FOR the second week running, a hat-trick from Tony Lancaster earned Hexham all three points.

His treble proved the difference between them and New Fordley, the striker hitting a screamer to edge his side 3-2 ahead with just eight minutes remaining.

Fordley went into the contest looking for their first league win since October 10, and they were ahead within 90 seconds.

Fielding a strong team for the fixture, their striker found himself unmarked to head home the opener.

Hexham were caught asleep, but they awoke after 10 minutes with Lancaster beating the offside trap to round the keeper, only to find the side netting as the Fordley defenders covered well. Kurtis Harvey then headed home Lancaster’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Hexham kept on coming and Robbie Pattison was denied when an effort was cleared off the line, but it was only a matter of time before the leveller arrived as Pattison’s great ball was diverted beyond the goalkeeper by Lancaster.

There was no let up from the Tynedale side and, moments after a strong penalty appeal when Lancaster was dragged down by the goalkeeper was ignored, the Hexham striker edged his side in front as he burst away from the home defence to fire home.

Fordley had Hexham pushed back in their own half in the early stages of the second half, and they were on level terms 10 minutes in from the penalty spot. Hexham goalie Tom Craney clashed with a striker right on the edge of the area, which the referee deemed within the 18 yard box. Fortunately for the young goalkeeper, the official only produced a yellow card when most expected red to be shown.

And the visitors were grateful for the reprieve as Craney made a fantastic stop with his feet soon after to keep the scores tied.

Fordley had the upper hand and looked likely to find a winner, but the Hexham defence of Ciaran Fleming, Brad Ives, Gavin Hunter and captain Tom Hacking impressed to keep them out.

The match turning moment came with just over 15 minutes remaining when Hamish Forsyth was introduced to the play, he and Pattison on either wing stretching a tiring home side.

As well as causing problems with his piercing runs down the right, Forsyth forced a great save from the goalkeeper. The teenager then played a big part in the winning goal, winning the ball and laying it into the path of Lancaster.

And it was the striker who stole the show, unleashing a powerful effort from 18 yards past the keeper to keep Hexham’s great run going.