A HAT-TRICK from striker Chris Bacon helped Wisbech Town begin their defence of the Ridgeons League Challenge Cup with a 4-1 thumping of Downham Town last night.

In-form Bacon, who is already fourth in the Ridgeons Premier Division scoring charts with eight goals, put the Fenmen ahead after 40 minutes.

Strike partner Liam Nimmo doubled their advantage moments later before First Division Downham were given a lifeline on the stroke of half time, when a shot deflected in of Anthony Reeve.

But Wisbech took complete control in the second half - as classy Bacon sealed another impressive performance with two more well-taken goals.

Wisbech, who won the competition in May to lift their first trophy in 16 years, will find out who they face in the second round on Friday.

The Fenmen travel to Norwich United in the league on Saturday.

Full Ridgeons League Challenge Cup First Round results:

Dereham Town 1 Ely City 0

Diss Town 1 Gorleston 2

Downham Town 1 Wisbech Town 4

FC Clacton 3 Wivenhoe Town 0

Hadleigh United 2 Brantham Athletic 1

Haverhill Rovers 3 Cambridge University Press 1

Mildenhall Town 5 Swaffham Town 0

Norwich United 1 Walsham-le-Willows 1 (Norwich Utd win on pens)

Stowmarket Town 0 Kirkley & Pakefield 3

Thetford Town 1 Fakenham Town 2

Whitton United 1 Felixstowe & Walton United 3

Wroxham v Debenham LC (Home win awarded)

• Video courtesy of Wisbech Town’s website and programme editor Spenny Larham.