Steve Harper’s hat-trick dumped Hastings United out of the Ryman League Cup last night.
The Burgess Hill skipper’s treble came in a 3-2 win although Hillians had to hold on after taking a 3-0 lead.
The home side began brightly and they went ahead on 25 minutes. A sweeping move saw Dan Beck whip a ball in for Harper to prod home, and it was two in two minutes when Harper pounced as the United defence dithered and he skipped round goalkeeper Greg Nessling to score.
Another slick move on 49 minutes saw Harper put the hosts 3-0 ahead but 60 seconds later Hastings gave themselves a lifeline when Scott Ramsay nipped in front of Craig Stoner to score.
With 15 minutes to go Ramsay slipped Matt MacLean through and he scored at the second attempt but Hillians held on.
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