Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Maltby Main 3-1 AFC Mansfield
Maltby Main hat-trick hero Steve Hopewell
Steve Hopewell scored a stunning hat-trick as Maltby Main surprised many with a convincing victory over much-fancied Mansfield, to complete a very positive week.
Main started on the front foot and Hopewell drilled home into the bottom corner after great work from 17 year old Conor Gregg on five minutes. AFC Mansfield responded well and the lively Lynton Karkach levelled on 14 minutes giving stopper Danny Rusling no chance. It was not long before Main took the lead again after a superb cross by Ollie Lawrence was headed home by Hopewell on 21 minutes as the hosts went into the break 2-1 ahead.
Main started well again and a superb move saw Gregg unselfishly put in Hopewell for his hat-trick as Main made it 3-1 on 49 minutes. The game ebbed and flowed and Main had to withstand some late pressure from AFC Mansfield, but Rusling was in fine form and the defensive line were solid.
What They Said
Maltby Main manager Spencer Fearn
“This was a performance that reminded me of our exploits last season, the energy, drive and commitment from the whole of the squad was first class, the togetherness in this dressing room is remarkable and we had some big performances today across the squad. We dominated the first half and the second half was more evenly matched, the lads put their bodies on the line when we were under pressure and we fully deserved the win. We now focus on the game against Liversidge on Wednesday, which will be another tough test.”
The Team
Maltby Main: Rusling, Mitchell, Hill, Reece Wesley, Reilly, Mitchell, Lawrence, Snodin, Hopewell, Gregg, Stacey. Subs: Cheetham, Binney, Semley, Hemmingway, Greaves.