BEN Hayes netted a hat-trick as Malvern Town ran out 5-2 winners against Bilston Town Community at the HDanywhere Community Stadium.
Two of Hayes’ goals came in a dominant opening period by Les Jones’ side, who moved into a 4-1 lead at half-time.
Bilston levelled things up after Lee Hooper’s fifth minute opener and struck again midway through the second half.
But Malvern, who are sixth in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division, proved too strong for the visitors as Hayes got on the end of Jack Cullity’s cross to complete his hat-trick and the rout.
Town could not have got off to a better start on Saturday as they were awarded a free kick just outside the area which Hooper dispatched to give his side the lead.
However, Bilston responded well as they scored the equaliser five minutes later. Nick Haynes’ shot took a couple of deflections, hit the post and rolled into the net.
Malvern almost regained the lead in fortuitous circumstances in the 15th minute as Zac Marriott diverted Matthew Turner’s cross towards his goal but luckily for Marriott straight to his keeper James Gettings, who brought off a good diving save to prevent an own goal.
Town did make it 2-1 in the 21st minute as Gettings could only parry Hooper’s effort and Hayes slotted the loose ball home.
The home side then added two more before the break as they began to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Turner benefited from a through ball from Hayes, who then notched his second.
Bilston came back into it in the second period and closed the gap in the 58th minute when Michael Nelson trapped the ball, spun and fired home to make it 4-2, while Chris Brown went close moments later.
Malvern continued to look threatening in attack, though, and they had the chance to put the game out of sight when Turner was brought down in the box.
Hayes was unable to dispatch the penalty as Gettings was just able to turn it on to the post.
However, two minutes later Hayes secured his hat-trick when the ball was played up the left and Cullity crossed the ball into the area and Hayes coming it at the back post slotted the ball home.