Canvey Island striker Lee Boylan blasted another hat-trick as the Gulls thrashed Billericay Town 5-1 at a boiling New Lodge on Saturday.

Scramble - Canvey get the ball away following a rare Billericay attack

The former West Ham United trainee, who bagged more than 50 goals last season, opened the scoring in the 15th minute of the match as he nodded home a Ty Gooden free kick from close range.

And, just six minutes later, Boylan was at it again as he doubled his afternoon's tally with another deadly header from a pin-point Jon Keeling set-play.

Sandwiched in between, both Ross Wareham and Neil Cousins had wasted good chances for the home-side but, in the 33rd minute, Cousins atoned for his earlier miss -- beating the advancing Danny Potter with a well placed lob over the keeper.

Potter then did well to prevent David McSweeney pulling Billericay level, but after the break the Conference new-boys took control.

As a result, Gulls defender Ben Chenery extended their lead in the 68th minute, converting a curling Jeff Minton corner.

The travelling Canvey fans were soon celebrating once again, as Boylan completed his hat trick with a toe-poked finish from six yards.

And fit again substitute hitman Junior McDougald completed the rout just one minute from time as he raced unchallenged to coolly slot home his side's fifth.

Published Monday August 2, 2004

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