Laybourn hat trick ignites Hepworth’s title aspirations

Jan 12 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HOTSHOT striker Harry Laybourn has fired Hepworth United up to second place.

The Holme Valley side kept in the championship chase with a fine 4-1 victory over Netherton.

And Laybourn – who has been in fine form this season – grabbed a great hat trick to secure the win.

Hepworth have now won eight of their 13 games and are the closest challengers to Moldgreen Con, who hold a seven-point lead but have played a game more.

Saturday’s clash at Far Lane was an entertaining affair with both teams producing some good football.

Hepworth went ahead on 12 minutes when Ash Howe played a great through ball for Laybourn, who curled a super shot into the net.

But the visitors, fielding an experienced side, drew level within minutes through Watts and the scores remained at 1-1 at half-time.

In the second half, Hepworth’s midfield finally got the upper hand and as they began to dominate, the goals came.

First Laybourn got the ball on the edge of the penalty area and dribbled past two defenders to create space. His first shot was saved but he reacted quickly to stab home the rebound.

Minutes later, Laybourn was again the hero. He again took on the entire Netherton defence before curling in a superb right-foot shot to make it 3-1.

Hepworth wrapped up the scoring with a fine goal from Adam Senior, who ran on to a through ball from that man Laybourn.

League leaders Moldgreen Con were again on the victory trail but they were given a stern test by Division II leaders Bay Athletic, who have won 10 games so far.

Moldgreen eventually won 5-3 thanks to goals from Acquah (2), Bradley (2) and Morgan.

Uppermill kept up their title hopes – beating their own Reserve side 7-1.

The goals came from Bottom (2), Bainbridge (2), Keighley, Grundy and Austin.

Goals from Vasilenko and Dean gave Upperthong a 2-1 victory over high-flying Railway in Division II.