RICARDO Benjamin stuck four goals as Bicester Town routed hosts Wantage Town Res 9-0 despite playing with only ten men in the second half, due to a shortage of substitutes, writes Roger Wise.

In bright sunshine, it was appropriate that Bicester should run up a cricket score against the whipping boys of Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 East.

The visitors gave a debut Nick Lacey in goal, but he was rarely called into action.

Benjamin gave Bicester the lead after 16 minutes, following clever play from Jason Prpa, and four minutes later he struck again.

The pace of Harry Brock, was a constant thorn in the Wantage defence.

And after a whole host of missed chances Elliott Powell scored his first and Bicester’s third.

Wantage saw a thunderous effort from Jake Parrott crash against the bar before Rob Johnson then linked up with Lewis Gabbidon to help Benjamin complete a first half hat-trick.

Despite playing with only ten men, Bicester continued to dominate the second half, with the experienced Gavin Kidd, Adam Garner and Jamie Prpa playing out from the back.

Kidd added to the Bicester tally, with a close-range header after 57 minutes.

Powell was now running riot and he set up a corner from which Garner headed home to make it 6-0.

The Wantage keeper Aaron Timbrell showed great bravery, ut he was unable to stop the rampant Powell completing his hat-trick with strikes in the 79th and 83rd

minutes.

And there was still time for Benjamin to hit home his fourth and Bicester’s ninth.

This result should put Bicester in good heart for their Supplementary Cup semi-final at home to Penn & Tylers Green this Saturday.