LUKE Hopper notched a hat-trick as Salisbury put their FA Cup exit agony behind them with a 4-1 win over Evo-Stick League Premier South rivals Gosport Borough in the Privett Park sunshine.
Making his first start since Salisbury’s opening day 2-2 draw with Beaconsfield, Hopper scored twice from the penalty spot, completing his threesome with a crisp shot on the turn just after the hour-mark.
Tom Whelan wrapped it up with Salisbury’s fourth goal 15 minutes from the end.
Salisbury’s much needed first win in four outings came in an entertaining chance laced affair – Hopper drilling the visitors into a 38th minute lead after being shoved in the back by a Gosport defender.
Ryan Pennery equalised for Gosport five minutes into the second half, but any prospect of a Borough revival was shattered when Hopper completed his hat-trick with two goals in three minutes.
Whelan’s fourth, from a slick Salisbury break, completed the scoring.
Salisbury travel to Highworth on Wednesday for a Wiltshire Senior Cup game and then on Saturday they have no game as Tiverton are in FA Cup action.
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