Steve Hutchings smashes in a hat-trick as five-star Moneyfields secure crucial win over Barnstaple Town
Striker Steve Hutchings converted two penalties on his way to a hat-trick in the relegation six-pointer.
Joe Briggs also grabbed a brace, one of which was an outrageous looping 40-yard shot that found the top corner.
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Hide AdIt was just a second home win of the season for the Moneys and manager Dave Carter lauded his side's performance in what he regarded as a must-win game.
‘It was a fantastic performance and we virtually dictated the whole game,’ beamed Carter.
‘In crucial games like this, nerves can get in the way.
‘Scoring in the first minute helped us in that respect.
‘It was a long way for Barnstaple to come and it showed at times.
‘We played some great football in the first half and then made sure we didn't give them a chance to get back in it at the start of the second period.’
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Hide AdMoneyfields made the perfect start with a first-minute penalty.
Briggs was brought down in the area by the visiting goalkeeper and Hutchings dispatched the spot-kick.
A second followed soon after when Briggs fired a shot in off the far post.
On 28 minutes, goalkeeper Steven Oliver cleared straight to Briggs, who scored from long range.
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Hide AdHutchings then added a second penalty after being brought down two minutes after the restart.
Young substitute Rhys Lloyd set Hutchings up for his hat-trick picking the striker out from the right.
Just as in the Moneys' over home win this season against Evesham in December, the prolific frontman netted a treble again.
The visitors pulled two goals back in a manic final five minutes but Moneyfields picked up all three points.
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Hide Ad‘Although their goals were disappointing, we won't let it detract from a great display,’ said Carter.
‘We came up with the goods when we really needed to.
‘It is an important win allowing us to open up an eight-point gap on our opponents with four games in hand.
‘We must use the confidence from this to push on and climb further up the league.
‘There is still work to be done and we have a tough game on the 4G at Cirencester Town next Saturday.’
Moneyfields are in Portsmouth Senior Cup action as they Gosport Borough on Tuesday.
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