CALNE Town were unable to put the brakes on early pace-setters Wells City as they were downed by in their first away trip of the season last weekend.

Lee Pitman’s hat-trick saw off the Lilywhites in Somerset, with Neurin Jones’ men going down 4-2.

After Glenn Armstrong had an early chance saved, the home side took the lead as a short free-kick led to Leon Brittian firing past Steve Allison from 20 yards.

But with 21 minutes on the clock, Calne were level as a free-kick into the Wells box was headed on by, setting up Kris Beasley to slot home the equaliser.

The leveller sparked the visitors into action and Marcus Lovesey, Beasley and Liam Brown all had efforts cleared off the line but Jones’ men were hit with a double blow just before the break, with Pitman pouncing twice to give his side a 3-1 advantage.

Lee Himsworth grazed the bar early in the second period whilst Aaron Hopkins tested the Wells goalie with a 25-yard attempt.

At the other end, the home side passed up a golden opportunity to extend their lead and were duly punished as Calne’s player-manager Jones came off the bench and headed home from a corner to make it 3-2.

However, any hopes of a late comeback were dashed as, with five minutes to go, the hosts won a spot-kick and Pitman completed his treble.

The Lilywhites go looking to bounce back when they welcome Ashton & Backwell United to Bremhill View next Saturday.