Odain hits hat-trick as five goal March Town United run riot at Leiston and push towards top five finish
Ondre Odain. - Credit: Archant
March Town United manager Chris Bartlett has set his players a target of winning their last three games to seal a top five league finish.
On Saturday, Ondre Odain hit a perfect hat-trick, with Josh Jackman and Liam Merryweather also on target, as the Hares romped to a 5-0 win at Leiston.
Bartlett said: “Dan Woods was back, which makes a big difference to us. He was a bit rusty - if he had been playing regularly he probably would have got a couple of goals - but he’s an intelligent footballer and his link-up play allowed Ondre to flourish.
“Ondre had a really good game. He converted his chances - left foot, right foot and header - the perfect hat-trick.
“All in all, it was a good performance. I couldn’t have asked for much more from my players.
“I’d like to thank the club for laying on a coach to Leiston. It’s a long journey so that was brilliant of them.”
March are sixth in the Thurlow Nunn First Division, two points behind Haverhill Borough but with a game in hand.
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However, Bartlett expects Haverhill to win their remaining games, so his side have no room for error if they want to finish above them.
He said: “I set the team a target of 72 points and if we win the last three games we’ll finish on 71. I’ve told the players I’ll let them off that point.
“We need to keep going and keep developing a winning mentality.
“We want to finish in the top five. I expect Haverhill to win their last three games so we need to as well.”
Up next for March is their last home game of the season, against mid table Halstead Town, on Saturday.
Gerard Evans is missing due to a holiday, while David Jackson has a knee worry that needs managing. Having come through the Leiston game unscathed, Woods should once again be available, while Nick Davey will be back in contention for a starting spot.
Bartlett said: “It’s our last home game so hopefully there will be a big crowd and we can give them a performance to be optimistic about.”
