TOM HIGGINS scored a hat-trick as Kingswood moved up to second place and kept the pressure on league leaders Longlevens.

had the better of the opening skirmishes with Higgins and Barrie Dibden each having early chances.

The visitors had wasted a number of further opportunities before Cheltenham Civil Service took the lead from a corner which was flicked on at the near post and rammed home at the far by Harry Hopkins.

The visitors returned to their passing game and created further chances for Gavin Dibden, Paul Bleaken and Mike Shaw each either making a wrong decision or delaying the chance which ultimately was lost.

It was left to Higgins after 31 minutes to level the scoring, getting in between central defenders to take his chance well.

Level at the break, patience and attitude were called for and Kingswood were rewarded on 58 minutes when Paul Bleaken went on a familiar jinking run before picking out Gavin Dibden at the far post, who headed back across goal for Higgins to grab his second with a close range header.

It was Higgins himself who provided his own hat-trick opportunity when dribbling into the box. His cross-shot struck a defensive arm for a clear penalty, which he converted with aplomb.

Manager Ian Evans commented: “We have had two tough away games this week and come away with maximum points. We can play better but I am happy we are in contention at the climax of the season.”