Matt Scott double hat-trick seals Burnham United 7-2 win (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Matt Scott double hat-trick seals Burnham United 7-2 win

7:00am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Sport

Errea County League First Division

Burnham United 7, Saltford 2

AN incredible double hat-trick from Matt Scott helped Burnham produce one of their best performances of the season to beat relegation contenders Saltford 7-2 and haul themselves away from the drop zone.

Man-of-the-match Scott netted twice in the first half and four more times in the second half to become the first player at the club to score six goals in a competitive league game.

Despite the heavy downpours and a pitch that was starting to cut up, Burnham still played an attractive passing game which is becoming increasingly effective for them.

Burnham continued to be patient in possession and, after an exceptional break, Matt Scott scored his first of the day with a clinical finish.

Saltford continued with their high energy pressing game and were starting to look dangerous themselves when United doubled their lead after good work from Elliot Lamb down the left set Claude Bitton away to beat two defenders and unselfishly square the ball to Scott to double their lead.

To their credit, Saltford never gave up but the Burnham back four of Elliot Lamb, Russ Holley, Dave Bidgood and 16-year-old Alex Plume were never really troubled.

Burnham increased their lead and it came from a setpiece as Craig Hirons rose at the far post and powered home a header to lead 3-0 at the break.

Saltford started well in the second half but Scott completed his hat-trick with another excellent finish and then scored his fourth and Burnham fifth to all but seal the win.

Saltford did grab two consolation goals but, in the final few minutes, Scott scored his fifth and sixth goals to wrap up the win.

Manager Luke Hussey said: “I’m pleased for the players as they showed an excellent attitude and the team spirit is really evident now.

“We tried some things out and it was good to see another youngster in Alex Plume coming through the club and looking comfortable at this level. The team got the result it deserved.”