JOE O'Neill became the first player last night since the legendary Arthur Bottom to hit a hat-trick on his York City debut.

The 22-year-old striker's treble came in a crushing 4-1 victory at Southport and emulated the achievement of famous 'Happy Wanderer' Bottom, who bagged three goals in his first outing for City at Wrexham back in August 1954.

O'Neill is also the first City player to claim a match ball since Gary Bull struck three times - again at Wrexham - in March 1996.

The former Preston North End striker pounced on three, 37 and 82 minutes to join Mark Convery on the scoresheet.

O'Neill has previously failed to net on his first senior games for Preston, Bury, Mansfield Town and Chester City and he said afterwards: "I've never had a hat-trick in League football. I had one in the reserves for Preston a couple of years ago but I haven't had one since and I've never scored on a debut.

"It's obviously my best debut ever. It doesn't get much better than a hat-trick in a 4-1 win."

There was a debate as to the identity of the scorer of O'Neill's third goal with striking partner Clayton Donaldson also contesting the final touch but afterwards the former Lilywhites striker cleared up any confusion, saying: "Clayton tried to nick in and claim it but I just got there before him and it was definitely my left foot that put the ball in the net.

"I think he wanted a goal for himself after he had set me up for my second but it was mine."

O'Neill's first two goals came from headers and he added that he has had aerial success in the past.

"I do score a few headers," he said. "The first one wasn't too difficult. I just had to try and get my head on it.

"The second one was a great cross by Clayton and I just had to concentrate on getting it on target and I knew the keeper would not have much chance."

O'Neill admitted that he was pleased to repay manager Billy McEwan's faith in his ability after he was selected in the starting line up despite missing Saturday's Conference curtain raiser against Crawley Town because of a three-match suspension, incurred after a red card last season for Chester City following an elbowing incident, which could not be contested because of inconclusive video evidence.

He said: "I was disappointed not to play against Crawley after doing the pre-season for so long and working really hard. Thankfully the gaffer put me back in and, hopefully, I have repaid him.

"We had a tough pre-season but, once you have done it, you feel good and it will help us for the rest of the season."

Despite his hat-trick haul, O'Neill has refused to set any goal targets for 2005/2006, simply saying: "I just want to play as well as I can in every game and try and help the team win as many games as we can."

City boss McEwan added his praise for O'Neill, who he gave a summer trial on the recommendation of Preston's backroom staff.

McEwan said: "He's got a hat-trick on his debut for York City so he will remember that for the rest of his days and I'm pleased for him because he's a genuine boy.

"It was a big decision to put him in after a decent performance on Saturday and he's rewarded that decision by scoring three goals."

Updated: 11:34 Wednesday, August 17, 2005