FOOTBALL: First half hat-trick is the undoing of Horncastle Town

Simon Mowbray took his league goals tally to 17 from eight matches as he helped Lincoln Railway AFC to three points against Horncastle Town in the latest round of Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League games.
Action from Horncastle Town's 3-1 defeat at Lincoln Railway AFC on Saturday. Photo: Nigel WestAction from Horncastle Town's 3-1 defeat at Lincoln Railway AFC on Saturday. Photo: Nigel West
Action from Horncastle Town's 3-1 defeat at Lincoln Railway AFC on Saturday. Photo: Nigel West

A first half hat-trick did the damage for the Railmen, who consolidated their fifth place in the table with this victory.

There was also a hat-trick for Alex Nichols of Brigg’s second string, who opened his account for the season with a treble on the 3G pitch at Lincoln-based Ruston Sports.

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Skegness United’s Daniel Reid grabbed a brace for the seasiders as they got back to winning ways at Wainfleet Road, while a pair from Hykeham Town’s Chris Funnell helped the holders into the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire FA Junior Cup with victory at Wyberton.

The league match between Market Rasen Town and Sleaford Town Reserves and the Lincs Junior Cup quarter-final between Epworth Town and Skegness Town were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

Lincoln Railway AFC 3

Horncastle Town 1

Horncastle will be sick of the sight of Simon Mowbray.

In November, he grabbed a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at The Wong. And at Newark Road, he completed another treble before the break to put the Railmen in the driving seat.

In truth, the visitors gifted him his first two goals, but Horncastle keeper Jason Stamford kept his side in the game when he pushed away George Zuerner’s penalty kick five minutes before the interval.

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However, Mowbray had the last word when he drilled home his third goal moments before the half time whistle.

Town stemmed the flow after the break and reduced the arrears through Robbie Fixter, but the damage had already been done.

Ruston Sports 3

Brigg Town Reserves 7

Brigg Town Reserves led 3-1 at the interval on the Newark Road 3G pitch.

But they were pegged back at the start of the second period, and with six minutes to go they were 4-3 ahead.

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The visitors’ superior fitness was made to count during the dying minutes though and they added three more before the final whistle.

Brigg’s Alex Nichols struck three times and Christopher Rodgers grabbed a brace. Their other goals came from Scott Neary and Joe Stothard.

On target for Rustons were Joseph Barratt, Jamie Pearson and Ian Ward.

The result dumped Rustons on to the bottom rung of the league table. With Market Rasen Town’s game at home to Sleaford Town Reserves postponed, they stepped up a place on goal difference without kicking a ball.

Skegness United 4

CGB Humbertherm 1

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Leading scorer Daniel Reid doubled his league tally for the season with a brace of goals in United’s comfortable victory over East Lindsey rivals CGB Humbertherm.

Liam Bull was also on target in what was his league debut for the home side.

Jake Portas also found the back of the net to help Skegness leapfrog their opponents in the league table.

The Therm’s goal was scored by Jack Barker.

Lincolnshire FA Junior Cup

Wyberton 1

Hykeham Town 3

Holders Hykeham Town went one step closer to retaining their crown when they beat fellow Lincolnshire Leaguers Wyberton in their own back yard.

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Chris Funnell chipped in with a brace and Ben Wyld grabbed the other goal to take Town into the semi-finals.

Daniel Maddison scored for the villagers.

Results: Lincoln Railway AFC 3 Horncastle Town 1, Ruston Sports 3 Brigg Town Reserves 7, Skegness United 4 CGB Humbertherm 1. Postponed: Market Rasen Town v Sleaford Town Reserves.

Lincs Junior Cup: Wyberton 1 Hykeham Town 3. Postponed: Epworth Town v Skegness Town.