Kai Fletcher hit a hat-trick in Brantham's convincing 4-1 win at the Leisure Centre over Easter Counties Premier Division rivals Ely City and are starting to show signs of becoming a fearsome force ready to rise in the table.

After showing respect with a poppy on the shirts, and a two minute silence, Brantham showed attacking intent from the off.

Fletcher's formidable form, (eight goals in four games) backed by fellow attackers Louis Bloom, who also scored, and Reece Josselyn has seen the Imps and the players have been challenged to to start picking up even more points.

Kai Fletcher second half goal (Picture: Ian Parker)

With a couple of games in hand over the teams around them, Brantham assistant manager Alex Drennan is convinced a rapid rise is possible.

He said: "We are undoubtedly in a stronger place than we were a couple of months ago but now is the time to get those points on the board.

"One of the issues in those first few weeks were goals but now we have new players that have given us more of threat. We have more the athleticism in the final third and we know we are getting stronger.

"While it is always about taking it one game at a time we now have arun of games where we have to get points on the board.

"Long Melford and Heacham, on paper winnable games. and if we want to be where we aim to be we need to be at the right end of the table we need to get positive results form this games."

After a tight first half, with Fletcher netting, Brantham needed to be more clinical in front of goal and produced a stunning second half, with only Ely keeper, preventing a total rout.

Drennan said: "The message at half time was be patient as they would have to come out to us. and it was up to us to take advantage.

"We did not manage the game when we went two-up and with their first real entry into the box Ely scored. but the response after that was really pleasing."

A tactical switch at 3-1 after Bloom scored from a corner ensured no more sip ups and Fletcher completed his hat-trick.

Drennan warned the players must stay on top of heir game or lose their place.

He said: "We have a lot of strength in depth and competition for places.

"Pip and my standards are so how the players have to buy into that otherwise it is going to be difficult to get into this starting eleven."

Drennan feels Brantham are capable of getting many more goals, as the young stroke force will create panic among the slower defenders.

He said: "The average age of the lads up front is about 19 so they are still learning but I would not like to be playing against them because there is so much athletisic there and with the heavier pitches it is difficult for the big defenders to turn so they will cause problems.

"When we turn up and we are playing at the intensity we are capable of and the character, hunger and right mentality right from he start then we are difficult to play against, which we have showed.

Now it is about getting the boys to believe we can climb that table. No targets because we want them to play with high expectations but low pressure."

With three away games coming up Brantham will be back in action at the Leisure centre on December 9.