Four goals from Jasmine Saxton saw the Belles ran out comfortable winners against Leek Town to make it six games unbeaten in the league and strengthen their grip on the promotion place.
Andy Butler’s named an unchanged XI from the victory against Wem Town a week ago. However, Nadia Khan returned to the squad after missing the last few games.
The Belles got off to a great start taking the lead on the 10th minute. It was a great run by Saxton down the right-hand side, her cut back found Jess Price who slotted it into the bottom corner.
The home side quickly drew level with a cross from the left-hand side by Mollie Garner was headed beyond Ellie Sharpe by Katie Maya but it wasn't long before Belles got themselves back in front.
Patient build-up play from Butler's side found Sophie Bell. The right-back's thunderbolt from 20 yards out found the top left corner.
Lindsey Tugby played her part in the third goal. She skipped beyond three Leek players, then threaded a ball to Saxton who was one-on-one with the keeper, she made no mistake slotting it home for her first of the afternoon.
It was roles reversed for the next goal. A great strike by Saxton cannoned back off the crossbar and dropped to Tugby who found the net for her first Belles’ goal.
The pair combined again with Tugby finding Saxton, who rounded the keeper for a neat finish.
Saxton would go on and complete her perfect hat-trick heading in a Bell cross and got her fourth just before the hour mark with a half volley which cannoned off the the underside of the crossbar and into the net to make it 7-1.
Leek did get another back when Hyde turned in a corner but the introduction of Nadia Khan was to help put the final nail in the coffin.
Bell threaded a great ball to Khan, who lobbed the keeper for a cool finish to bring up the eight for the Belles. Bell registered another assist soon after. This time her cross picked out Lauren Breen at the back post who volleyed into the top corner.
The win makes in 16 points of a possible 18 in their last six games and puts the promotion race in Belles hands for the first time this season.