A FIRST-HALF Brian Stacey hat-trick enabled Torpoint Athletic to see off Tavistock, 4-1, and remain top of the East Cornwall Premier League table.

The game was settled in the first half as Torpoint started quickly and took a fifth-minute lead through Stacey's header from a Tom Payne cross.

Tavistock struck back 20 minutes later when a long ball from keeper Jamie Castle found Ian Rook, who flicked it on for Jimmy McDonald to score.

Torpoint regained the lead ten minutes later when Stacey scored after being put through by Mike Heron, and the same player made it 3-1 at half-time when he picked himself up after being fouled to convert a penalty and complete his hat-trick.

The game was more even in the second half although Torpoint goalkeeper James Sleeman pulled off a good save.

Torpoint had to wait until five minutes from time to clinch the victory when a Gareth Jones free-kick flew into the net.

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