Crookham Rovers U23s picked up their first win of the season, as a Zach Hansell hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory away at Darby Green & Potley in the league phase of the ADFL Cup.
Wearing their new away kit, sponsored by LS4 Teamwear, Rovers settled quickly in the late September sunshine. The midfield controlled much of the early play, and after around 25 minutes the pressure told. Hansell's pace and power finally got the better of the home defence, and he finished to give Rovers a deserved lead.
He doubled the advantage before half-time, sending Rovers in at the break two goals to the good.
The second half brought plenty more chances. Calum Bates, Harry Barber, Kyle Duffin and new striker Calum Walsh all tested the Darby Green & Potley goalkeeper. Hansell then completed his hat-trick with a third goal set up by Tyler Lewis, whose hard work on the wing created the opening.
The Rovers defence had been dominant all afternoon and were unlucky to concede late on. George Davison could not keep the shot out, but it took nothing away from an excellent display between the sticks from a keeper who had deserved a clean sheet.
Head coach Andrew Barber said: "I'm really pleased for the lads. The midfield gave us control of the game and we created chance after chance. Zach was outstanding, but that was a team performance from start to finish. It's a shame we conceded late, because George and the back line deserved a clean sheet. The first win is always the hardest, so now we need to build on it."
Hansell was quick to share the credit: "It's a great feeling to get a hat-trick, but the lads behind me did the hard work. The midfield kept putting balls through and I just had to finish them. Everyone put a shift in today."
After two away fixtures without a win to start the campaign, this was a welcome win and a kick-start to Rovers' campaign.