HYPE Train began their maiden season in the East Berkshire Football League with a convincing 4-0 win against Sandhurst Town Under 23s at Calcot Recreation Ground in Reading on Saturday, writes Robert Austin.

The club was formed in June of this year with its name and origin inspired by the football website, The Hype Train.

The home side probed the Sandhurst goal early on and managed to score their first competitive goal after 28 minutes. An outside-of-the-boot through ball from Sam Paddon was inch perfect for Leon Mannion to calmly slot home at the far post.

Hype Train doubled their advantage just minutes later and in identical fashion. Another through pass from Paddon found Mannion, who took the ball round several defenders and then the keeper before slotting home down the middle of the goal.

The hosts added a third goal inside eight minutes when a low cross from Mannion bobbled fortunately and fell invitingly for Chris Marshall to slot home into an empty net from six-yards out.

Hype Train had a clear three-goal lead heading into the break so brought on all five available substitutes at the break.

Mannion went on to complete his hat-trick on the hour mark. A quick free-kick from Rod Stevens left him one-on-one with the keeper with the man-of-the-match brushing his effort over the top of the on-rushing custodian.

The home team were unfortunate not to add a fifth goal late on when a 25-yard free-kick from substitute Robert Austin was tipped onto the crossbar by the Sandhurst keeper.

Hype Train player and club secretary Austin said: "I couldn't have asked for more from the team. We looked threatening all afternoon, had chances to add to the four goals we scored and, besides from a few set-piece opportunities, limited the Sandhurst attack to very little in front of goal.

"We started slowly but worked our way into the game very well and deserved our three-goal lead at half-time.

"We made five substitutions at the break and again it took us some time to get into the swing of things, but we handled ourselves well, especially when under any pressure."

He added: "It was also a day of firsts that I will enjoy more when I look back on the occasion. It was our first game, win, hat-trick, clean sheet and first points on the board in the East Berkshire League.

"After two years of planning and development, plus a very long pre-season getting the players together, Hype Train finally feels real and we can't wait to build on this momentum."

The opening day win sees Hype Train stand in third position in Division Two ahead of a visit to the Calcot Recreation Ground from Townmead, who have won both their opening matches, this Saturday (2pm).