WEST Ham manager Olli Harder believes Martha Thomas’ hat-trick against Reading will give her “the world of confidence”.

Former Dorchester Town talent and Manor Park pupil Thomas, who often outstone the Magpies’ boys at youth level, struck a superb treble as the Hammers battered Reading 5-0 to move off bottom spot in the Women’s Super League.

Kenza Dali and Katerina Svitkova also notched in the first half.

Harder earned his first league win since succeeding Matt Beard as boss.

Post-match, Harder said: “A fantastic performance from Martha Thomas.

“As a striker, it’s been difficult for her in the last few matches not scoring, but creating good chances for herself, and she managed to put the ball at the back of the net.

“That will give her the world of confidence going forward.

“This group has belief and we’ve got on the wrong end of results but I thought our recent performances have been relatively good in terms of what we are trying to do.

“This type of result and performance was coming. I’m glad it happened and will create confidence.”