ALRESFORD TN 0, BROCKENHURST 3

BROCKENHURST striker Scott Joyce scored a hat-trick to send Alresford spinning out of the Wessex League Cup on a dismal, wet afternoon at Arlebury Park.

The big striker had scored the only goal in the last meeting between the two sides. This time he used his know-how to play on the shoulder of his markers, the sharpness to dart into gaps, the strength to hold off challenges and the coolness to finish clinically. His contribution was very much the difference between the sides.

The pitch held up well, allowing both sides to play passing football. In the first half, Alresford passed the ball well and probably shaded possession and territory. But they were toothless in attack, while the makeshift centre-back pairing of Ben Dexter and Ben Stanbrook endured a torrid time against Joyce.

On eight minutes, Joyce shook off Dexter’s challenge and despite the attentions of Adam Carrick, managed to round Mike Weatherall to slot home from a tight angle.

Thereafter, nothing went right for the Magpies. Rian Jima-Otero headed in from John Mulhern’s cross, only to have the goal disallowed for an infringement.

At the other end, Joyce again ran through the middle, got on the wrong side of Stanbrook, and beat the advancing Weatherall. Two-nil after 23 minutes.

Alresford then spurned a golden opportunity when Simon Everett’s drive struck Jake Long’s arm. Brian Howard’s penalty was tipped past the post by the diving Callum Maher.

Ten minutes into the second half, Ryan Long nodded the ball on to the rampaging Joyce who needed no second invitation to complete his treble.

Both sides made three substitutions, but the Badgers tightened their grip and looked more likely to extend their lead than the Magpies did to reduce it.