Hatfield Town were dumped out of the SSML Division One Cup last night to Harpenden Town.

A Harry Hunt hat-trick and a Harry Hitchcock strike sealed a comfortable passage for the current Division One table-toppers.

It was a somewhat disjointed performance from hatfield, who had gone into the tie full of confidence after a promising start to the season.

But Harpenden showed a devastating edge in their counter-attacking, and as the game wore on, proved they were fitter and sharper than their opponents.

Despite the opening 20 minutes of the game being a fairly even affair, it was the visitors to Gosling Stadium who had surged into a 2-0 lead.

On eight minutes following good work by Harry Hunt who had surged to the byeline, his cut back found Harry Hitchcock who thumped home.

And on 19 minutes a superb run from Stuart Henderson saw him burst into the box, only to be brought down by Callum Hailey.

The only surprise was that Hailey, who may have been the last man, escaped without even a yellow card.

Hunt stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Hatfield keeper Rob Freeman the wrong way.

Fifteen minutes later and the hosts had a golden chance to get themselves back into the game when Aaron Lewis drove into the box, and squared to strike partner Ascott.

But with the keeper struggling to cover and the goal in front of him, Ascott inexplicably ballooned the ball over the bar.

The second period was devoid of excitement, with Hatfield often chasing shadows and Harpenden controlling things.

And it was no surprise when Hunt scored his second of the game, wriggling free of the home defence and firing powerfully past Freeman.

Nine minutes later and Hunt, who is clearly a class above at this level, completed his hat-trick when he cooly finished after being played in by Nick Elliott.

Hatfield manager Ashley Purser will be hoping lessons can be learnt from an all-round performance, while for Harpenden, it simply reinforces that they should have a successful South Midlands League campaign.