a player short.

Royals were 3-0 up at half time as two close-range finishes from James sandwiched a drive from team-mate David.

The second period was more even, but James completed a well-deserved treble from outside the box to seal the points.

Leaside’s only real attempt at goal drew an impressive instinctive save from agile goalkeeper Noah.