LAHORE: Saddam Hussain scored a hat-trick as Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) moved to within five points of Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) leaders Karachi Electric Supply (KESC) after the two-time defending champions thrashed Baloch FC 4-0 here on Thursday.

Having three games in hand over KESC, KRL moved to 41 points from 19 matches after overwhelming Baloch FC at the Railway’s Football Stadium.

Midfielder Saddam opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before doubling KRL’s lead two minutes before the hour mark. Right-back Shahid made it 3-0 in the 67th before Saddam completed his hat-trick in the 75th.

The other match of the day at the Faisal Town Football Ground saw Pakistan Navy earning a 1-1 draw against Lyallpur FC courtesy Bilal’s goal on the stroke of full-time after Haider Ali had opened the scoring in the 66th minute.—Agencies