Cruse control for Ardley as they hit six of the best

Paul Davis will be looking for Ardley United to make it back-to-back wins when they entertain Bracknell Town on Tuesday.
Matt Cruse completed a hat-trick for Ardley UnitedMatt Cruse completed a hat-trick for Ardley United
Matt Cruse completed a hat-trick for Ardley United

Matt Cruse completed a hat-trick as Ardley thumped Highmoor-Ibis 6-3 in Saturday’s UHLSport Hellenic League clash.

Jack Heap, Leam Howards and Troy Bryan also netted in the premier division fixture as Ardley put successive defeats behind them.

Heap gave the home side a third minute lead and Cruse doubled their advantage in the 28th minute after a superb pass from Howards picked him out in acres of space to run into and smash home.

Highmoor were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute when a loose ball was challenged for by Cruse and Devon Reid, who got a straight red card.

A simple through ball seven minutes after the restart saw Yashwa Romeo burst through to reduce the arrears before Howards was fed by Heap on the left and he cut in to slot home on the hour mark.

Liam Gavin headed home a second goal for the visitors from a free-kick two minutes later. But five minutes later an Ardley corner was headed goalwards by Chris Jackson and Bryan poked home.

Four minutes later Ardley scored their fifth when Cruse collected a ball on the right and cut in to smash home from a tight angle before completing his treble in the 78th minute. A break saw Howards feed Cruse, who went to return the favour but the ball rebounded off a defender and he hit it first time into the net.

Rhys York added a late consolation for Highmoor two minutes from time when Lee Farrow’s clearance cannoned back off him and he spun to shoot into the empty net.