St Albans Ladies kept the pressure on Beds & Herts Division One leaders Hemel Hempstead with a 12-1 mauling of Hartham United.

Herts Advertiser: Lauren Croucher makes a big save for St Albans Ladies against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRONLauren Croucher makes a big save for St Albans Ladies against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRON (Image: Archant)

They remain three points adrift with six games to go but with a hugely superior goal difference.

Herts Advertiser: Holly Rossington was the player of the match for St Albans Ladies against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRONHolly Rossington was the player of the match for St Albans Ladies against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRON (Image: Archant)

Ellie Lovelock and Jessica Cavaree both bagged hat-tricks, Lovelock taking her tally on to 29 for the season, while there was doubles for Kayla Johnson and Grainne Kellett.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans Ladies celebrate another goal against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRONSt Albans Ladies celebrate another goal against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRON (Image: Archant)

Lacey Kavanagh-Blake and Holly Williams got the other two goals, with the former's strike bringing her first for the club.

Herts Advertiser: Jessica Cavaree makes a tackle for St Albans Ladies against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRONJessica Cavaree makes a tackle for St Albans Ladies against Hartham. Picture: LEONIE CITRON (Image: Archant)

There could have been more too with Kellett hitting the woodwork.

It took 22 minutes for the first to arrive but once it did the floodgates were well and truly opened.

It was five by half-time and the navy blue tide kept coming after the break even if goalkeeper Lauren Croucher still had to make a couple of good saves.

And despite the goals, it was defender Holly Rossington who earned the player of the match award.