Match-winner Scott McGleish was treasuring a new trophy today after hitting his first-ever hat-trick in Colchester United's LDV Vans Trophy win at Northampton.
The U's leading scorer was presented with the match ball after stepping off the substitutes' bench last night to ram in his trio in the 60th, 85th and 95th minutes.
Scott McGleish recorded his first hat-trick last night
It completed a brilliant comeback as the U's came from two goals down to dump Northampton out of the area semi-finals for the second time in seven years.
They beat the Cobblers 2-1 at Layer Road at the same stage seven years ago before going on to reach the Wembley final where they eventually lost on penalties after finishing all-square with Carlisle.
"It was great to get the match ball," said an elated McGleish. "But I'd have bought the thing if I'd had to."
He added: "It's about time I recorded a hat-trick. It's been nine or ten years coming.
"It's the third time this season we've had to come from behind to win after earlier rounds at Cheltenham and Yeovil.
"And it was a very late extra-time winner from former Arsenal youngster Jermaine Brown that saw us to a last-ditch win at Wycombe.
"But I can't pay enough credit to Wayne (Andrews) and Rowan (Vine) for laying on three excellent passes for me."
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Published Wednesday January 21, 2004
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