RICKY Johnson hit his third hat-trick of the season as Banbury United thumped ten-man Burnham 5-0 on Monday night to move up to fourth in the table.

The Puritans could not have started the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West encounter any better as Duran Martin gave them the lead after just 34 seconds.

And it paved the way for what was to come. On 26 minutes, Leam Howards was fouled by Alex Dimitrijevic in the area and, after the Burnham man was sent off, Johnson stepped up to double their lead.

The Banbury striker then converted Callum White’s cross for 3-0 on 38 minutes and completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, slotting cooly past goalkeeper Samuel Gray.

The Puritans saved the best until last, as on 79 minutes a Zac McEachran corner fell to Martin who struck a sweet half-volley into the corner from 22 yards.

Gray then denied Martin his hat-trick as Banbury finished well on top.

Banbury United: Harding, White, Steedman, Martin, Westbrook, Gunn, Stanbridge (Browne 60), Nash, Johnson (Joyce 66), Howards, Bell (McEachran 56). Subs not used: Blackstock, Kalakoutis.

Attendance: 101.