'˜Brand new' Hutchings firing Moneyfields towards the top spot

The striker has changed his ways since returning from his 10-match ban.

He's also playing so well and Moneys are now unbeaten in eight games in the league.

They have climbed up to third position and Carter has his eyes on pushing for the top spot.

If Hutchings stays available throughout the season a push for the title could well be in reach.

He now has seven goals in the past six matches.

The Moneys boss said: '˜Steve is flying at the moment.

'˜He has come back and stayed out of trouble.

'˜Steve has got on with his own game without getting involved with the referees.

'˜It is like having a brand new player in our ranks.

'˜His hold-up play has been brilliant and he has scored some outstanding goals.

'˜After all the discipline problems we had last season it is good to see us now comfortably topping the fair play league.

'˜In the past two years we have been top of our league at Christmas.

'˜There is no reason why we cannot make it a hat-trick.'

With current leaders Yate Town losing at home against Barnstaple Town it means Moneyfields have narrowed the gap to just three points.

The first half at Thatcham, played out in difficult conditions of rain and wind, ended goalless.

Moneyfields found it impossible to break down a home side who sat behind the ball.

There were few clear chances and it was a scrappy encounter on a small pitch.

Twice the visitors whipped threatening crosses into the home goalmouth, one from Rob Evans and another by Dan Wooden.

On each occasion the ball carried too much pace for Hutchings and Felipe Barcelos to get on the end of it.

Steve Mowthorpe hardly had a save to make in goal for Moneys.

The breakthrough arrived on 53 minutes through a terrific Hutchings strike.

After receiving the ball with his back to goal the powerful striker turned and crashed a shot into the top corner of the net.

Further chances followed and the home goalkeeper denied Hutchings a second with a good save eight yards out.

Four minutes from the end Hutchings sealed the win with another shot from the edge of the area.

The goalkeeper failed to hold it and the ball trickled into the net.

Carter has a bigger squad this season and believes this can make a huge difference.

The Moneys boss added: '˜At the moment we are about where we expected to be at this stage of the season.

'˜I actually believe we are good enough to win it.

'˜So far I have not seen another team as strong and powerful as us.'