PERSHORE Town hope teenager Kallum Powell’s full debut hat-trick is a sign of things to come.
The youngster enjoyed a stunning first full appearance by netting three times as Pershore hammered struggling Pelsall Villa 7-1 on Tuesday to record their biggest win of the season.
Manager Quentin Townsend handed the former Birmingham City academy player a first start and he seized his chance impressively, playing on the right wing for the visitors.
Powell, who is studying at the University of Worcester, will get another opportunity to shine on Saturday when Pershore entertain top four contenders Leicester Road in the final home game of the Midland League Division One season.
“Kallum has been with us for a while and has had some time out on the pitch coming off the bench, but he started on Tuesday and finished with a hat-trick,” said Townsend.
“He has been patient and he earned his chance. He took his goals well and he rounded it off with a 25-yarder with his ‘wrong’ foot, his left.
“Kallum is raw but he is only going to get better as he plies his trade at this level. You don’t get as much time as you would in youth or academy football but he has got good technique.”
Pershore led 6-0 at half time and Townsend admits winning the toss was key to make the most of Pelsall’s infamous sloping pitch.
Striker Pawel Tomczak netted twice inside 20 minutes, with Gareth Evans and Myles Jones also on target as Pershore completed the double over relegation-battling Villa.
“You could see why Pelsall are struggling but we were brilliant in the first half,” said Townsend.
“You can only beat what’s in front of you and we were professional and kept to our core values.
“There’s a big slope on the pitch and whoever wins the toss and plays down the hill first has a massive advantage.”
Defender Jones had also been the Pershore goalscorer in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Cadbury Athletic and Townsend hailed the versatile player’s contribution in the past few months.
“Myles has been in wonderful form, he has probably been our best player in the last few months,” said Townsend.
“He has played in every position for me and never let me down. He’s had to drop back into defence after Shaun Griffiths got injured but he’s been great in midfield and now he’s getting a few goals – and a bit of stick from the lads as well!”
Townsend hopes Pershore have laid down the foundations to be competitive with the top sides but his assessment will face a tough test on Saturday against Leicester Road.
Defender James Walker is unavailable and will also miss the final match of the season at Heather St John, while Townsend has to rule himself out after tearing his groin in the draw at Cadbury.
“It’s my own fault. I didn’t warm up properly and then I tore both groin muscles,” he admitted.