GUNNEDAH United striker Rob Pryor struck a unique hat-trick double as his side struck early in Saturday’s 7-4 win over Namoi United in their NIF Premier League clash at Wolseley Park, Gunnedah.
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Pryor was on target in both second and first grade, seizing a hat-trick before half time of the second grade 3-all draw and then grabbing a first grade hat-trick in the first grade success.
“A hat-trick in both grades on the same day would be unique,” United coach Richard Grant said.
“He had his first hat-trick by half time in second grade. We only had 21 players for both grades so I had to double up a few and was able to bring him off at half time and keep him for first grade.”
While Namoi United fought back from a 3-nil deficit to draw 3-all in second grade, they couldn’t do the same in first grade.
However Nathan Hamblin copied Pryor’s striking performance.
The Namoi United striker hit two goals in their second grade draw and then two more in the first grade loss.
Richard Grant was impressed greatly by his first grade side’s performance.
“We scored seven good goals,” he said. “All from good team work although the seventh was a lovely free kick from Harley Cheetham over the wall.
“We were great right across the park. Great to see Harley get his first goals of the year.
“He’s been threatening.”
Andy Cygem also scored twice with some skilful work.
“Rob (Pryor) is in contrast, he’s rawboned, nothing flash but he is getting better each week.
“So are we as a side. Whereas we had been starting slow we were quick out of the blocks and had the game out of reach after the first 45 when we led 6-2.”
* There were goals aplenty in the Southern Conference this week with OVA hammering Moree FC 12-1 in Moree and Tamworth FC overrunning a Gunnedah Hawks side that finished with nine men 9-nil.
In the Northern Conference goals were much harder to come by with East Armidale and South Armidale drawing 1-all, North Armidale and Demon Knights playing out a scoreless draw and Inverell Joeys grabbing a 2-1 win over Guyra United.