Grimsby Borough 3, Eccleshill United 6

Victor Balas came off the bench to grab a hat-trick as Eccleshill United romped to victory in a high-scoring Baris Northern Counties East League Division One encounter at Grimsby Borough.

Delighted Eagles boss Ian Banks said: “It was a very good performance in the second half and we scored four without conceding.

“We were poor defensively in the first half but attacking-wise still good.

“Cream always rises to the top and we came back well. Even at 3-2 down we knew we could come back because we were playing football in their half.

“Victor complained of a tight hamstring so we started with him on the bench but we got injuries and he came on and looked sharp.”

Nathan Emson began the scoring when he put the hosts in front in the tenth minute but Jamie Popplewell levelled midway through the first half.

Boro reclaimed the lead through Lee Stephenson but an Andy Fieldhouse penalty cancelled that one out, before Emson hit his second to make it 3-2 at the break.

Josh McClean, signed from neighbours Thackley in midweek, scored on his debut to make it 3-3, before Balas took centre stage.

The striker is one of Mark Ellis’ sports students at Richmond University and he showed the potential that could see him follow in the footsteps of Nahki Wells and Joey Spivack and reach the full-time game.

Balas struck in the 77th, 87th and 88th minutes to earn the plaudits with a rapid-fire treble.