Football: Bland's hat-trick settles a thriller; Works League Works League Division 1.

Hepworth United 4

Netherton 2

A BUMPER crowd at Far Lane saw a hugely entertaining game between two sides playing end to end football.

Hepworth opened the stronger and attacked down both wings in an early attempt to put their mark on the game.

The opening goal came Hepworth's way when Paul Birkhead jinked down the left wing and cleverly knocked the ball inside the retreating full back to the feet of Billy Bland. Out came the Netherton keeper and Bland calmly poked the ball with his left foot past him and in to the net.

At the back Hepworth looked assured and repelled the Netherton attacks.

Gregsy Aizlewood set up Hepworth's second when he took a swipe at a loose clearance. His miss-hit shot veered across the goal mouth to be met by Bland on the volley and in to the net.

Netherton started the second half stronger and Hepworth keeper Luke Kenworthy twice made good stops from long range shots.

Harrison, the Netherton keeper, then gifted Bland his hat trick when he attempted to dribble the ball to safety. He got the ball stuck between his legs and the lurking Bland robbed the ball and rolled it in to an empty net.

Smith reduced the arrears minutes later, running on to a quickly taken free kick before drilling a low shot past Kenworthy. Netherton were well on top now and Hepworth defended well.

Denton made it 3-2 with a well-struck volley from a corner kick and Hepworth were under the cosh.

Adam Senior however made the points safe for Hepworth with a never say die effort. Twice he chased down the ball and blocked attempted clearances from the Netherton defenders. Third time was lucky as the ball fell to his feet and he dispatched a superb half volley past the keeper's outstretched hands high in to the net.

An enjoyable and sporting game well managed by Mr Whitaker, the man in the middle.