Joe Lennon Memorial Cup semi-final:

Hakin United 12-1 Milford Athletic

HAT-tricks from Steve Mathias and Scott Reid eased Hakin United into a sixth straight Joe Lennon Cup final as they proved too strong for Milford Athletic at The Obs.

The Vikings converted a 4-0 half time lead into a huge 12-1 win, with six of the goals coming in the last 13 minutes as Phil Frank’s men ran out of steam late on.

As expected, it was Kristan Bennett’s side who were quickest out the blocks as Craig Nicholson had a shot tipped round the post by Athletic keeper Dave Hawkins, before strikers Nicky Woodrow and Bradley Barrett both headed over in quick succession.

But 17 minutes in, The Vikings did strike as Barrett teed up Woodrow, and after his shot was blocked by Hawkins with his legs, Mathias smashed home the rebound.

And five minutes later it was 2-0 as Woodrow curled a low shot into the bottom corner, before the same player was again denied by Hawkins’ legs.

Athletic did go close when Nathan Daines’ 30 yard left foot shot was superbly tipped away by home keeper James Manson, but on 33 minutes Hakin struck again when Nicholson’s left foot shot was diverted into his own net by Chris Dullaghan.

Four minutes later Bennett’s men made it four when Barrett’s stinging left foot drive found the net from 18 yards out – and the latter so nearly added a fifth before the break when his shot was tipped onto the bar by Hawkins, only for the ball to bounce back up off the turf and strike the bar again.

But within 10 seconds of the second half starting, Athletic pulled one back as from kick off sub Connor Garton latched onto Daines’ long ball forward and with his first touch, slotted past Manson from the edge of the area.

However, any hopes of a fightback were short lived as four minutes later Mathias cut into the area and drove a shot home at the near post – before the midfielder completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after the impressive John was brought down.

The latter then had a volley blocked on the line by Dullaghan, and Ryan Wilson had a shot tipped onto the bar by Hawkins.

Athletic’s only second half opening came when Manson had to be out quickly to beat Leigh Power to Aaron Byrne’s through ball – but then it was Wilson who sparked off a rampant finish from Hakin as he rifled home a seventh after a neat one-two with Allistair Robertson.

Just a minute later, substitute Reid grabbed his first from close range - and then within six more minutes he had completed his treble, first with a smart turn and half volley and then tapping home after Matthew Broome’s shot was fumbled by Hawkins.

And on 87 minutes Reid had his fourth, again pouncing from close range after Robertson’s shot was blocked.

It was Woodrow who rounded things off with Hakin’s twelfth as he finished neatly at the near post – leaving The Vikings just a win away from a fifth straight Joe Lennon Cup win.

The second semi-final, between Milford United and Hubberston, takes place tomorrow night (Friday), 6pm kick off at The Obs.

The winners of that will then meet The Vikings next Friday in the final, with the same venue and kick off time.

Hakin United: James Manson, Matthew Broome, Ewan Findlay, Daniel Armstrong, Dan Evans, Ryan Wilson, Craig Nicholson, Steve Mathias, Adam John, Nicky Woodrow, Bradley Barrett.

Subs (all used): Scott Reid, Allistair Robertson, Luke Phillips, Ali Ouzman, Ben Aldred.

Milford Athletic: Dave Hawkins, Aaron Byrne, Nathan Lewis, Jordan Davies, Chris Dullaghan, Liam Duffield, Kyle Davies, Ieuan Brown, Nathan Daines, Leigh Power, Ben Jones.

Subs (all used): Nigel Phillips, Sam Palmer, Connor Garton, Craig Boswell.

Referee: Steve Badham.