SHANE Lock scored a hat-trick as Andover New Street ended their nine game losing run with a 3-1 victory over Hythe and Dibden.

The striker, who usually lines up for Andover Lions, played for Street on Saturday due to his usual side’s match against Netley Central Sports being postponed.

And he proved a crucial addition, scoring three goals to help his temporary side to end their previous nine game losing run.

Lock opened the scoring after two minutes when he latched on to a Casson Spencer through ball and finished neatly past the rushing goalkeeper to give Street an early lead.

It was a positive start from the home side as they continued to dominate possession for the first 15 minutes of the game as both Lock and Spencer constantly picked holes in a shaken Hythe defence.

On the 20 minute mark, Street nearly extended their lead when Harvey Redstone cut an inch perfect cross back for Casson Spencer, but his shot went agonisingly wide.

However Hythe began to find their feet and right on the stroke of half-time Hythe’s Steven Green levelled the scores with a snap shot that found its way past an unsighted Dave Tasker and nestled in the bottom left corner.

Hythe and Dibden produced a fine 20 minute spell after the break but were kept out well by a combination of fine defending from Wade Crisp and Sam Pike at the heart of the Street back line.

On the half hour mark Hythe should have taken the lead when the forceful Luwaseun Olabiyi broke through one-on-one with Tasker, but the goalkeeper produced a fine save to push the ball high and wide of the goal.

This was a huge let off for Street, and some what of a wake-up call, and from that moment Street kicked into life.

The industrious pairing of Ayeomoni and Redstone found constant space in the channels, but it was not until the 73rd minute that New Street took the lead once more.

Lee Morris found space in the middle of the park and sent an inch perfect through ball to Spencer who beat the off-side trap. With only the keeper to beat, Spencer was cut down by a Hythe defender and a penalty kick awarded.

The resulting penalty was calmly tucked away by Lock for his second of the afternoon.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, manager Paul Reidy introduced fresh faces, giving two 16-year-olds their first taste of senior football.

Daniel Burdock replaced the injured Pike and Jaydyn Englefield came on in place of Ben Matthews.

Hythe pushed for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes but a resolute Street held out.

This spell of determination was rewarded on 89 minutes when Kieron Le Brun broke down yet another Hythe offensive, carrying the ball and delivering to Ayeomoni who drove into the penalty box only to be stopped by an outstretched leg.

Lock stepped up and fired the penalty directly at the goalkeeper but tucked the rebound neatly away to complete his hat-trick.

Street Manager Paul Reidy said after the game: “It’s been a difficult few week for us in terms of results but we got the result we deserved.

“We have a young side here and for them to demonstrate the character we did is very pleasing.”