Rochester United’s manager is confident they can fend off the admirers after in-form striker Jack Nelson hit another hat-trick for the league leaders.

Nelson’s treble helped The Spartans to a 5-0 away win at Welling Town, continuing their winning start in Southern Counties East Division 1. It’s now nine league wins from nine for Michael Betts’ side.

A six-goal haul in Rochester’s recent 9-0 win over Lordswood put Nelson’s name in the spotlight and the goals have continued, netting twice last Saturday against Chessington & Hook United and another in a midweek loss against SCEFL Premier Division side Faversham Strike Force in the Challenge Cup.

With 15 league goals and another couple in cup games, Nelson’s already surpassed last season’s 14-goal tally.

“We always knew we had an absolute hidden gem,” said the manager.

“Our biggest problem is going to be fighting off everyone and keeping him at the club but he loves it here - he’s said he isn’t interested in playing for money, he loves the club through and through.

“Hopefully he will get bigger and stronger as the season goes on and fires us to promotion!”

Nelson came through the academy at Dover Athletic and spent time playing in America before spells at Snodland Town and Folkestone Invicta.

Jack Bray and Lucas Payne also scored for Rochester in their latest win, and there’s no team above them in England who have a better record in their respective league.

Even their opponents were in awe on Saturday.

A post on Welling Town’s X account said after their weekend meeting: “We can see what all the fuss is about. Credit where credit is due. Fair Play to Rochester United who were class above.”

Betts, speaking to the club’s media, said: “I didn’t think we deserved to lose [last] Tuesday night. That was harsh on the boys.

“They have been superb this season, they haven't let us down and they were back in the dressing room on Saturday, bouncing and ready to go.

“We’re a good side, playing some great football, and full of confidence.

“Hopefully [Saturday’s win] is the start of another unbeaten stretch.”

The win at the weekend saw them finally take over at the top of the SCEFL Division 1 table above AFC Greenwich Borough.

Their league rivals have made an impressive start themselves, winning eight and drawing one of their nine games.

The two teams face each other this Saturday at Rochester United’s Rede Court Road when they meet in the Kent Senior Trophy.

Nelson was on target in the last round a month ago as the Spartans beat SCEFL Premier Division side Hollands & Blair 2-0.

Their only loss this season came last Tuesday in their defeat to Faversham Strike Force in the SCEFL Challenge Cup. The higher-division side won with a stoppage-time goal.