Striker scores hat-trick in semi-final demolition of Sawbridgeworth

Herts Charity Shield semi-final

London Colney 5

Sawbridgeworth 1

RICKY Perks’ hat-trick earned London Colney a place in the final of the Herts Charity Shield at the expense of Essex Senior League side Sawbridgeworth.

The big striker opened the scoring when he rose highest to head home Frankie Jowle’s corner with just eight minutes gone.

Ex-St Albans City man Lee Flavin saw an effort saved by Blueboys goalkeeper Mark Whittamore before Perks was denied a second by a good save from Lewis McKay.

The Blueboys had to wait until four minutes into the second half for their second goal when Greg Shaw reacted quickest after efforts from Perks and Shaw himself had been blocked.

George Wappitt reduced the arrears with a fine solo goal, racing into the box and turning Shaun Murphy before hitting the ball low past Whittamore.

The Blueboys re-established their two goal lead though when Trevor Stevens raced in to head home Sam Mitchell’s cross.

From then on it was the Perks show as the striker completed his hat-trick.

First he stooped to head home Jowle’s pin-point free kick and then three minutes from time he beat the offside trap to latch onto Sam Wilkinson’s pass before applying a simple finish to send Colney into the final in style.

Standing between the Blueboys and the silverware will be Leverstock Green who booked their place in the May 10 final with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Hatfield.

London Colney: Whittamore; Hull, McCafferty (Lawrence), Paradise, Murphy, Dickie (Wilkinson), Jowle, Shaw, Perks, Fitzgerald (Stevens), Mitchell.

* Luke Ossario and Jay Muskett netted to give London Colney Blues a 2-1 win over Knebworth on Saturday while the A Team lost 5-0 at home to Potters Bar Crusaders.