BASSETT Bulldogs were this weekend’s big winners as the first round of the Swindon Advertiser Cup.

Colin Cochrane’s men booked their place in the next round with a comprehensive 7-1 away win against Spectrum.

Jason Hudson grabbed a hat-trick while Alex Orton helped himself to two as Mark Adams and Phil Harris also got on the scoresheet.

“The first half, we were on the front foot straight away. Because it was the first cup game, I saw it as an opportunity to give the fringe players a chance,” said the Bulldogs boss.

“We have quite a big squad so I left out some key players, but I didn’t expect us to do as well as we did and to win 7-1 with a weaker side, so a lot of them proved a point.

“The boys have good cohesion and they’re all fighting for places, so overall, it was a good convincing victory.

“I don’t think 7-1 flatters us at all. We found a way of playing towards the end of last season and we carried that over to this season. We have found a winning formula.”

Swindon Spitfires also managed to score seven in their cup tie as their game against Ramsbury finished 7-3 to the hosts.

The Spitfires’ goals came from Joshua Archer, Nolan Paul, Stephen Hughes, Sean Light, Sam Long and Jack Ellis, who got two.

A five-star performance from Tawny Owl meant they were safely through to the next round after beating Sportz Central 5-2.

Daniel Cole, Richard Gee, Kenny Hawkins, Lewis Waldon and Scott Price all managed to notch for the winners, with Jose Rodrigues and Clinton Novaes claiming Sportz Central’s goals.

Ashton Glover’s goal had put Deers Leap in the lead, but it was Sport 4 Pinehurst who came away with a 2-1 win thanks to Aaron Welland and Johnny Peachey-Score.

FC Dorcan made the most of their home advantage despite going into the break at 1-1, with Allistair Drew, Jimmy Horwood and Chandler Coper all on hand to get a 3-1 win.

Elsewhere, Marc Bailey earned Haydon Wick a place in the second round after a narrow 1-0 victory over North Swindon WMC.

Adam Law’s effort wasn’t enough to get a win for Moredon as they were beaten 2-1 by Lower Stratton.

Alex Hammond and Lee Hayward’s doubles complimented Anton Webb and Michael Gibbs’ solitary efforts as Old Town swept Stratton Juniors to one side in a 6-3 home triumph.

New Town Old Stars were edged out 4-3 by Marlborough Reserves.