CALLUM Ebanks scored a hat-trick as Stratford Town claimed a thrilling 4-3 win against Barwell to extend their unbeaten run at home to seven matches.
Ebanks equalised for Stratford at the end of the first half, after Lewis Ludford-Ison opened the scoring, with Beck-Ray Enoru and Ethan Hill on target for the visitors.
However, Ebanks’ penalty restored the home side’s lead after the break before Kobe Chong levelled for Barwell after his initial spot kick was saved.
And there was still time for Ebanks to complete his hat-trick on 87 minutes to ensure Stratford went home with the points at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The result means the Bards sit sixth in the Southern League Premier Central table, one point outside of the play-off places.
Stratford took the lead on 22 minutes when Ludford-Ison stabbed the ball home from six-yards out after Ebanks headed Alex Worley’s cross into the scorer’s path.
However, Barwell turned the game on its head with two goals in the space of two minutes as Enoru drew the visitors level after pouncing on a weak backwards header to score before Hill completed the turnaround.
The Bards equalised at the end of the first half when Ebanks blasted home from Charlie Williams’ pass after goalkeeper Callum Smith launched the ball up the pitch.
Gavin Hurren’s side reclaimed the lead on 53 minutes as Ebanks made no mistake from the spot after Barwell handled Worley’s dangerous cross into the box.
However, Barwell won a penalty on 67 minutes, with Bards captain Paul McCone penalised for handball, as Chong finished on the rebound after Smith kept out his initial spot kick
There was still time for one final twist when Ebanks completed his treble with three minutes left to play with a fine turn and finish from Williams’ pass.
Stratford are next in action away at Needham Market on Saturday, January 20 with kick-off at 3pm at Bloomfields.
