C&K BASILDON Ladies manager Steve Tilson heaped praise on April Bowers after the summer signing netted a hat-trick in his side’s thumping 7-3 win over West Ham.

Tilson’s team travelled to the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground for their latest FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division fixture, and a clinical performance allowed C&K Basildon to claim a convincing victory.

The three points resulted in C&K Basildon climbing up to second in the standings.

And Tilson, who is now targeting a top three place come the end of the season, was keen to highlight the performance of Bowers and the in-form Angela Addison.

The former Southend United boss said: “I think April has got better as the weeks have gone by.

“She has got fitter and I think she has eight goals for us now.

“April got a good hat-trick and Angela got on the scoresheet again. She has been brilliant for us.”

C&K Basildon’s dominance told as the visitors boasted a four-goal lead inside the opening half hour.

Bowers fired home inside two minutes, while Danica Revell headed home her fourth goal of the campaign just six minutes later.

A brilliant threaded pass from Angela Addison allowed Bowers to notch her second soon after and Therese Addison controlled well before slotting home to make it four.

Jay Blackie scored her eighth goal of the season five minutes before half-time, but West Ham ended C&K Basildon’s chances of keeping a clean sheet by getting on the scoresheet moments before the break.

However, the away side continued to dominate proceedings and Bowers completed her hat-trick by bundling home on 67 minutes.

West Ham added a second to their tally, but Angela Addison was to get her goal as she netted her 14th of an impressive campaign before the Hammers wrapped up the scoring.

And Tilson was pleased with his side’s clinical display along with their impressive defensive record this term.

Tilson added: “The girls have been doing tremendously well and we are on a fantastic run.

“We put pressure on West Ham high up the pitch in the first 20 minutes, which put us in control, and it was a great win.

“We conceded three goals but, if you look at the goals we have conceded over the course of the season so far, we have let in less than we have in the last three or four years.”

Tilson’s charges have now scored 15 goals in their last three outings.

But they take a break from their league campaign on Sunday, as they travel to Chichester City for an FA Cup second round clash.

And Tilson is hopeful of going on a run in the competition.

Tilson added: “We go to Chichester City, which is a long trip, in the FA Cup on Sunday. We know we won’t win the trophy, but it would be great to go on a cup run.”