A superb hat-trick by Lance Smith inspired Evesham to a scintillating victory over AFC Totton in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. The Evesham-based striker struck three times in the second half to make it three straight wins for Paul Collicutt`s men, who in that time have scored an impressive 14 goals and conceded just one. Had it not been for an outstanding display by Totton goalkeeper, Steve Mowthorpe, United`s final goal tally would have been well into double figures.

 

On a `pay as you like day` at the Jubilee Stadium, it was United who cashed-in on hesistancy in the Stag`s defence to take a 6th minute lead. Patrick Wilson who looked uncomfortable at the back all afternoon, dithered on the ball in attempting to clear Nick Stanley`s cross and leading scorer Adam Mann pounced to calmly stroke home his 8th goal of the season. Evesham dominated possession but found Mowthorpe in top form, the best clearcut chance before half-time fell Smith`s way but the former Badsey Rangers striker lifted the ball over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

 

Bagged a hat-trick

Smith bagged a hat-trick

A strong start to the second half by the Red and Whites was rewarded with a second goal in the 54th minute. Smith latched onto a delicious throughball by midfield maestro Ashley Williams and rounded Mowthorpe before finding the net from a tight angle. On 71 minutes, latest signing Lewis Powell who had replaced the hard-working Mann, then got down the left and found the unmarked Smith who rifled in an unstoppable drive for 3-0 beyond the diving Mowthorpe. With 75 minutes on the clock, debutant Powell got on the scoresheet for the first time in United colours making it 4-0 after outpacing the Totton defence and showing  great composure before side-stepping Mowthorpe and confidently rolling the ball home. By now Totton had thrown the towel in and were praying to hear the final whistle, but there was still time for United to score another two goals before the end. With three to go, captain Matt Sysum who again led by example met Sean Wood`s corner to stab in his 5th of the campaign for 5-0 and then three minutes into stoppage-time, Smith capped another impressive display by completing his hat-trick with a well directed header courtesy of Clayton Green`s inch-perfect cross to seal United`s biggest win of the season.

EVESHAM UNITED:
Sawyer, Dovey (Wilson 71), Stanley, Williams, Sysum, Wellon, Brown (Sloggett 60), Wood, Mann (Powell 60), Smith, Green.
SUBS NOT USED: Harding, Binns

REFEREE: Mr S.Brown (Solihull)

ATTENDANCE: 219

Photos by Stuart Purfield here


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