A HAT-TRICK from Deklan Hill saw Barnton pull off one of the biggest wins in their recent history on Saturday afternoon.

They progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Vase by beating Hall Road Rangers 4-2.

Hill produced an outstanding performance at Howarth Park as the home side struggled to live with him at times.

He arguably could have ended up with six goals but Jody Barford in the Rangers net was on hand to deny him with some outstanding saves.

WATCH HILL'S HAT-TRICK:

Hill, who has had previous spells with Burscough, AFC Liverpool, Skelmersdale United, Pilkington FC and hometown club Runcorn Town, said: “I came here to play football and I’ve loved it since I’ve joined.

"I’ve had a good pre-season and to get a hat-trick in the Vase is special but winning was more important.”

He added: “We knew it was going to be tough coming away to Hull, we didn’t know what to expect but we prepared throughout the week and were ready.”

Hall Road kept snapping at Barnton's heels and the result was only secured 10 minutes from time.

Joint manager Neil Murray said: “We didn’t panic at 2-1 or 3-2 and for a young team that is massive. We showed maturity and trusted in the game plan. To progress in a national cup competition is massive for this club.”

After a quiet opening period it was Hill who brought the game to life as he pounced on a defensive mix up to finish emphatically past after keeping his cool.

Keeper Arran Lyons was then called into action with a tipped save from a header from their number 9, before it was Hill who forced another error from the home side. He first chased down a lost cause forcing a free kick, before he headed a cross back into the area that wasn’t cleared and fell and new signing George Farrelly who met it sweetly to double his side’s lead in style.

Out of nowhere the home side got themselves back into the tie shortly after with Sam Robinson managing to bundle a dangerous cross in off his back, but the Villagers quickly restored their two goal lead with Hill getting on the end of a superb cross from Ryan Botell to send the Villagers into the break 3-1 up.

Northwich Guardian:

Deklan Hill's second goal. Picture: Darren Thompson

The second half could not have got off to a better start for the home side as they pushed to get back into the tie and Alex Knaggs was on hand to finish as the Villagers backline failed to clear their lines.

Despite the setback the Villagers held their nerve and continued to play the better football, with Hill being denied again by Barford but the expected onslaught late on from the home side didn’t materialise.

> Should goal celebrations be banned in current climate?

Barnton continued to stand firm and played their natural game. They were able to reduce their hosts to shots from distance and Lyons dealt with any danger with relative ease.

And it was that man Hill who completed his hat-trick with just over ten minutes left as he once again got in behind the Rangers back line and held his nerve to finish low past their keeper.

The Villagers were able to see out the final knockings with relative ease as they continued to retain possession and ensured they progressed to the second qualifying round.

The reward for the Villagers is a home tie against Swallownest FC of the Northern Counties East League division one, with the tie to be played over the weekend of October 9-11.