KATE ASHER scored a stunning hat-trick in 15 minutes as Stoke City Ladies equalled the record for the number of triumphs in the Staffordshire County Cup Final.

Asher's treble set the Potters on the way to an emphatic 4-2 victory over Bradwell Belles in the final that was staged at Norton United Football Club on Tuesday evening.

It meant that City's Ladies retained the trophy and equalled the five triumphs which Newcastle Town had previously achieved in the Staffordshire County Cup competition.

They found themselves 3-0 up inside the first quarter of an hour thanks to Asher's sharp finishing, although Bradwell pulled a goal back shortly before half time.

Emma Sanders restored the three-goal cushion shortly after the break before the Belles claimed another consolation effort in the closing stages of the final.