FRENCH HAT-TRICK BOOSTS TROJANS

A Colin French hat-trick in a convincing 5-2 victory over mid-table Blackheath OE has given Trojans a lifeline in the relegation fight in South Premier 2.
Trojans dominated an entertaining game at Stoneham Lane and were 2-0 ahead by half-time with a goal for Dave McNee and a stunning reverse stick finish from French.
Knowing that victory was essential to haul themselves away from the automatic relegation zone, Trojans continued to attack in the second half with two further goals for French completing his hat trick and putting the home side 4-0 up.
Blackheath had few chances in the match until the league's leading scorer Chris Harden found space in the circle to slot the ball low into the goal.
The result never looked in doubt and Ben Frost added a fifth goal for Trojans sliding into a crowded goalmouth scramble to force the ball into the net before Harden added a late goal for the visitors from a penalty corner.
The 5-2 win means Trojans must beat Staines by four goals at Stoneham Lane in the final game of the season to ensure they stay up by right.
Failing that, they may be left waiting for the outcome of Fareham’s results in the National League relegation playoff to determine their fate.