A SECOND hat-trick in three games from star striker Taylor Pearce ensured Petersfield Hurricanes under-eights had a happy trip home down the A3 from Hindhead on Saturday.

Pearce, who has now scored eight goals in three games, scored with a speculative effort from distance in the second quarter, took full advantage of hesitant defending for his second, and completed his hat-trick by latching onto a sumptuous through ball from debutant Harry Timmons late in the game.

Alex Garlant, who was busy all over the pitch with some probing runs and strong tackles, scored his third goal of the season when he volleyed home Pearce’s flighted corner at the back post on the stroke of half-time.

And all this after host side Beacon Hill Hawks had taken the lead in an eventful North East Hampshire Youth League clash played in bright early autumn sunshine.

But it could have been a different story for a Hurricanes side which has improved each week, with goalkeeper James Port pulling off some incredible and brave saves in the first half to thwart a rampaging Hawks side which was twice denied by the woodwork and saw Timmons and Garlant clear goal-bound efforts off the line.

Having taken the sting out of the Hawks, the Hurricanes warmed to the task in the second half with Oscar Walker again putting in a tireless shift all over the park, Timmons a rock at the back and a useful provider for the forwards with his insightful play, and Benjamin Oru again stepping up with a confident performance that shows he’s learning game by game.

And Finlay Stafferton, who again got more involved and made some timely tackles, and Connor Redpath, who bravely played having been sick the previous day and was a doubt for the game, played their part in a fine all-round team performance.

Petersfield Hurricanes: James Port, Benjamin Oru, Harry Timmons, Finlay Stafferton, Connor Redpath, Oscar Walker, Alex Garlant, Taylor Pearce.