Clinical Kenyon steals the show for Poulton

Poulton’s young captain produced one of the best hat-tricks you will see at any level of football – let alone the West Lancashire League – to earn his side maximum points in a 3-1 win at Burscough Richmond.

Kenyon curled home a brilliant 20-yard shot to put his side ahead against the run of play on 32 minutes.

The 21-year-old then slammed home a 30-yard free-kick off the bar six minutes later.

And with 11 minutes remaining, Kenyon secured his treble and the points with a sublime finish in off the post from outside the box.

His delighted manager John Wigglesworth called him “the best player in the league” while Burscough Richmond boss Anthony Murt described him as “outstanding” all game.

> WATCH Anthony Murt's post-match interview HERE

In truth, Poulton were indebted to Kenyon’s intervention after being second best to the home side in a first 30 minutes in which Burscough dominated on their impressive new pitch at Abbey Lane.

They got in behind the Poulton defence regularly but Alfie Westhead and Billy Whittle were both foiled when well placed.

Kenyon showed them how it was done just after the half hour, cutting in from the left to bury an unerring shot past Jack Lawrence in the home goal.

Poulton doubled their advantage shortly after, Kenyon smashing home an inch-perfect free kick off the crossbar.

It was harsh on Burscough, but they got themselves back in the game on 54 minutes – Jordan Lorde finishing confidently into the roof of the net after racing on to Tom Peterson’s clever flick.

They pushed forward for an equaliser but left gaps at the back – which Kenyon fully exploited.

Picking up the ball 40 yards from goal, he jinked past a defender before brilliantly picking his spot to seal the win.

Poulton are joint top of the Premier Division with Tempest United and Blackpool Wren Rovers who both enjoyed their second wins of the season over Hurst Green and Hesketh Bank respectively.

Champions Eagley and last year’s runners-up Lostock St Gerards are off and running with narrow away wins while Cleator Moor Celtic held off a stirring Milnthorpe fightback to earn their first victory.

Whitehaven, Chipping and Carnforth lead the way in Division One with wins against Askam, Turton and Slyne.

Trawden Celtic have smashed 15 goals in two games in Division Two, hitting double figures away at Charnock Richard Res.

Dalton have started in fine fettle too, with another resounding home win, this time 6-0 against Walney Island.

Appley Bridge, Storeys and Caton all scored late goals to earn three points from their fixtures.