Nathan Hodge hits record nine-goal haul for Haughmond
Record-breaking Haughmond striker Nathan Hodge has thanked his team-mates after stamping his name into the club's history with a best-ever nine-goal haul on Saturday.
The 23-year-old hitman, who joined from AFC Ludlow earlier this season, grabbed three hat-tricks as his side sunk Penncroft 12-0 at home in West Midlands Regional League Division One.
Hodge completed his first treble after just 14 minutes, and his second before half-time.
Three goals after the break completed a memorable day for Hodge.
The feat followed just a week after he netted five in his side's 7-0 win at home to Stone Old Alleynians. But he was quick to share any praise with his colleagues who provided some superb service to him throughout the game.
"I've never scored nine in a competitive game before," said Hodge, who once had a trial at Shrewsbury. "Maybe down the park but never in a competitive game. But it was down to some great team moves. I had great team-mates and great service throughout the match. It was by no means an individual effort.
"Saturday was incredible. Five goals is more than you can wish to score in a competitive game but nine was unreal. It was just one of those games where everything we did turned to goals.
"It's probably the best day in my football career so far but if I can win a title that would beat it."
The chances of doing just that with his current club were done no harm at the weekend either. That win puts Haughmond fifth having played 15 games.
Boss Mark Jenks said Hodge had now scored 21 goals in eight games so far for the club.
Hodge said Jenks and his team-mates had helped him settle in quickly since joining the club.
The other goals on Saturday came from joint-boss Steve Rogers, Tom Hewitt and Dean Richards.
