MORTIMER FC have been named the Europa Sports Team of the Month for December following a hat-trick of victories, writes Richard Ashton.

The Villagers completed a quick-fire Premier Division double against Berks County before advancing in the Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup with a victory at Division One side FC Imaan Lions.

Steve Melledew’s appointment as manager brought immediate results as they overcame the Swords 3-2 at the beginning of the month, Matthew Fox bagging a brace and Christopher Fabianczyk also on the scoresheet for the hosts.

They produced an even better performance seven days later when winning 3-0 at their Bracknell-based opponents, with new signing James Croft grabbing a double – one of which was a penalty – and Harry Spratley completing the scoring.

The club suffered the tragic loss of long-time stalwart Ady Keep to a short battle with cancer two days later, but they produced a performance fitting for one of the most popular men in local football to defeat Imaan 4-3 in the cup the following Saturday.

Fox again scored twice and an own goal and a Andrew Johnstone-Archer strike saw the Villagers into round two as they go in search of a final place at Madejski Stadium. Mortimer continued their good form into the new year by brushing aside basement boys 2-0 in their first game of 2017, Fox and Joe Webb the goalscorers.

However, they were defeated 3-0 by title-chasing Newbury in their most recent outing.

Mortimer’s trip to Highmoor Ibis Reserves was postponed due to a frozen pitch on Saturday, and they will be hoping to return to winning ways and gain a measure of revenge when they host Newbury in the first round of the Reading Senior Cup this coming Saturday (2pm).